Best Bushwalks in Kiama.
Whether you’re looking to get outside, stretch the limbs or explore the gems of the South Coast… Doing so on foot is the way to go! We’re not just saying that because that’s what we’re into… The wide variety of walking tracks throughout the coast and hinterland are some of the country’s most breath-taking scenery with an ‘insta-worthy’ moment around every bend, moments you just don’t get when you’re cruising through in the car!
From coastal walks, bush walks, mountain climbing and waterfalls, the Kiama region has it all.
On top of that, studies have found that walking not only has significant physical benefits from improving blood pressure, slowing of resting heart rate, reduction of body fat and cholesterol, the mental boost gained from walking outdoors is more immediate.
Psychologists have found that walking for just 10 minutes is just as beneficial as a 45-minute workout when it comes to relieving the symptoms of anxiety. One Stanford University study found that walking increased creative output by an average of 60 percent. While another study discovered walking in nature was found to reduce ruminating over negative experiences, which increases activity in the brain associated with negative emotions and raises risk of depression. Pretty amazing, hey?
So, on to the good stuff…. Where to walk in Kiama?
BARREN GROUNDS NATURE RESERVE.
Length: From 2km to 20km
Time: 1 to 4 hours
Grade: Easy to hard
Barren Grounds boasts incredible views, stunning wildlife and plenty of walking opportunities for all levels and ages. The nature reserve is one of the few large areas filled with heathland wildflowers and home to unique and fragile habitats and endangered wildlife (such as the eastern bristlebird and ground parrot). Surrounded by rocky cliffs of the escarpment and strands of rainforest, you can chose from a range of walks from 2km to 20km, from 1 to 4 hours. Every track you choose will either offer spectacular views or brilliant bush. With almost 200 different species of birds, this reserve is a true birdwatchers paradise.
MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST.
Length: Up to 4km return
Time: Up to 2 hrs
Grade: Easy to hard
One of our personal favourites is Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Ever heard of forest bathing? It’s a form of ecotherapy, and is the practise of being immersed in nature to offer psychological benefits. Well, we’d ‘bathe’ in Minnamurra rainforest any day! It’s one of the only parts of the coastline that wasn’t cleared when European settlers first arrived in the early 1800’s, and we’re glad they didn’t! The rainforest walk is supported by a well-constructed boardwalk with scattered waterfalls. Park entry fees do apply for this one, but it’s worth it.
MYSTICS BEACH TRACK.
Length: Up to 3km return
Time: 1 - 2 hours return
Grade: Easy to medium
Another well kept secret of South Coast locals is this special coastal track starting at Killalea State Park. Starting at the Killalea carpark, follow the signposts to the track which soon head through dense vegetation and well laid wooden steps that decent to the unspoilt Mystics Beach! From birdsong to coastal mist, enjoy the walk down to the beach and take your shoes off to wander down the beach and find the mouth of Minnamurra River itself. If you time it right, at low tide you can walk around the spit to find mangroves and more bush tracks that shortcut through to the top of Mystics beach. Everywhere you turn you’ll be pleasantly surprised with another picturesque scene.
HODDLES TRACK.
Length: 1 to 9km
Time: 1/2 to 4 hours
Grade: Easy to hard
Hoddles Track is located up the top of Saddleback Mountain, offering a wonderful opportunity to see views in all directions from the highest points of the Illawarra Escarpment. Enjoy panoramic views from Cronulla to Milton from three lookouts connected by tracks that would be under 1 km between each other. For the more enthusiastic walkers, Hoddles Track begins as a fire trail near the western lookout. It is rough, very steep at times, and takes about four hours return, but you are immersed in deep rainforest on the ascent up Noorinan Mountain and the views from the summit make your trek worthwhile. There is a myriad of false tracks up to and on the plateau and it is easy to get lost. So bring someone with you and be sure to exercise great care if exploring.
KIAMA COAST WALK.
Length: 17 km
Time: 4 –5 hours
Grade: Medium
This iconic coastal walk has earnt it’s spot as one of the South Coasts most well known walking trail. With endless views of dramatic and scenic coastline, you get it all on this walk! From ocean views to green rolling hills, magnificent rock formations and Kiama’s trademark unspoilt beaches, every stretch is picture perfect. The entire walk is almost 20km’s starting from Gerringong up to Minnamurra river, crossing clifftops, beaches, pebbled bay’s and more. Note there is very little shade on this walk so be prepared. If you’re not up to the full walk why not take it easy and just walk a section of it and back?
BASS POINT RESERVE.
Length: Just a stroll from the picnic area or up to 7km
Time: Up to 3 hours
Grade: Easy— some rock hopping
177 acre’s of stunning coastal reserve combines a variety of mostly flat beach, track and rock platform terrain. With an abundance of flora and fauna, head to the lookouts at Bushrangers Bay and on the south side at Maloneys Bay for pretty views and follow the Heritage Walk signs to learn more about the history and heritage of the site to the Aboriginal people. Starting from either Shellharbour South beach or at the stone gateway entrance to Bass Point Reserve, you’ll find plenty of sheltered spot to catch your breath and a detour or two along the way.