Kiama
Kiama scores well on community services (82/100) but only 10/100 on core operations — a gap worth watching.
"South coast jewel — the Blowhole, rolling green hills, and village charm"
See where Kiama ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 23,173
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
55 out of 100
#27 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#44 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 49/100 |
| Community Services | 82/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 81/100 |
| Core Operations | 10/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Kiama performs strongest in Community Services (scoring 82 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Core Operations (currently 10 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
South coast jewel — the Blowhole, rolling green hills, and village charm
Kiama is a compact coastal municipality with a famous blowhole, beautiful rural hinterland, and a community that values its village character.
Known For
- Kiama Blowhole — iconic geological feature
- Rolling green dairy country hinterland
- Gerringong and Gerroa beaches
- Strong village community identity
Living Here
Kiama offers south coast charm within commuting distance of Wollongong. The village character is genuine, the coast is beautiful, and the community is tight-knit.
Hidden Gem
Cathedral Rocks at Bombo — a dramatic basalt rock formation on the coast just north of Kiama.