Kiama Little Blowhole, Kiama, NSW, Australia
S 34° 41.211 E 150° 51.543
56H E 303877 N 6159597
There is a lookout and parking for this blowhole, a main attraction for the township of Kiama.
Waymark Code: WM7K0C
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 11/02/2009
Views: 25
Copied from the interpretive sign:
""A subterranean sensation. A volcanic extrusion, known as a dyke, cuts through the latite rock platform below. The dyke is composed of a softer rock called basalt. Over millions of years the softer basalt has eroded faster than the latite creating a tunnel under the headland. Eventually part of the rock platform collapsed creating the Little Blow Hole. As each wave surges through the tunnel, air is compressed in the rear chamber building tremendous pressure. The best time to experience the Little Blow Hole is when the wind is blowing from the northeast, but if you are here on a calm day, listen for the 'whoomp" sound below. As waves subside, pressure in the chamber releases forcing the trapped water up the blow hole with a loud "whoomp". From here you can continue to explore this dramatic coastline via the Kiama Coast Walk. The walk extends north to Kiama township and south to Werri Lagoon."
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Copied from the Kiama Visitors Centre website: (
visit link)
"Blowhole
How Blowholes Work
Under the right conditions, large waves enter the mouth of the Blowhole & compress the air within the inner cavity. As the retreating water leaves, it is forced upward by the compressed air, as the mouth is still blocked by the receding wave. The escaping air causes the loud "oomph", which accompanies the water spout. Over many years the Blowhole will become less vigorous, as the underground cavity erodes due to the pounding waves.
Blowhole History
The main Kiama Blowhole was discovered by George Bass on his voyage of coastal exploration on December 6, 1797, after anchoring his whaleboat in the sheltered bay which became Kiama Harbour.
The shore Bass wrote, showed evidence of considerable volcanic fire and on the point he found: "The earth for a considerable distance round in the form approaching a circle seemed to have given way; it was now a green slope.....Towards the centre was a deep ragged hole of about 25 to 30 feet in diameter and on one side of it the sea washed in through a subterraneous passage...with a most tremendous noise..."
Bass was not, in fact, the first to discover the Kiama Blowhole, as local Aboriginals had for generations referred to it as Khanterintee.
In January 1889 a performer by the name of Charles Jackson attracted large crowds to see his crossings of the mouth of the Blowhole on a tightrope.
A smaller "little Blowhole" is located a few minutes south of the main Blowhole & performs best under moderate seas."