LOCATIONKiama is 90 minutes drive from the CBD on the south coast.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIADrive south for 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD and you'll find a beautiful, unspoilt and friendly little township built around a coastal blow-hole called Kiama. You’ll also find Restaurant 1871, a jewel set inside The Sebel Harbourside’s crown. Adjacent to Kiama’s Harbour, most seating inside the restaurant (as well as most of the Sebel’s luxury accommodation suites) face the blue horizon of the Pacific Ocean. Executive chef, Dave Campbell and his very talented sous chef, Joel Watt insist on raising the bar high at 1871, using the freshest of local produce, especially seafood.
A seasonal food symphony began with slow roasted pork belly, apple puree and cranberry jus. The optional entrée, confit of salmon with a winter vegetable strudel, placed onto a warm osso bucco broth, takes full advantage of the freshness of the Kiama local’s catch. We swiftly got to the heart of the moment with a crispy skinned duck breast, fennel confit, and golden kipfler potatoes with a wild berry reduction. The white chocolate mousse with sweet balsamic basil strawberries deserved a standing ovation as did the sounds of Silent Night! Well, it was Christmas in July after all. Apparently every Thursday at 1871 Dave Campbell delivers a themed evening for diners and hotel guests. (No 18th Century time travel attire necessary). The Sebel's pictureperfect supper setting is an old heritage listed building that was originally Kiama School. Perfect for hosting corporate functions and intimate weddings alike, the vow garden faces the harbour and is an idyllic place to say "I do".
Scott Winter, August 2010
DETAILSOverlooking Kiama Harbour, this stylish 4.5 star South Coast resort reflects both the modern and the historic aspects of Kiama. By combining the beautifully restored 1871 heritage-listed bluestone Infants' School building as a conference and meeting centre, with a sleek resort building of contemporary waterfront accommodation, the resort is the perfect year-round holiday, recreational and event getaway.
Offering 88 beautifully detailed guestrooms over 3 levels including 77 king rooms, 8 two bedroom, fully self-contained apartments and 3 disability guestrooms, all apartments offer a delightful choice of ocean, garden or town views.
This South Coast resort is located just a short stroll from the famous 'blowhole', the stunning Bombo Headland and historic terrace shops, and is surrounded by magnificent examples of Victorian architecture. This wonderful recreational region also provides several well-known surf beaches and coves, and the spectacular Carrington Falls, Seven Mile Beach and Minnamurra Rainforest are in close proximity.