iii) Wollongong - Visitor Information Center , Bulli Tops
This spot was actually not included in our itinerary. It was 2pm and baby Musa had a poo so when we saw signboard of Wollongong Visitor Information Centre, we quickly entered the place. It was located just next to the main highway. There were plenty of free parking available, as well as public amenities including disabled and baby change facilities which was the main reason we stopped here. We also found out that there were few cafe and restaurants available.
It was just in time that our stomach also started to rumble asking to be filled, so we had a lunch at the Cafe Altitude 1148. A very nice, peaceful and refreshing place to lunch. Probably because of not much customer that time, the cafe's owner treated us nicely. Spent time to introduce and recommended which meal that could cater the Muslim needs. In the end we ordered fries and tuna sandwich. Not bad though however the price was a bit expansive but expected.
Outside of the restaurant, there was a viewing platform for a stunning 180 degree views of the ocean and the coastline of Wollongong.
We spent about an hour here before proceed to next destination, Kiama.
(iv) Kiama - Kiama Blowhole Point and Lighthouse
We were quite in hurry as it was getting dark. The weather had worsen the situation as it's become gloomy. We had to skip attractions in Wollongong and straight to our final destination, Kiama due to limited time. After all we still needed to return back to Wolonggong where our accommodation was.
So what is it in Kiama??
The local have said that "You haven't seen Kiama if you haven't see the Blowhole. Why is it so famous? Well lets us start by the fact that the Kiama's Blowhole is the largest in the world!!
Kiama Blowhole is a natural rock formation where water spouts 20 metres or more into the air. Located next to the Kiama Lighthouse at Blowhole Point, this spectacular display is most impressive when seas run from the southeast.
How Blowholes work
When the winds are coming from the South East, waves enter the mouth of the Blowhole and compress the air within the inner cavity. Contrary to popular belief the tides do not have any bearing on the performance of the blowhole.
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. As the water retreats, it is forced upward by the compressed air, as the mouth is still blocked by the receding wave.
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.
Bass was not, in fact, the first to discover the Kiama Blowhole, as local Aboriginals had for generations referred to it as Khanterintee.
Note : There is also Little Blowhole nearby, however due to limited time we didn't make it there.
In the whale migration season, the Kiama Blowhole is the perfect vantage point to witness these majestic creatures and it is a popular stop on the Kiama Coast Walk. Not our luck though to see the whale as it was not the season yet.
I think this post is full already. So I will continue in next post. Till then....
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