Kiama Blowhole, Natural blowhole in Kiama, Australia
Kiama Blowhole is a natural opening in the coastal rock near the center of Kiama in New South Wales, where seawater erupts when waves surge through an underground passage. The opening measures roughly 2.5 meters (8 feet) across and sits directly at the shoreline, with the force of southeastern swells pushing water upward through the channel.
George Bass recorded the first European observation of this formation in December 1797 while anchoring his whaleboat in the bay. His documentation marked the beginning of written records about this coastal feature along the southern shore.
The original Aboriginal name Khanterinte referred to this coastal feature long before it gained its current designation. Visitors today experience one of the most watched natural phenomena along the southern coast, drawing people from across the region to witness the display.
Several viewing platforms near the town center allow visitors to watch the water eruptions from a safe distance. A cafe and an information center nearby offer a place to rest between viewings or wait for favorable wave conditions.
The underground chamber fills with incoming waves and builds pressure that forces water upward through the opening. The height of each eruption depends directly on the strength and direction of the swell, with southeastern winds producing the tallest columns.
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