Kiama Coast Walk

The Kiama Coast Walk runs 21.7 km down the Illawarra coast, and the northern leg from Minnamurra to Kiama is the one most people walk: roughly 9 km of headland, sealed path and stairs, with a train station at each end. Dogs come on lead, and the deciding fact is what sits either side of the path. Kiama Council keeps dogs off the sand and out of the water at the beaches unless a sign says otherwise.

The walk. Graded moderate. The full 21.7 km takes about five hours and the northern section about three. The surface changes constantly, from sealed pathway to mown grass, timber stairs and stretches of open headland, with Cathedral Rocks and the basalt columns at Bombo along the way. Gentle hills rather than climbs.

The rules. Kiama Municipal Council manages the walk and dogs must be on lead along it. The restrictions here are more specific than most councils, so they are worth knowing. Dogs are not permitted on beaches, on the sand or in the water, unless you are standing in a designated off-leash area. All water areas of the Minnamurra River are closed to dogs, as is the reserve between James Oates and Rangoon Reserves at the northern trailhead. In parks, dogs are restricted to the footpaths on the outside perimeters. Stay 10 m clear of playground equipment and of public barbecues and kiosks, and off sports fields during organised sport. Signed off-leash reserves exist at the Minnamurra and Bombo headlands.

Water. Toilets and drinking water are at Bombo Beach and at points near the main access roads, but there are long stretches with nothing. Carry water. The beach swim your dog is angling for is not available on most of this route.

Getting there. Minnamurra Train Station sits at the northern start and Kiama Station is at the southern end, which makes this the rare long walk you can do one way. The train between them takes about ten minutes, and dogs travel on NSW trains on a lead or in a carrier. Driving, park on Charles Avenue at Minnamurra.

Nearby with the dogs. Loves Bay via Kiama Blowholes covers the southern end around the harbour. Diggies Kiama and Beck's Kiama both seat dogs outside, and Werri Beach Holiday Park at Gerringong takes pets if you are staying the weekend.

When to go. Early morning or a weekday. Weekends crowd badly around the Blowhole end. May to November is whale season off the headlands. Skip the clifftop sections in high wind or heavy rain. Good for big runners with the distance in them, and easy to shorten to a single headland stretch for seniors.

Sources

• Dog off-leash areas | Kiama Municipal Council · www.kiama.nsw.gov.au
• Kiama Coast Walk | Destination Kiama · kiama.com.au
• Kiama Coast Walk, New South Wales - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.