The lighthouse was converted to automated electricity in 1969, ending the need for a resident keeper.
The Kiama Blowhole was first recorded by English explorer George Bass in 1797.
The lighthouse structure is constructed of white-painted plate iron, a design intended for rapid assembly and durability in coastal salt spray.
The nearby Pilot's Cottage, built in 1881, is the oldest remaining building on the headland.
The Kiama Lighthouse is a heritage-listed navigation aid situated on Blowhole Point, famous for overlooking the Kiama Blowhole, the largest of its kind in the world. Built in 1887, the white cast-iron lighthouse stands 24 meters above sea level and remains an active automated maritime beacon. The site is located on a peninsula that includes the historic Pilot's Cottage Museum, which documents local maritime history. The blowhole itself operates by forcing seawater through a subterranean cavern, creating a vertical jet that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. The area serves as a primary vantage point for observing the surrounding coastline and marine life.
The grassy vantage point directly south of the lighthouse provides the best framing for both the tower and the coastline.
Visit during a high tide combined with a strong southerly swell to see the blowhole at its most active.
Walk the coastal path south from the lighthouse for elevated views of the town and harbor.
Bring binoculars, as the elevated headland is an excellent spot for whale watching during migration seasons.
Do not attempt to walk on the rocks near the blowhole vent, as the water pressure is high and the surface is extremely slippery.
Stay behind safety railings at the blowhole, as the surge can be unpredictable and dangerous.
