Neighbourhood Watch: Kiama Offers Picturesque Coast And Hobby Farms
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Neighbourhood Watch: Kiama Offers Picturesque Coast And Hobby Farms

The seaside Australian town, home to the world’s largest natural blowhole, has boomed amid the flight to less dense areas

By Sue Wallace
Mon, Mar 7, 2022 1:02pmGrey Clock 6 min

Sparkling Kiama, a small coastal town with a bustling harbour in Australia’s New South Wales, has become a magnet for city dwellers looking for a change amid impressive scenery and a laidback lifestyle.

Lifestyle changes and unprecedented demand have buoyed real estate prices to heady heights in the past 12 months even above Sydney’s median house value.

Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, three hours from Canberra and 40-minutes from Wollongong, Kiama is a tourist haven with its natural blowhole claimed to be the largest in the world that shoots walls of water up to 30 metres high through a 2.5-metre opening.

The area, which is a rich agricultural centre, is surrounded by pristine surf beaches, rock pools, national parks and has seaside cafes and restaurants.

The Sydney International Airport and Sydney Domestic airport are both a 90-minute drive, while the nearest airport to Kiama is Wollongong Airport, which is 13.7 kilometres away.

Boundaries

The Kiama Municipality is in the Illawarra region of the state, south of Shellharbour and the City of Wollongong. Kiama is situated near the Minnamurra River and is framed by the Pacific Ocean, the Princes Highway and the South Coast Railway Line.

Price Range

A surge in city dwellers moving to this coastal area during the pandemic has seen demand for houses in Kiama increase dramatically reflecting a price hike and shortage of quality properties.

According to Eliza Owen, property data company CoreLogic’s head of research, the Kiama house market has vastly outperformed the broader region, with Kiama houses seeing value increases of 43.9% compared with 31.0% across the whole of regional New South Wales.

The apartment market has been more in line with growth in the state’s regional markets in the 12 months to January, with Kiama units up 24.6%.

“The surge in values has resulted in the median house value across the broader Kiama region reaching $1.6 million, which is above Sydney’s median house value, albeit Kiama is a smaller lifestyle market.” Ms. Owen said.

In his current portfolio, Daniel Watt of South Coast Prestige Properties lists a six-bedroom, two-bathroom house on Kiama’s coveted beachfront enclave for $6 million but said prices average from A$1.5 million for a quality home with coastal views.

This six-bedroom luxury residence on Kiama’s coveted beachfront enclave is asking for about $6 million. South Coast Prestige Properties

Housing Stock

Sprawling luxury properties hug the beachfront or are on the edge of rural parcels, and there are some beautifully restored heritage cottages built for quarry workers in the 1880s. There are also high-and low-rise apartments with coastal and ocean views.

Kiama now has more houses and units for sale compared to the last six months of 2021 when agents described the market as “sizzling.”

Mr. Watt said quality housing was snapped up as soon as it came on the market last year and buyers had little choice, but the market has stabilized and there is now more for sale.

“Housing in the exclusive headland area with views up and down the coast always sells quickly but there’s been more choice for buyers of quality homes in the past few months,” he said.

A Kiama house that changed hands for $3.4 million in late 2021.
South Coast Prestige Properties

What Makes It Unique

It’s all about lifestyle in Kiama, where nature stars in the form of stunning seascapes with magnificent beaches, where whales can be spotted from May to July and September to November.

The nearby hinterland is a lush green belt of dairy farmland, which gives it an English-country feel.

You won’t find any traffic lights and parking isn’t a problem.

The Budderoo National Park, Seven Mile Beach National Park and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve all within a 30-minute drive of Kiama are great for bushwalks and exploring.

Hikers chase waterfalls in the area, too, including Minnamurra, Carrington, Fitzroy and Belmore Falls.

Vivienne Marris, principal and owner of Elders Jamberoo Real Estate, said many residents commute to Sydney and Wollongong by rail to achieve a great work-life balance and enjoy a vibrant community.

“It’s a perfect lifestyle mix and there’s still a country feel about it with the sea one side and rolling green hills and farmland the other,” Ms. Marris said.

Mr. Watt agreed, saying it’s unique because of the close proximity to Sydney.

“That’s definitely a sweet spot—the city rail is excellent, and you can be there in less than two hours,” he said.

Kiama is an indigenous word that means “where the sea makes a noise” in reference to the famous Kiama Blowhole.

A luxury home in Kiama features 180 degree view of the neighbourhood and the beach.
South Coast Prestige Properties

Luxury Amenities

Kiama has grown into a gourmet hub with seafront restaurants and quaint cafes that showcase the fresh regional produce the Illawarra region is known for.

You can pick up supplies at Wednesday’s Kiama Farmers’ Markets at Coronation Park with the surf beach as the backdrop.

The market kicks off with the ringing of a bell and produce includes fruit, vegetables, seafood, oysters, local Wagyu beef, honey, eggs, milk straight from the dairy, gelato made from local milk, cider, wine, mushrooms, cakes and tarts, preserves and sourdough bread.

Some great coffee spots include Wild Patch Cafe, which serves Byron Bay coffee and lots of healthy options.

Set on Kiama’s surf beach, Silica showcases homegrown produce from its own organic vegetable patch at Dapto Community Farm—the fish and chips and bar bites have a following.

Hanoi on Manning has been serving authentic Vietnamese food since opening in 2009.

For a sweet treat, head to Parfait Patisserie for delicious pastries plus breads and fruit tarts. The Little Earth Cafe near the Little Blowhole is an organic cafe and general store and is great for coffee and treats; and Flour Water Salt bakery, cafe and food store is known for its artisan sourdough, pastries and cakes.

The Pines Pantry located in a historic Collins Street Terrace House stocks award-winning cheese, bottled milk, yogurt and a range of artisan gelato made from the family-run micro- dairy The Pines on the nearby South Coast.

Mix art with food at the Little Blowhole Art Bar known for its cool tunes, clever cocktails and it’s a boutique art gallery. Book lovers will enjoy Bouquiniste with a selection of interesting books and coffee.

For shopping, Beachside Emporium sells art and design pieces by local designers and artists and Australian-made products. Meanwhile, The Inside Story has a great selection and for more retail therapy Deer Willow is stocked with global homewares and fashion, spread over two floors.

There are excellent schools in the area including the Illawarra Grammar School at Wollongong and Shellharbour Anglican at Dunmore as well as other schools in the highlands, all within 50 minutes.

Who Lives There?

Kiama is home to young professionals, families, retirees and many who have made a recent move but who commute to Sydney or Wollongong for work.

Ms. Marris said the hinterland attracts “hobby” farmers who want to run a few animals and have space.

“The demographic is moving to a younger element as traditionally it was farming and retirement, but we now have middle- to high-end-income residents, so the first home buyer is no longer as much a proportion of the community as it was, say 15 years ago,” she said.

An interior view of an $3.4 million luxury house in Kiama.
South Coast Prestige Properties

Outlook

Like many high-performing markets across Australia, Kiama has likely hit a peak growth rate for the current cycle, with quarterly movements already starting to ease, according to Ms. Owen.

“Affordability constraints and a shift in the interest rate cycle (as well as significant progress in vaccination and easing of social distancing) will see growth rates soften across this market over 2022, with the potential for price falls when the [interest] rate rises,” she said.

Long term, however, Kiama has excellent prospects for further growth and development.

“The Covid crisis has awakened many to the possibility of living in a commutable, regional center, and the south coast of New South Wales continues to develop an appealing lifestyle with wineries, breweries, gift shops and cafes,” Ms. Own said. “Like most areas that undergo this kind of shift and demand from relatively high-income earners, this will present a mix of opportunities and disruption for locals, as employment opportunities expand, and real estate markets continue to rise in value.”

Ms. Marris said the past year is not really a good indicator, as some areas saw values increase 60% in only the last six months.

“FOMO—the fear of missing out—has played a large part in the peak of the market in August, September, October when we had little to offer and a demand not quite seen before,” she said.

“That has now cooled, settled with more property coming on to the market.”

 

Reprinted by permission of Mansion Global. Copyright 2021 Dow Jones & Company. Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Original date of publication:  March 5, 2022.



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Melbourne’s lifestyle appeal is driving record population growth — and rising rents. Here are the six most expensive suburbs to rent a house in right now.

By Staff Writer
Wed, May 14, 2025 5 min

Melbourne is considered Australia’s most liveable city. In fact, Melbourne competes on the global stage, consistently ranking among Time Out’s top cities to live in the world and ranking fourth in 2025. Melbourne is a cultural mecca filled with arts, x, and the country’s best sporting events.

It’s the lifestyle factor that has seen Melbourne’s population grow by over 142,000 people over the 23/24 financial year, largely driven by overseas migration. With increased population comes increased demand for properties, particularly in the rental market. 

Akin to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs, towards Bayside and the water, dominate the most expensive suburbs listed to rent across the Victorian capital. 

In this article, we’ve examined the six most expensive suburbs to rent a house in Melbourne right now, according to property data analytics firm Cotality (formerly CoreLogic).

Brighton

Median purchase: $3.15m
Median rent: $1,353

Brighton is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to rent a house, and it’s easy to see why. A blend of grand period homes and modern architectural builds line the wide, tree-filled streets. The suburb is synonymous with luxury, and rental properties—especially those close to the famed Brighton Beach and its iconic bathing boxes—are snapped up quickly. Vacancy rates sit at a tight 0.9 per cent.

The Neighbourhood

Brighton offers an enviable mix of a beachside lifestyle and convenient shopping and dining. With access to top schools like Brighton Grammar and Firbank, plus Church Street’s boutiques and the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, the Bayside suburb is the complete package for Melbourne’s high-end renters.

Malvern

Median purchase: $2.8m
Median rent: $1,313

Long known for its timeless Victorian and Edwardian homes, Malvern is a leafy inner suburb with prestige appeal. Many properties here are fully renovated period homes, featuring extensive gardens and original features that appeal to families and executives.

The Neighbourhood
Malvern boasts a refined atmosphere with a strong community feel. Glenferrie Road and High Street offer upscale cafes, boutiques, and grocers, while schools like De La Salle and St Joseph’s make the suburb particularly attractive to families.

Black Rock

Median purchase: $2.29m
Median rent: $1,253

Nestled along the Bayside coast, Black Rock has seen steady growth in both house prices and rents in recent years. Larger blocks and a quieter, more laid-back vibe than neighbouring suburbs make this a coveted spot for renters seeking both space and lifestyle. 

The Neighbourhood
Black Rock is home to the picturesque Half Moon Bay and scenic cliffside walks. The suburb blends beachside charm with village convenience, offering local cafés, golf courses, and direct access to some of Melbourne’s best coastal trails.

Sandringham

Median purchase: $2.21m
Median rent: $1,199

Sandringham, next door to Black Rock, offers more of the same as its neighbouring suburb, at similar prices. Sandringham too ticks the box for laid-back waterside recreation, with the majority of homes in walking distance to the sand and charming village shops.

The Neighbourhood
This is a family-friendly suburb with a strong community vibe. Sandringham Village, with its mix of cafes, wine bars, and boutiques, sits just a short walk from the train station and beach. The area also offers excellent sporting facilities and parks. Sandringham Harbour is the local landmark, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and waterfront views from Sandringham Yacht Club.

Canterbury

Median purchase: $3.15m
Median rent: $1,179

Canterbury is the innermost Melbourne suburb on this list. It is considered one of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs, defined by grand family homes, generally over-the-top opulent new builds with French Provincial façades behind gated entries.

The Neighbourhood
Canterbury is anchored by the exclusive “Golden Mile” precinct and is surrounded by elite private schools such as Camberwell Grammar and Strathcona. Maling Road provides a quaint village feel, while the area’s lush green spaces complete the picture of prestige.

Hampton

Median purchase: $2.3m
Median rent: $1,171

It’s back to Bayside for the sixth and final suburb on the priciest rental areas in Melbourne. Hampton is not too dissimilar to Brighton, with a main High Street providing convenience and the beach rounding out the relaxed lifestyle found on the bay. The suburb has undergone significant gentrification, with many original homes replaced by contemporary builds.

The Neighbourhood
With a stretch of clean, family-friendly beach and the bustling Hampton Street shopping strip, Hampton has everything renters could want—from stylish cafes to gourmet grocers and boutique fitness studios. Its proximity to Brighton and Sandringham only adds to its appeal.

Melbourne’s Cheapest Suburb: Melton South

Median purchase: $460,000
Median rent: $430

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Melton South—roughly 40km west of the CBD—offers the most affordable rental market. With a median rent of under $450 a week, it’s less than a third of the weekly rent in Brighton. The suburb attracts families and first-home renters seeking value and larger land lots.

Melbourne’s Best Suburb: Toorak

Toorak is considered the Point Piper of Melbourne. Boasting even more billionaires than Sydney’s harbourside hotspot, Toorak is home to Melbourne’s most expensive houses, and reportedly Australia’s most expensive house sale if the 1860s Italianate mansion Coonac settles at over $130 million.

The suburb has some of the best educational institutions in Melbourne, as well as luxury homes on the Yarra, two train stations, and a central shopping precinct undergoing a full transformation with several mixed-use retail and residential developments. It is definitely the place to be. 

Where is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to rent a house?

As of May 2025, Brighton is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to rent a house.

Where is Melbourne’s cheapest suburb to rent a unit?

As of May 2025, Melton South is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to rent a house.

Where is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to buy a house?

As of May 2025, Toorak is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to buy a house.

Where is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to buy a unit?

As of May 2025, Beaumaris is Melbourne’s most expensive suburb to buy a unit

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