Nowra to Kiama: Distance, driving time & road trip stops

The best road trips on the drive from Nowra to Kiama include Berry and Werri Beach in Gerringong. The distance from Nowra to Kiama is 42km, with the drive taking around 35 minutes.

The Nowra to Kiama drive connects the hub town of the Shoalhaven region to perhaps the most attractive town on the Illawarra coast. It’s a relatively short drive by Australian standards, but there’s plenty to distract you along the way if you want to make it part of a road trip itinerary.

Nowra to Kiama distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Nowra to Kiama is 42km. That makes for a driving time of around 35 minutes, almost entirely along the Pacific Highway.

Best Nowra accommodation options

The best places to stay in Nowra are:

For solid quality, cheap rates and an outdoor pool: Parkhaven.
For business-friendly apartments: Quest Nowra.
For something plusher, with a big pool and 18 hole golf course: Springs Shoalhaven Nowra.

The first worthwhile stop after crossing the Shoalhaven River into Bomaderry is Berry.

This historic, and rather fudge shop-centric, is a popular weekend getaway from Sydney. There are several good pubs and places to eat here, while Woodhill Mountain Wines is a decent spot to go wine-tasting.

Nowra to Kiama drive: Gerroa and Gerringong attractions

After Berry, the Nowra to Kiama road trip route continues on towards Gerroa – home of surfer favourite Seven Mile Beach – and Gerringong.

On the way into Gerringong, you can get happily lost at Granties Maze and sip wines at the Crooked River Winery. Werri Beach is the town’s highlight once there.

Where to stay in Gerringong, NSW?

The best Gerringong accommodation options are:

For two pools and a restaurant: Mercure Gerringong Resort.
For a holiday park that the kids will love: Werri Beach Holiday Park.
For overall quality: Park Ridge Retreat.

From Gerringong, it’s a very short drive to Kiama.

What to do in Kiama

Kiama’s most famous attraction is the Kiama Blowhole, where the ocean slams into a cave, then bursts upwards through a hole in the rocks.

Nearby, you can go for a swim at the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool or Kendalls Beach. The Bombo Headland, with its weird basalt columns by the brooding coast, is also well worth a visit.

Kiama accommodation options include the handily central Nova Kiama, the rather fancy Sebel Harbourside Kiama and the rather cheaper Surf Beach Holiday Park.