I am a committed train traveller. Like all travellers I always complain about the trains in my own country. I have waited for late trains in the UK and in the USA without too much concern but if the train is late at Sydney Central Station I grizzle...really grizzle. There is one commuter train that I don't complain about and that is the 60 minute trip from Sydney to Kiama (on a weekend it can take longer as it stops at all stations)It is a gem of a train trip.
For travellers to Sydney I absolutely recommend putting a day aside to take this train. For under $20 for the return trip(less if you have a family ticket) you can have a wonderful day. Once you get out of the city and past Sutherland the trip is delightful. You travel down through the national park to get to Stanwell Tops and Stanwell park. These are on the edge of the National Park and from here you can see right down the coast.....last weekend when I took this trip the sky was full of colourful hang gliders soaring over the cliffs and over the ocean. When I get to this point I know the trip is just the beginning.
From here you travel through Coledale - part of the old coal mining area. The industrial history of this area area and the interesting characters who used to live here adds to the interest for me. The train goes through the coal loading area and continues down to Austinmer and Thirroul.
From Coledale down to Kiama you are always aware of the ocean on one side and the steep cliffs of the rainforest covered Great Dividing Range on the other. Along some parts of the journey the train travels adjacent to the ocean and I have seen whales on occasions.
It is no wonder that DH Lawrence stayed so long in this area. There is an interesting social history and a very creative community in the small towns along this coast.
The train passes through the large city of Wollongong and down through the industrial area.
Shortly before reaching the destination of Kiama you pass through Minamurra (pictured left)and further along,Bombo Beach. This large white sand crescent of a beach is magical. The attached link will show you some wonderful views of the beach. http://www.lumieres.com.au/Australia/South-Coast-NSW/Bombo-Beach-Minnamurra-images-and-travel.html
The name "Kiama" is derived from the Aboriginal word "kiarama", which means "Place where the sea makes a noise". Others refer to Kiama as the place where the mountains touch the sea.[You can easily spend a good day in Kiama there are many great restaurants and cafes. When Aussies think of Kiama they immediately think of the Blowhole ( known by the local aboriginal people as Khanterintee). This is caused by the formation of the rocks and when the tide is right the water shoots high into the air as the waves come in.
Kiama is a quaint little town with interesting shops and many natural attractions.
If you are lucky enough to come on the right weekend you will find great markets along the beach selling all sorts of local produce and artworks. You might also be there when the Jazz Festival is on in the park - this is a really fun event and people come from all over Australia to attend. Kiama has a population of about 12000 but this figure swells when visitors come in the summer.
In September 2009 a new footpath has been opened which will allow walkers to follow the coast right along to Gerringong. This finishes the walk from Minamurra along the coast.
For those who want more information about the area or are looking for accommodation I recommend Travelscene Kiama - 242 321211. I have found them to be exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable about the area and trips out of Kiama. There are even Whale watching boat trips and for the fishing person in the family you can go on fishing boat trips.
You can also pick up the next part of the train trip and continue on to the picturesque Berry.
For travellers to Sydney I absolutely recommend putting a day aside to take this train. For under $20 for the return trip(less if you have a family ticket) you can have a wonderful day. Once you get out of the city and past Sutherland the trip is delightful. You travel down through the national park to get to Stanwell Tops and Stanwell park. These are on the edge of the National Park and from here you can see right down the coast.....last weekend when I took this trip the sky was full of colourful hang gliders soaring over the cliffs and over the ocean. When I get to this point I know the trip is just the beginning.
From here you travel through Coledale - part of the old coal mining area. The industrial history of this area area and the interesting characters who used to live here adds to the interest for me. The train goes through the coal loading area and continues down to Austinmer and Thirroul.
From Coledale down to Kiama you are always aware of the ocean on one side and the steep cliffs of the rainforest covered Great Dividing Range on the other. Along some parts of the journey the train travels adjacent to the ocean and I have seen whales on occasions.
It is no wonder that DH Lawrence stayed so long in this area. There is an interesting social history and a very creative community in the small towns along this coast.
The train passes through the large city of Wollongong and down through the industrial area.
Shortly before reaching the destination of Kiama you pass through Minamurra (pictured left)and further along,Bombo Beach. This large white sand crescent of a beach is magical. The attached link will show you some wonderful views of the beach. http://www.lumieres.com.au/Australia/South-Coast-NSW/Bombo-Beach-Minnamurra-images-and-travel.html
The name "Kiama" is derived from the Aboriginal word "kiarama", which means "Place where the sea makes a noise". Others refer to Kiama as the place where the mountains touch the sea.[You can easily spend a good day in Kiama there are many great restaurants and cafes. When Aussies think of Kiama they immediately think of the Blowhole ( known by the local aboriginal people as Khanterintee). This is caused by the formation of the rocks and when the tide is right the water shoots high into the air as the waves come in.
Kiama is a quaint little town with interesting shops and many natural attractions.
If you are lucky enough to come on the right weekend you will find great markets along the beach selling all sorts of local produce and artworks. You might also be there when the Jazz Festival is on in the park - this is a really fun event and people come from all over Australia to attend. Kiama has a population of about 12000 but this figure swells when visitors come in the summer.
In September 2009 a new footpath has been opened which will allow walkers to follow the coast right along to Gerringong. This finishes the walk from Minamurra along the coast.
For those who want more information about the area or are looking for accommodation I recommend Travelscene Kiama - 242 321211. I have found them to be exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable about the area and trips out of Kiama. There are even Whale watching boat trips and for the fishing person in the family you can go on fishing boat trips.
You can also pick up the next part of the train trip and continue on to the picturesque Berry.
