My Visit to Kiama Blowhole and Beaches in Shell Harbour, Australia (Post No.14,017)

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 14,017

Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 25 DECEMBER 2024 .            

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

xxxx  

London Swaminathan in Kiama, Australia

We went out of Sydney for a three day stay in Shell Cove. It is just less than three-hour drive from Sydney. Spacious guest houses are available there for rent. Seven beaches are in that area alone. We visited almost all beaches. Every beach has a park for little children and water sports for adults. In many beaches fishing is allowed.

Since it is summer time in Australia sun light is available until 8 pm. Restaurants are situated nearer to the beaches. But all the prices, particularly food prices, are expensive. Even coffee is more expensive than London.

One big advantage is availability of cheaper petrol. One litre is 1-75 to 1-80 Australian dollar. (£1= 2 AUD)

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What is Kiama Blowhole?

The Kiama Blowhole is a blowhole in the town of KiamaNew South WalesAustralia. The name ‘Kiama’ has long been translated as “where the sea makes a noise”. Sea water gushes out through a hole in the rock.

Kiama’s famous Blowhole is the largest in the world, and when the swell is running from the southeast, you’re in for a real treat. The 2.5 metres opening in the rock face has had its plumes of water recorded at heights of over 30 metres!

With multiple accessible viewing platforms, the blowhole can be seen from multiple vantage points.

When it’s really blowing, you can hear an impressive whoosh sound and often feel the spray of the ocean. Don’t miss a visit to the Little Blowhole, which is more consistent than the big blowhole and equally stunning to observe. Their foundations were formed from volcanic lava flows about 260 million years ago (that’s 100 million years before the dinosaurs). Eventually it was the ocean’s power that created what we see today – eroding the softer strata rock to create the vertical blowhole.

The best time to visit Kiama Blowhole in New South Wales, Australia is during high tide and when there is a south-east swell, typically in spring and autumn: 

  • Tides: High tide increases the chances of seeing impressive water sprays and eruptions. 
  • Swell: A south-east swell is ideal for seeing the blowhole in all its glory. 
  • Time of day: Visit during sunrise or sunset to see the coastal scenery in a golden light.

By googling high tide time, you may plan your visit.

This landmark has attracted people to the region for over 100 years, and the first sightings were recorded by George Bass when he anchored his whaleboat in the sheltered bay, now known as Kiama Harbour, in December 1797. It is now estimated to attract 900,000 visitors each year.

There is a light house, adding beauty to the beach.

The distance between Sydney and Kiama blowhole is 125 kms.

Most of the beaches and tourist attractions are free. Only attractions in big cities have entrance charge and car parking charges.

The beaches are well maintained and clean. Dogs are banned from many beaches but people violate the rules and bring their dogs.

–subham—

Tags- Kiama blowhole, My visit, beaches, Shell cove

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