Black Beach, NSW

BLACK BEACH

Kiama’s Black Beach gets its name (and colour) from the black basalt sand and cobbles that line its shore. Although less popular with swimmers than with snorkelers, the ocean pools on either side of Black Beach are both beautiful places to enjoy a salt-water swim. Spend a while relaxing on the sprawling grass of Black Beach Reserve, or test your skills on the stunning granite ping-pong table.

Conveniently situated between Kiama Harbour and the center of town, Black Beach also hosts some of Kiama’s most well-known events, including the markets held on the third Sunday and fourth Sunday of the month. Nearby points of interest include the historic Kiama Post Office (constructed in 1878), and a memorial to the SS Bombo, a now-popular dive site which departed here for the final time on 24 February, 1949.

Black Beach is the little used town beach for Kiama and lies at the foot of the main shopping centre. It derives its name from the large proportion of black basalt sand and cobbles that compose the curving 130 m long beach, which is located at the base of Kiama Harbour and faces east out the harbour entrance. The beach is backed by continuous seawall and walkway, then tall Norfolk Island pines and Black Reserve and picnic area, with all the amenities of Kiama behind, while Blow Hole Point with its famous blowhole extends out past the harbour.

Swimming
The rocky beach and seafloor is unsuitable for swimming, however there is a large rock pools on the northern rock platform and a smaller one of the southern Blowhole Point.

Surfing
Waves are usually very low because of its land locked position, however during high swell running a left breaks over the northern rocks, known as The Pool after the adjacent rock pool.

Fishing
Best in the harbour during and following big south seas, and out on Blowhole Point during lower seas. However NSW's most tragic rock fishing episode occurred here in July 1992, when six people were swept to their death by one wave during moderate swell conditions. So take care.

Facilities:
Boating Facilities
Family Friendly
Pet Friendly - Enquire
Picnic Area
Public Toilet
Swimming Pool