Kiama's smaller, more reliable blowhole — a narrow sea cave that fires spray high into the air on even a modest swell, minus the tour-bus crowds.
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Everyone knows the Kiama Blowhole. Locals, though, will point you 2 km south to Marsden Head, where the Little Blowhole puts on a better show more often. Its narrow chimney concentrates the swell, so it erupts reliably even on moderate seas — often outperforming its famous big sibling while you share the grassy headland with just a handful of people.
Seeing it fire
The blowhole sits a one-minute stroll from the end of Tingira Crescent. A south-easterly swell of a metre or more brings the best eruptions, with spray rocketing well above head height. High tide generally helps. Stand behind the fence — the surrounding rock is slippery and the blast is genuinely powerful.
Nearby secrets
You’re in one of the best pockets of the South Coast for hidden places: Bombo Quarry is ten minutes north, Cathedral Rocks a short drive away, and the clifftop lookouts of the Illawarra line the coast road. It’s an easy stop on any South Coast road trip.
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Photo Gallery
Facilities
Street parking on Tingira Crescent; toilets and cafes in Kiama township
Photography Tips
Use a fast shutter (1/1000 s) to freeze the spray column against the sea; late afternoon backlight adds rainbows to the mist.
Insider Tips
Stay behind the fence — the blast zone is slippery and stronger than it looks. Check swell direction before visiting; south-east works best.
Getting There
Drive 2 km south of Kiama town centre to Tingira Crescent, Marsden Head. The blowhole is a 1-minute walk from the street parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Little Blowhole better than the main Kiama Blowhole?
On moderate swells, often yes. Its narrow chimney concentrates the water, so it erupts more reliably and more often than the larger blowhole.
What conditions make the Little Blowhole erupt?
A south-easterly swell of about a metre or more, ideally around high tide, produces the tallest and most frequent blasts.
Is the Little Blowhole free to visit?
Yes. It is on a public headland reserve at the end of Tingira Crescent with free street parking a minute's walk away.
Is the Little Blowhole safe for kids?
Yes, provided everyone stays behind the safety fence on the grassed viewing area — the rocks around the vent are slippery and dangerous.
