Kicking about in Kiama with Seagulls and a Platypus

 

With sunny weather on the menu after a few days of rain my next trip took me towards the south coast again to the sea side town of Kiama.  Kiama is within Dharawal country and comes from Dharawal word kiarama, which means Place where the sea makes a noise.  My reason for visiting Kiama was to see the lovely mosaics which feature on the footpath in Hindmarsh Park towards the Shoalhaven Street part of the park. The mosaics were created by artist Russell Ping. Hindmarsh Park is a beautiful park and popular with locals for BBQs, entertainment and walking. The park is named after members of the Hindmarsh Family, Michael, George and Hannah who were all founding members of early Kiama. 

The mosaics within Hindmarsh park  feature fish, waterbirds, turtles, sea fauna, a crab, a lobster and a platypus.

Other popular places to visit within Kiama is the harbour which offers beautiful views of the coastline of Kiama and sea birds such as silver gulls and pelicans.

 

Kiama also has a range of public art featured around the town such as the beautiful mural on the scout hall done by Mikey Freedom. The Kiama information centre features a beautiful mural with local fauna such as Lyre birds, kookaburra, superb fairy wren, pelican and a humpback whale created by Samuel Hall (link to his website here).

Some sculptures are also part of Kiamas art trail with a cool pelican sculpture beside the harbour as a reminder for people to take care with their rubbish and not litter as rubbish such as plastic bags are harmful to sea-life.

  Another sculpture that compliments the Kiama coastline is the work entitled Making waves by Bert Flugelman (1997). It is made out of stainless steel and encapsulates the natural elements and wave formations of the coastline.

Other popular attractions in Kiama are the famous blowhole, also known as a marine geyser often formed from weathering of sea caves.  The Kiama blowhole is said to be one of the largest in the world and has recorded water plumes up to 30 metres in height. The best times to see the blowhole are at high tide and when strong winds are blowing south easterly. 

Kiama Blowhole erupting

The lighthouse is also a beautiful landmark that is beside the blowhole, it was built in 1887 and is still in operation today.

Kiama has a strong artistic community and the Kiama arts trail aims to promote the natural beauty of the town as well as promote local artists. Pop up galleries like the one in the old fire station located at Terralong St, Kiama are sell local art.

Kiama is a great place to visit and share some fish and chips with the locals (seagulls).

Below is more video footage of my trip to Kiama