Cathedral Rocks, Kiama Downs

Cathedral Rocks has been drawing photographers since the 1880s, when it was one of the most photographed subjects in colonial NSW. The cluster of gothic rock spires at the southern end of Jones Beach, Kiama Downs, still earns the devotion: at dawn, waves surge through the channels between the towers and the whole scene glows amber.

Getting the shot

Walk to the southern end of Jones Beach (parking on Cliff Drive) and drop onto the rock platform — about five minutes on foot. Low to mid tide is best for position; a rising tide pushes you back fast, so watch the sets. Wide angles from platform level catch wave motion through the spires, while a telephoto from the beach stacks the towers against Bombo headland.

Make a sunrise double

Bombo Quarry’s Boneyard is five minutes away, so many photographers shoot both in one dawn session. The Little Blowhole and Kiama’s cafes round out the morning. Find more photography spots and lookouts along the Illawarra coast.