The Blowhole at Kiama - One of Australia's many natural wonders

It's a visitor's paradise, a sightseer's joy, Sydney, the Australian city that sizzles with activities that last as long as you care to stay. But beyond Sydney, a mere hour-and-a-half drive away, I discovered one of their natural wonders called a   'blowhole' in Kiama, a town that derived its name from the aboriginal word 'Kiarama' meaning 'where the sea makes a noise'.

It's recorded history that surgeon George Bass just happened upon the phenomenon while exploring the coast on Dec. 6, 1797, describing it in part as "a deep rugged hole of about 25 or 30 feet in diameter, and on one side of it the sea washed in through a subterranean passage with a tremendous noise."

   To the unsuspecting tourist peering into the cavernous opening, the hole looks quite ordinary, until the silence is broken by the tumultuous roar of the Tasman Sea as the waves come surging through the tunnel of volcanic rock. Without warning, a loud hiss signals the blowhole is about to demonstrate its mighty power by filling the air with a giant spray that often rises as high as the nearby lighthouse (between 60 and 100 feet).

I am mesmerized by the vigorous action of the Blowhole. To explain it simply, the air becomes compressed by waves surging through the cave, simulating a drill-like function which forces a vertical passage upwards which eventually gushes through the hole in the tunnel and into the air.

The Kiama Blowhole is viewed by more than 300,000 visitors annually, some of whom remain until nightfall to see the area awash in floodlight. The location is a camera buff's dream, a balm to nature lovers.

While in the area, visitors can enjoy the Kiama hertitage walks covering many historical buildings in the town. I wouldn't miss the lighthouse perched 224 ft. above sea level overlooking Storm Bay or the Pilots Cottage Museum, built in 1881, and now beautifully restored as a Heritage and Maritime Museum. A handy guide contains 24 listings of Kiama landmarks and is available from the gift shop.

The Southern Highlands and Kiama are popular as quick getaways, easily accessible from Sydney or Canberra.

For more information contact Tourism Kiama by telephone (02) 4232-3322 or fax (02) 4226-3260