24 April 2024

Have a wheely great time exploring Kiama's countryside and coast

| Jen White
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Two people on pushbikes.

Get on yer bikes with a new guide to great cycling adventures in Kiama. Photo: Destination Kiama.

Destination Kiama is urging people to jump on their bikes and explore the area’s coastal landscape and picturesque countryside.

A new pocket-sized Kiama Rides booklet details nine rides, from leisurely, family-friendly outings to more challenging routes for experienced cyclists.

The rides navigate Kiama’s most scenic locales, including the coastlines of Gerroa and Gerringong, the iconic Blowholes and rock formations of Kiama and Bombo, the edges of the Minnamurra River and routes through the dairy paddocks of Jamberoo.

Visitor Services Coordinator Lauren Res said the guide was the result of extensive collaboration and effort from the community.

“We engaged Bicycle NSW representative Peter McClean as well as the local Kiama Bike User Group to ensure we were providing the most practical information possible from a biker’s perspective,” she said.

The guide also includes details about amenities including water refill stations, coffee stops, and scenic viewpoints along the way.

It’s available at the Kiama Visitor Centre at Blowhole Point, or online via the Destination Kiama website.

Here are five rides to try out.

Werri Beachside Adventure – easy

20 minutes
4.2 km return
Flat shared path, pedestrians
A perfect route for young families and those learning to ride. Begin at the north end of Werri Beach on Pacific Avenue, where you’ll find parking and amenities. Ride south along the shared path, passing picnic areas, a water station, kiosk and playground with adjacent skate park. Continue your ride to the southern headland and reward yourself with a swim at the South Werri Ocean Pool before making your way back north.

Kiama Harbour Cruiser – easy

15 minutes
2 km return
Flat shared path, pedestrians
Get your wheels spinning for a harbour adventure that can be started at either end. As you pedal along the shared path, you’ll be treated to views of the Kiama Harbour and Black Beach. Enjoy this easy pace ride, stop at the playground, and refuel at the local cafes. When you reach the boat ramp, keep your eyes peeled for pelicans and stingrays and be sure to pack your swimmers as there is an ocean pool at either end of the harbour foreshore.

Cows in a paddock with pink clouds.

Say hello to the cows in Jamberoo as you cycle past. Photo: Chilby Photography.

Coastal scenes, Paddock Dreams – moderate

50-60 minutes
7.3 km one way
Steep sections, road crossings
Experience a diverse and scenic route that takes you along the coast, wetlands, rivers, and farmland. Start your ride at Trevethan Reserve on the Minnamurra River, heading south and turning left onto The Village, passing through a rail underpass. Continue on Charles Avenue, crossing over the beautiful Minnamurra headland onto Johnson Street and North Kiama Drive. Ride west along Moona Avenue, going through another rail underpass before crossing Riverside Drive. Just 100 m north of this crossing, cyclists can access an off-road route at the end of Duguid Way, which leads west through Kiama Downs, eventually connecting to Thornett Way and a steep climb up Henry Parkes Drive. This on-road section leads to another off-road pathway, which takes you around a picturesque billabong and ends when the path reaches Swamp Road in Jamberoo.

Kiama Rockstars – moderate

30 mins
4.8 km one way
Steep sections, road crossings, sharp turns
Explore Kiama’s coastal beauty on this ride, starting at Kiama Downs Surf Lifesaving Club. Begin your journey by heading south along North Kiama Drive and left onto Cliff Drive. At the end of Cliff Drive, park your bike and take the stairs down to Boneyard Beach for a refreshing dip. Continue south along the path, passing the unique landscape of Bombo Headland. Here you have the option to descend via newly built stairs (with bike channel) or continue along the headlands crest. Ride along the path adjacent to Bombo Beach and take the exit after Spring Creek bridge onto Hothersal Street, followed by a left onto Gipps Street. Brace yourself for the final climb as you navigate a sharp 180 degree turn up to Pheasant Point Drive, where you can take in the views of Bombo Beach and Kiama Harbour.

Views out to the ocean.

The spectacular views over Gerroa from the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith memorial lookout. Photo: Destination NSW.

Coast to Country – hard

30 mins
4.2 km one way
Steep sections, road crossings, busy roads.
This is one for adventure seekers, experienced riders and those with e-bikes. Begin your journey at Gerringong Bowling Club, where you can park your car. Kick off the ride with a challenging ascent up a steep hill, leading you to the Gerringong Cemetery and Whale Watching Platform. Continue along Belinda Street for refreshments or opt for the quieter backstreets (Coal and Jupiter streets) which will guide you to Fern Street. From there, head south and soak in the sweeping views of farmland and the escarpment on one side, and the stunning coast on the other. As the shared path ends at Beirnfels Lane, take the road shoulder to your final destination, the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith memorial lookout, offering views of Seven Mile Beach.

For those without bikes, Kiama Cycles on Collins Street offers e-bikes for rental.

Safe riding tips

  • Always wear an approved bicycle helmet
  • Keep to the left where possible
  • Wear bright, sun-safe clothing
  • Consider attaching a red flashing light to the rear of your bike and clear headlight to the front in low light
  • Shared paths are for everyone (including bike users), however give way to pedestrians
  • Use your bell to warn pedestrians or slower bikers as you approach but always be prepared in case they haven’t heard you
  • Give hand signals when turning, changing lanes, or stopping
  • Obey all road rules when on the road
  • Check the weather conditions prior to riding
  • Take adequate food and water with you.

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