The Boneyard, Kiama: Snorkelling the Pebble Cove at Bombo
The Boneyard is a small, horseshoe-shaped cove tucked against Bombo Headland, just north of Kiama. Instead of sand, the shore is covered in smooth, rounded basalt cobbles and bleached driftwood, which is where the name comes from. Because the bay faces north-west, it's sheltered from the southerly winds that often blow out the nearby surf beaches.
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That shelter is what makes it special: glassy, clear water for snorkelling, paddleboarding and a long, easy swim, right next to the dramatic basalt columns of the old Bombo quarry. It's one of the South Coast swims we feature in Swim New South Wales.
Swimming at The Boneyard
Inside the cove the water is usually calm and flat, especially on days with a southerly. The rocky bottom slopes away gradually and visibility is often excellent, with fish moving through the kelp and the odd ray gliding over the rocks. Bring a mask; this is a spot to enjoy in the water.
The mouth of the bay is a point break used by local surfers, so if you swim out that way, keep well clear of boardriders. The inner cove is the place for a relaxed swim.
On land, the cobbles are lumpy and shift underfoot, so lying on a towel isn't very comfortable. A thick mat or low beach chair helps, and reef shoes are a big help both on the stones and in the water.
The volcanic rock here runs straight into the sea from Bombo Headland, where ancient lava flows cooled into tall, hexagonal basalt columns. Leave the stones exactly where you find them, and take care not to disturb the small creatures sheltering in the shallows.
How to Get to The Boneyard
Kiama is about 90 minutes south of Sydney via the Princes Highway. Head to the northern end of Bombo, near Cliff Drive, where there's a small unsealed parking area close to the Bombo Headland dog park. From there, short dirt tracks lead downhill through coastal scrub to the shore in just a few minutes. The tracks are uneven and dusty, so wear proper shoes.
Know Before You Go
- Free: no entry fee; small unsealed car park.
- No facilities: no toilets, bins, showers or shade at the beach. Bring water and snacks and pack everything out.
- Unpatrolled: no lifeguards. Swim with a friend and stay inside the cove.
- Surfers: give the point break at the bay's mouth a wide berth.
- Swell: the cove is sheltered from southerlies but not from every swell. Skip it if waves are rolling into the bay.
- Footing: loose, slippery cobbles; reef shoes recommended.
- Leave it as you found it: don't take rocks or driftwood, and don't disturb marine life.
The Boneyard FAQs
Why is it called The Boneyard?
The shore is covered in pale, rounded basalt cobbles and weathered driftwood that look a little like bleached bones.
Is The Boneyard good for snorkelling?
Yes. On calm days, especially with a southerly wind, the water is clear and sheltered, with fish around the kelp and rocky reef.
Is there sand at The Boneyard?
No. The beach is made of rounded stones and pebbles, so bring a thick mat or a low chair, and reef shoes.
Where do you park for The Boneyard?
At the small unsealed parking area at the northern end of Bombo, off Cliff Drive near the Bombo Headland dog park. It's a short walk down from there.
