Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Australia Kiama Kiama Blowhole

Kiama Blowhole

This massive water spout has been luring visitors for hundreds of years, some to their death.

Kiama, Australia

Added By
whitney8251
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Kiama Blowhole   Shiny Things on Flickr
The blowhole while inactive.   Kirsty Hall on Flickr
The sea cave.   Wikipedia
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

This hole in the rocky Australian coastline spits out water to a staggering height of 82 feet, making Kiama Blowhole one of the most powerful sea-cave blowholes in the world.

As the Pacific Ocean rushes into the ever widening sea cave beneath the Kiama Blowhole, the entry to the cave can become completely blocked which forces compressed air and water firing out through the blowhole. The impressive and violent natural display has been known of since the mid-1700's when a whaler who had moored nearby discovered the spout, noting the deafening boom that accompanies each eruption. However, there is evidence that the local native peoples had already catalogued the wonder, naming it "Khanterintee."

Since the natural shower only occurs when the seas are swelled and fairly turbulent, visiting the site can be a dangerous venture for anyone who is not paying attention. In fact, in 1992 an entire family of seven was swept out to sea while visiting the blowhole when a huge swell crested the rocks and washed them away.

Danger or no, the Kiama Blowhole is still a popular attraction in the town, and is often referred to the as the "Big Blowhole" thanks to a smaller, yet similar feature known, unsurprisingly as the "Little Blowhole." 

Related Tags

Natural Wonders Nature Geological Oddities Geology Water

Community Contributors

Added By

whitney8251

Edited By

Blindcolour, EricGrundhauser

  • Blindcolour
  • EricGrundhauser

Published

March 12, 2014

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • http://www.kiama.com.au/blowhole
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiama_Blowhole
  • http://wangiwriter.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/kiama-blowhole/
  • http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1169969/life-death-and-rescue-in-kiama/
Kiama Blowhole
Blowhole Point Road
Kiama, 2533
Australia
-34.671806, 150.863056
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Big Poo

Kiama, Australia

miles away

Big Potato

Robertson, Australia

miles away

Mermaid Inlet Cliffs

Currarong, Australia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kiama

Kiama

Australia

Places 2

Nearby Places

Big Poo

Kiama, Australia

miles away

Big Potato

Robertson, Australia

miles away

Mermaid Inlet Cliffs

Currarong, Australia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kiama

Kiama

Australia

Places 2

Related Places

  • The salt lake becomes colorful in warm temperatures because of algae growth

    Yuncheng, China

    Yuncheng Salt Lake

    Rainbow-hued in the summer and crystalline in the winter, this salty lake has inspired battles, temples, and plenty of awe.

  • Lake Posta Fibreno

    Carpello, Italy

    Lake Posta Fibreno

    This serene, turquoise lake in an extraordinary nature reserve showcases a rare natural phenomenon.

  • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

    Keahole Point Blowhole

    This unusual lava tube spouts seawater during high surf.

  • Hengifoss.

    Iceland

    Hengifoss

    The bright red stripes streaking across the rocks are the star feature at this Icelandic waterfall.

  • Sculptured rocks.

    Hebron, New Hampshire

    Sculptured Rocks

    This narrow canyon has been carved by the river over thousands of years into spectacular and curious forms.

  • Beware of the spectral cowboy.

    Ashland, Kansas

    St. Jacob's Well

    Stories of sightless fish and ghostly cowboys are only a fraction of the legends surrounding this Kansas sinkhole.

  • The Devil’s Punchbowl, empty.

    Norfolk, England

    The Devil's Punchbowl

    A mysterious crater-like pond has a spooky tendency to empty and fill with complete disregard to rainfall patterns.

  • Kong Lor Cave.

    Laos

    Kong Lor Cave

    A boat ride through utter darkness, lit only by headlamps, reveals an emerald green pool locals believe is sacred.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.