# Little Blowhole Kiama | When It Sprays, Parking and Access URL: https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/little-blowhole/ Last updated: 2026-10-17 # Little Blowhole in Kiama, and when to catch it spraying The Little Blowhole is off Tingira Crescent, about 2 km south of Kiama town centre. It is free and open 24 hours. It sprays on north-east swells and is often more spectacular on small swells, so try it when the main Blowhole is quiet. It is a 20-minute walk (1.6 km) from Kiama Ridge Waters. [](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/)By [Joseph Joshua Ngushual](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/), Kiama Travel SpecialistPublished 17 October 2026 · 6 min read Stay at Kiama Ridge Waters Three-bedroom apartments from $200 a night Sleeps 6 · 15-minute walk to Easts Beach [First Floor 3-Bed Unit by the Ocean First floor · Sleeps 6 · From $214 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/first-floor-ocean/)[3-Bed Apartment with Study Nook First floor · Sleeps 6 · From $201 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/study-nook/)[Ground Floor 3-Bed Home in Kiama's Heart Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $200 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/kiama-heart/)[3-Bed Kiama Unit with Courtyard Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $306 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/courtyard/)[3-Bed with Alfresco Dining Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $204 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/alfresco-dining/) [Book now](https://book.madecomfy.com.au/properties/656fed562e0a0-first-floor-3-bed-stunning-unit-by-the-ocean/?ref=nddmytc&utm_source=ridgewaterskiama&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=booking-handoff&utm_content=guide-hero) Photo: profernity, [CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Little_Blowhole,_Kiama_1.jpg) ## Find the Little Blowhole on Tingira Crescent Photo: Bluedawe, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Little_Blowhole_Kiama_New_South_Wales.jpg) The Little Blowhole sits on the rock platform below Marsden Head, off Tingira Crescent, about 2 km south of the Kiama town centre. It is smaller than the famous Kiama Blowhole on Blowhole Point, and Destination Kiama calls it arguably more consistent. Here are the essentials from the official listings. Address | Tingira Crescent, Kiama NSW 2533 ([open in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Little+Blowhole+Tingira+Crescent+Kiama)) | Cost | Free | Hours | Open 24 hours, every day of the year | Swell it likes | North-east swell and north-east wind | Where to watch | Viewing platform or the rocky foreshore | Facilities | Car park, lookouts, picnic area | Access needs | Not catered for, according to the official listing | From Kiama Ridge Waters | About a 20-minute walk (1.6 km) or a 4-minute drive | To the Kiama Blowhole | About a 40-minute walk (3.2 km) or a 9-minute drive (3.6 km) | To Easts Beach | About a 13-minute walk (1.0 km) | The Little Blowhole is a different place from the main [Kiama Blowhole next to the Lighthouse](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-blowhole/). If your map app sends you to Blowhole Point, you have the wrong one. ## Walk from the apartments in 20 minutes From Kiama Ridge Waters at 2 [Surfleet Place](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/live-and-own/kiama-ridge-waters-location/), the Little Blowhole is about a 20-minute walk (1.6 km), or a 4-minute drive. It makes an easy before-breakfast stroll, and you can be back with coffee in under an hour. Parking: Destination Kiama lists a car park at the reserve. It does not publish the number of spaces, so on a sunny weekend come early or walk. Parking rules can change, so read the signs when you arrive and see our [Kiama parking guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/plan-your-trip/kiama-parking/). By train: Kiama station is on the [South Coast Line](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/plan-your-trip/sydney-to-kiama/), and the Little Blowhole is about a 31-minute walk (2.5 km) from the station. Plan your trip on [Transport NSW](https://transportnsw.info/). On the Coast Walk: the Little Blowhole sits midway along the middle section of the [Kiama Coast Walk](https://kiama.com.au/experience/kiama-coast-walk), which runs from the Kiama Blowhole to Loves Bay. ## Go on a north-east swell Photo: popejon2, [CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_(8223724840).jpg) This is the main reason to know about the Little Blowhole. The two blowholes respond to different seas: - Kiama Blowhole: most active in a south-east swell with a south-east wind. - Little Blowhole: most active in a north-east swell, and it likes a north-east wind too. Destination Kiama says the north-east swell is the more common one on this stretch of coast, and that the Little Blowhole is often more spectacular when the swell is small. So on the many days when the main Blowhole only puffs, the Little Blowhole may still be putting on regular bursts. When you read a marine forecast, the swell direction is the direction the waves are coming from. A "NE swell" rolls in from the north-east. Check the Bureau of Meteorology coastal waters forecast for the Illawarra on the morning you plan to go. Both blowholes depend on the weather, so even a good forecast is no guarantee. Forecast | Where to go | North-east swell | Little Blowhole | Small swell | Little Blowhole | South-east swell and wind | Kiama Blowhole on Blowhole Point | Flat and calm | Walk the headland anyway, then swim at [Kiama's rock pools](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/kiama-rock-pools/) | ## See how the sea built the blowhole Photo: JustARandomEditor123, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_Blowhole_Cliff_Face.jpg) Destination Kiama says the Little Blowhole was formed in the same way as its larger cousin. The Kiama coast is made of layers of ancient lava flows and sandstone known as the [Gerringong](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/gerringong/) Volcanics, and Kiama Council's heritage plaques describe the lava layers as a rock called latite. After the lava flows, volcanic material pushed up through cracks in the rock to form dykes. Where the sea wears away the rock in these dykes faster than the rock around it, it carves sea caves and straight channels. At the main Blowhole, Destination Kiama explains that erosion of softer rock created the vertical opening. When a wave rushes into the cave below, it squeezes water and air up through that opening, and you get the whoosh and the plume. Destination Kiama dates the basalt lava flows at Blowhole Point to about 260 million years ago. ## Spread out a picnic at Marsden Head Photo: Maurice van Creij, [CC BY 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_view_from_the_Little_Blowhole_reserve_towards_the_Kiama_Blowhole_-_panoramio.jpg) The grassy headland above the Little Blowhole is Marsden Head, which Destination Kiama describes as overlooking Easts Beach. The official listings name a car park, lookouts and a picnic area, and describe the spot as family friendly. They don't list toilets, so plan around the facilities in town or at Blowhole Point. Next door, between the Little Blowhole and Easts Beach, is Marsden Point Reserve. Kiama Council describes it as a headland with unpaved [walking tracks](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/walks-in-kiama/) and ocean views, and as a popular dog [off-leash](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/dog-friendly-beaches-kiama/) area. Keep dogs leashed outside the signed area, and check the Council's dog rules before you go, since conditions can change. Little Blowhole Landcare volunteers look after the land next to the blowhole, and they note the headland is a good vantage point for watching whales. In the migration season, pair your visit with our [whale watching in Kiama](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/whale-watching-kiama/) guide. ### Little Blowhole Tingira Crescent, Kiama The smaller of Kiama's two blowholes, free to visit, with a car park, lookouts and a picnic area. [Website](https://kiama.com.au/listings/things-to-do/little-blowhole)[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Little+Blowhole+Tingira+Crescent+Kiama)Directions: [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=2%20Surfleet%20Place%2C%20Kiama%20NSW%202533&destination=Little%20Blowhole%2C%20Tingira%20Crescent%2C%20Kiama%20NSW) · [Waze](https://waze.com/ul?q=Little%20Blowhole%2C%20Tingira%20Crescent%2C%20Kiama%20NSW&navigate=yes) ### Marsden Point Reserve Near 41 Tingira Crescent, Kiama A Council headland reserve between the Little Blowhole and Easts Beach, with unpaved walking tracks and a dog off-leash area. [Website](https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Facilities/Parks-playgrounds-and-reserves/Marsden-Point-Reserve)[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Marsden+Point+Reserve+Tingira+Crescent+Kiama)Directions: [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=2%20Surfleet%20Place%2C%20Kiama%20NSW%202533&destination=Marsden%20Point%20Reserve%2C%20Near%2041%20Tingira%20Crescent%2C%20Kiama%20NSW) · [Waze](https://waze.com/ul?q=Marsden%20Point%20Reserve%2C%20Near%2041%20Tingira%20Crescent%2C%20Kiama%20NSW&navigate=yes) ## Stay back from the rock platform edge Photo: portengaround, [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_Blowhole_Rock_Platform_(8763207934).jpg) You can watch from the viewing platform or from the rocky foreshore, and that second option is where people get into trouble. Destination Kiama describes the blowholes as weather dependent and unpredictable, and a single larger wave can wash across the rocks with no warning. - Use the platform on big days, and stay behind any barriers. - Never walk out on wet rock. Wet basalt is slippery, and wet rock tells you waves have been reaching it. - Never turn your back on the sea, even for a photo. - Hold small children's hands near the edge. - Expect to get wet. Keep phones and cameras covered between shots. - In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). ## Time your photos with the sets Photo: Maurice van Creij, [CC BY 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Little_Blowhole_reserve_-_panoramio.jpg) The Little Blowhole fires with the waves, so watch for a few minutes before you shoot. Waves tend to arrive in sets, and the biggest bursts often come a few seconds after a larger wave hits the rocks. - Use burst mode or video and pick the frame later. - The coast here faces east, so early morning puts the sun behind the spray. Late afternoon light falls on the plume from behind you. - Step back and use the grassy headland to frame the spout against the open sea, rather than getting close. - Bring a cloth for the lens. On a windy day the mist drifts a long way. ## Bring kids, but not the pram Photo: Ymblanter, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_Blowhole_lookout_seen_from_Kiama_Lighthouse.jpg) Destination Kiama lists the Little Blowhole as family friendly, and children love the countdown to each burst. The official listing also says it does not cater for people with access needs, so the grass and rocks are not suitable for wheelchairs and are hard going with a pram. If anyone in your group needs [step-free](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/plan-your-trip/accessible-kiama/) access, go to the main Kiama Blowhole instead, which has accessible viewing platforms. For more ideas with children, see [things to do in Kiama with kids](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-kiama-with-kids/) and our [family accommodation in Kiama](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/stay/families/). ## Join it up with Easts Beach and the Coast Walk Photo: popejon2, [CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_(8216553144).jpg) The Little Blowhole works well as one stop in a longer morning on foot. - Easts Beach: walk south around the headland to [Easts Beach](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/easts-beach-kiama/), about 13 minutes (1.0 km) away. It is a sheltered beach reached by grassed paths with steps at each end. Check BeachSafe for patrols and conditions before you swim. - Kiama Blowhole: walk north along the coast to Blowhole Point, about 40 minutes (3.2 km), or drive it in about 9 minutes. Seeing both on the same day shows you how differently they behave in the same sea. - The Coast Walk: the middle section runs 6 km from the Kiama Blowhole to Loves Bay, graded medium to hard, with about 1.5 hours of walking. See our [Kiama Coast Walk](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-coast-walk/) guide. - Lookouts: add a few more views with our guide to [Kiama lookouts](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-lookouts/). It costs nothing, which puts it on our list of [free things to do in Kiama](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/free-things-to-do-in-kiama/). ## Stay a 20-minute walk from the Little Blowhole From Kiama Ridge Waters at 2 Surfleet Place, the Little Blowhole is a 20-minute walk and the main Blowhole about 5 minutes by car. Each of the three-bedroom apartments sleeps six, with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a laundry and secure parking for two cars. Check the swell forecast over breakfast, then pick your blowhole. See our [three-bedroom apartments in Kiama](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/) or [check availability](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/book/). ### Staying at Kiama Ridge Waters Kiama Ridge Waters is about a 20-minute walk (1.6 km) from the Little Blowhole and a 5-minute drive from the main Kiama Blowhole. Kiama Ridge Waters offers three-bedroom apartments at 2 Surfleet Place, Kiama, each sleeping six with parking for two cars. [View apartments](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/) [Check availability](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/book/) ## Quick answers **Where is the Little Blowhole in Kiama?** The Little Blowhole is off Tingira Crescent, on the rock platform below Marsden Head, about 2 km south of the Kiama town centre. It overlooks the coast north of Easts Beach and sits midway along the middle section of the Kiama Coast Walk. Entry is free, at any hour. **When is a good time to see the Little Blowhole?** Go when the swell and wind come from the north-east. Destination Kiama says it is often more spectacular when the swell is small, and arguably more consistent than the main Blowhole. Check a marine forecast for swell direction first, as both blowholes depend on the weather on the day. **How far is the Little Blowhole from the Kiama Blowhole?** It is about a 40-minute walk (3.2 km) between them, along the coast and streets. By car it is about 3.6 km, or 9 minutes. The main Blowhole is on Blowhole Point next to Kiama Lighthouse, and it works on south-east swells instead of north-east. **Is there parking at the Little Blowhole?** Yes. Destination Kiama and the NSW Government both list a car park at the Little Blowhole, off Tingira Crescent. The number of spaces is not published, so on busy weekends and holidays arrive early or walk in. Parking rules can change, so read the signs when you arrive. **How far is it from Kiama Ridge Waters?** The Little Blowhole is about a 20-minute walk (1.6 km) from Kiama Ridge Waters at 2 Surfleet Place, or a 4-minute drive. From there, Easts Beach is about 13 minutes further on foot, so you can make an easy loop of blowhole, beach and back before breakfast. **Is the Little Blowhole free to visit?** Yes. Destination Kiama says there is no charge to view either of Kiama's blowholes, and both can be visited 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Little Blowhole reserve has a car park, lookouts and a picnic area, so it suits a free family outing. **Can you take dogs to the Little Blowhole?** Kiama Council describes Marsden Point Reserve, between the Little Blowhole and Easts Beach, as a popular dog off-leash area. Keep dogs leashed outside the signed area and away from the rock platform. Off-leash rules can change, so check the Council's current conditions before you visit. Written by [](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/) ### Joseph Joshua Ngushual Kiama Travel Specialist Joseph Joshua Ngushual writes the Kiama Ridge Waters guides to Kiama and the NSW South Coast. He researches every guide against official sources such as Destination Kiama, Kiama Council and NSW National Parks, checks local businesses directly, and measures walking and driving times from the apartments, so you can plan beach days, walks, meals and day trips with accurate, current detail. - Kiama travel - NSW South Coast - Beaches and walks - Food and drink - Family trips - Trip planning [View all articles](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/)[](https://www.facebook.com/joshua.joseph.5648)[](https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephjoshuangushual/) ## Sources and useful links - [Destination Kiama: Little Blowhole listing](https://kiama.com.au/listings/things-to-do/little-blowhole) - [Destination Kiama: Blowholes](https://kiama.com.au/experience/iconic-wonders/blow-holes) - [Destination Kiama: Kiama Coast Walk](https://kiama.com.au/experience/kiama-coast-walk) - [Destination Kiama: Pet friendly holiday guide (Marsden Head)](https://kiama.com.au/everything-you-need-to-know-for-a-pet-friendly-holiday) - [NSW Government: Little Blowhole, Kiama](https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/little-blowhole-kiama) - [Kiama Council: Marsden Point Reserve](https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Facilities/Parks-playgrounds-and-reserves/Marsden-Point-Reserve) - [Kiama Council: Dog off-leash areas](https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Services/Animals/Dog-off-leash-areas) - [Kiama Library (Kiama Council): Exposing the past heritage plaque](https://library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/History/Walking-tours-monuments-and-heritage-plaques/Heritage-plaques/Exposing-the-past) - [Landcare NSW: Little Blowhole Landcare](https://landcare.nsw.gov.au/groups/little-blowhole-landcare/) - [BeachSafe: Easts Beach](https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw/kiama/kiama-heights/easts) - [Bureau of Meteorology: Marine forecasts](https://www.bom.gov.au/marine/) - [Transport NSW trip planner](https://transportnsw.info/) ## Keep exploring Kiama [Landmarks and walks ### Kiama Blowhole and the Little Blowhole, a visitor guide The Kiama Blowhole is free, open 24/7 and sprays highest in a south-east swell. When to go, where to park, wheelchair access, its history and how to get there. 7 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-blowhole/)[Landmarks and walks ### Kiama Coast Walk guide to sections, times and where to start The Kiama Coast Walk (Kiama Coastal Walk) runs about 20 km from Minnamurra to Gerringong. Section times, the map, dog rules, Werri Lagoon and trains back. 7 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-coast-walk/)[Beaches and coast ### Easts Beach in Kiama, a sheltered swimming beach on the Coast Walk Easts Beach Kiama is a sheltered 350 m beach with a creek for small children, summer lifeguards and the Coast Walk. Parking, safety, dogs and nearby stays. 5 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/easts-beach-kiama/) [All landmarks and walks guides](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/)