Meet the site
Cathedral Rocks are a group of dramatic basalt sea stacks at the northern end of Jones Beach in Kiama Downs, one of the most photographed features on the Kiama coast. They can be seen from Bombo Headland, where Kiama Council's reserve offers views north over Cathedral Rocks, Jones Beach and Minnamurra Headland, and south to Bombo Beach and the town.
The rocks sit on the edge of a surf beach, and the reef around their bases is typical exposed Illawarra habitat – kelp, boulders and gutters with blue groper, drummer, luderick, leatherjackets and wrasse, and sea urchins in the crevices. Visibility is modest in most conditions.
The site's main problem is access: Jones Beach is an exposed surf beach with rips, so entry and exit are only practical on genuinely flat days, and surge around the stacks can be strong. Most divers visiting Kiama will find better-documented and safer options at Blowhole Point (Kiama Gutter and Afghan Reef) or by boat from Kiama Harbour. Cathedral Rocks is best treated as a scenic snorkel for experienced swimmers in perfect conditions, or simply enjoyed from the headland. Water temperatures on this coast range from about 14–15 °C in late winter to 22–23 °C in late summer, so a 7 mm wetsuit or semi-dry is sensible for most of the year.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cathedral Rocks (Kiama Downs) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Wollongong & Kiama. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Cathedral Rocks (Kiama Downs) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Cathedral Rocks (Kiama Downs) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Blue groper, drummer, luderick, leatherjackets, wrasse, sea urchins, kelp (not documented in detail)
Location
Striking basalt sea stacks at the northern end of Jones Beach, Kiama Downs, visible from Bombo Headland; mentioned by freediving guides as a Kiama reef feature.
Facilities nearby
Bombo Headland parking, walking tracks and accessible toilet; Jones Beach access in Kiama Downs; fills at Shellharbour.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
kiama.nsw.gov.audeepsensationsfreediving.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
