Minnamurra

Where the river meets the ocean

The Minnamurra River marks Kiama’s northern border. It is a safe swimming spot and home to kayakers, paddle boarders and more, all enjoying its sandy shores and tidal personality. It also marks the north entry of the popular Kiama Coast Walk.

The best views can be found a short climb away on the nearby grassy headland. A full panoramic sweep of the Minnamurra township and Kiama’s namesake golf course nestled into the bow curve of the river. Meanwhile, the secluded Mystics Beach and offshore Stack Island offer a taste for the spectacular geological journey to come. This first section of the walk includes some of the most dramatic and varied coastline, including great whale watching opportunities from the platform north of popular surf spot Jones’ Beach, as well as the world-famous photogenic Cathedral Rocks upright formations. (Have your camera ready!)

Did you know?

Minnamurra means ‘plenty of fish’ in the local aboriginal dialect. Evidence of shell middens and stone tools can be seen at the mouth of the Minnamurra River — once a common gathering place for the Dharawal people.
Rangoon Island off Minnamurra headland is also known as Stack Island, and was named after the coal ship Rangoon was wrecked upon its rocks in 1870.

Meet you There

Grab a picnic and snorkel the unique rocky reef at the Boneyard – accessed by parking at end of Cliff Drive. For more family fun and beach time head to Minnamurra River for sandy beaches, swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling and even grassy hills as an alternative to sprawl out for a picnic. There is also a park for the kids and two different boat ramps to launch boats.

Enjoying the view on the Minnamurra Coastal Walk

Looking out my back door

The Minnamurra Headland is as scenic as they come with spanning views of the river and Rangoon Island also known as Stack Island. Here you have front row seats to the best land based whale watching this side of the ocean!

You’ll find easy walking track access to the Kiama Coast Walk, heading south to Jones Beach, past Cathedral Rocks, the Bombo Headland, then onto the dog-friendly Bombo Beach before you head up the hill and into Kiama for a well-deserved coffee.

Surfing Birdseye view in the Kiama Region, Photography by Phil Winterton

Get your fix

If golfing is your thing, head to the Kiama Golf Club in Kiama Downs. If your “fix” is actually on a boat, along the river or in the ocean, with a fishing pole in hand – there are boat ramps along Minnamurra river to launch your boat and head out. Make the most of your stay at Minnamurra River where you can swim, SUP or kayak. Or head 20 steps from the river across the forest to catch a wave at Mystics Beach, or head to Jones Beach or North Bombo.