Pilot’s Cottage Museum

Discover Kiama’s history from Aboriginal times, through cedar gathering and agriculture, to quarrying and tourism. Hear stories of shipwrecks, the famous Blowhole and local heroes such as Oscar-winning sensation Orry-Kelly and literary legend Charmian Clift.

Built in 1880-81, the Pilot’s Cottage housed a succession of officers in charge of Kiama harbour, controlling shipping which was the area’s link with the outside world. Their role included allocating moorings, maintaining navigation lights, charging fees, and communicating shipping and weather reports.

The Cottage was also home to the pilots’ families, and is a good example of late Victorian domestic architecture.

In 1978, the last pilot, A. W. (Joe) Triffitt retired and the cottage became empty and derelict. Coming to the rescue, Kiama Historical Society took over the cottage. With generous support and with the tireless efforts of Society members, the Cottage has been open to visitors since 1988. Local, informed volunteers are on hand to answer questions.

The museum is located adjacent to Kiama Visitors Centre, a café and public toilets. Nearby is a spectacular lighthouse and the Blowhole, which emits a vertical plume of water when the tides are in the right direction.

A visit to the museum and local area makes for a great day-out for visitors from near and far.

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