Bombo Quarry, Kiama — Basalt Columns and Ocean Views on the NSW South Coast

Bombo Headland Quarry sits on the coast just north of Kiama's Blowhole Point — a heritage-listed former industrial site that has become one of the most visually striking landscapes on the NSW South Coast. Hexagonal basalt columns rise up to six metres from the rock platform, flanked by surging ocean and wide views along the Illawarra coast.

Getting There

The quarry is accessed on foot from either Boneyards Beach or the car park at the northern end of Bombo Beach. There is no coastal road connecting it to Blowhole Point — if you're coming from the blowhole, a short detour via the Princes Highway is required.

The Basalt Columns

The hexagonal columns that define Bombo Quarry were formed approximately 270 million years ago when volcanic lava cooled, contracted and fractured. The hexagonal shape is a response to stress as the solidified lava cracked — the same formation process that created the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and the Organ Pipes in Victoria.

The columns are scattered across the headland in clusters, with the largest groupings closest to the ocean. Where incisions in the rock platform meet the sea, waves surge and break with considerable force — in heavy swell conditions the bay in front of the quarry becomes a cauldron of moving water worth watching from a safe distance.

The Quarry's History

Bombo Quarry was mined for blue metal from 1880 through to 1944, with operations pausing during the Depression years. It was the primary source of blue metal for the colony and subsequent state of New South Wales — the scale of extraction was significant, though enough columns remain to give a clear sense of what the headland once looked like in full.

The quarry is now heritage listed, and the walking track through it gives close access to the columns at various heights.

The Name

Bombo derives from an Aboriginal word of the Wodi Wodi people — though not precisely. The original indigenous word for thunder was "Bumbo." A local minister of the time considered the original name too risqué and it was modified to Bombo, the name that has remained ever since.

What to Look For

Beyond the basalt columns and ocean views, the headland is worth scanning for birds of prey — raptors are occasionally spotted riding the thermals above the cliff line.

Visiting with Sydney Nimble Tours

Bombo Quarry is a highlight of our private Kiama and South Coast tour from Sydney. We handle transport and timing — including making sure the approach is from the right direction.

Eastern Osprey surveying the scene

finely balanced

look behind you!

surging seas

basalt column holding its ground