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Narooma

Glasshouse Rocks, Tourism New South Wales

Population 3100

Narooma is a tranquil resort and fishing town at the mouth of Wagonga Inlet, well known for its natural beauty. The stunning beaches and waterways continue to draw people back to enjoy the excellent boating, aquatic sports and big-game fishing. Excellent fresh local seafood is a specialty in many of the restaurants.

Visitor Information

Ken Rose Park, Princes Hwy; (02) 4476 2881 or 1800 240 003

www.eurobodalla.com.au

Nearby national parks

  • Eurobodalla National Park

    This sliver of national park runs in three sections along the south coast between Moruya Heads and Tilba Tilba Lake, just south of Cape...more

  • Deua National Park

    Deua River campsites on the Araluen Road, and the Berlang camping area, all have toilets, picnic tables and fi replaces; fees apply. At...more

  • Mimosa Rocks National Park

    At Mimosa Rocks National Park, in the state’s south, a ragged coastline of volcanic rock has been hewn by weather and water into...more

Nearby towns

  • Bermagui

    Bermagui is a charming and sleepy coastal village. The continental shelf is at its closest to the mainland off Bermagui and this results...more

  • Moruya

    This town on the Moruya River was once a gateway to local goldfields, but is now a riverside township. It is known for dairying and oyster...more

  • Bega

    It is possible to ski and surf on the same day around Bega, set in a fertile valley with the mountains of the Kosciuszko snow resorts to...more

In Town

Wagonga Princess This environmentally friendly, electronically powered boat is a converted huon pine ferry offering scenic cruises most days, taking in mangroves, forests and birdlife. The tour includes Devonshire tea. Commentary and tales (both tall and true) of local history, flora and fauna are provided by a third-generation local. Bookings (02) 4476 2665.

Walking tracks: several walking tracks incorporate places such as the Mill Bay Boardwalk, Australia Rock and lookout and numerous foreshore paths; maps from visitor centre. Whale-watching cruises: humpback and killer whales can be seen migrating, often with calves, Sept–Nov; bookings at visitor centre. Scuba-diving cruises: to shipwrecks; bookings at visitor centre.

Nearby

Montague Island Nature Reserve This isolated island, with access only by guided tours (bookings at visitor centre), is a major shearwater breeding site and home to little penguins and Australian and New Zealand fur seals. Whales can be viewed off the coast Sept–Nov. The tour includes historic buildings such as the Montague Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1881, but is now fully automated. Recently, stays in the lighthouse keeper’s quarters were introduced. Guides also explain the history of the island (known as Barunguba) as a fertile hunting ground for the Walbanga and Djiringanj tribes. 9 km SE.

Central Tilba Classified as an 'unusual mountain village' by the National Trust, Central Tilba was founded in 1895 and has many quality arts and craft shops. It has several old buildings worth a visit, including the ABC Cheese Factory in original 19th-century condition. The Tilba Festival is held here each Easter. 17 km SW. Tilba Tilba, a further 2 km S, features Foxglove Spires, a historic cottage surrounded by a beautiful 3.5 ha garden.

Mystery Bay: popular spot with strange-looking stones, snorkelling and access to Eurobodalla National Park; 17 km S.

Fishing spots near town

Narooma Offshore 3 km

Narooma is one of those pleasant destinations that offers piscatorial delights most of the year, ranging from gamefishing offshore to rock, beach and estuary. Situated on Wagonga Inlet, the port is best known for its... Find out more


Bermagui 33 km

Bermagui is small fishing port but a world-famous gamefishing destination. It owes its fame to an American western writer, Zane Grey, who went there in 1936. Little has changed since then. ‘Bermi’, as most... Find out more


Tathra 57 km

Tathra is a great family destination with a mixed bag of fishing. Saltwater anglers can choose from estuary, surf, rock and blue-water, while freshwater offerings include streams and dams. The major fishing attraction... Find out more


Merimbula 77 km

Most visitors on family trips arrive at Merimbula with at least one fishing rod on board. Some give priority to the boat and tackle, then try to fit the family in around them. A good boat ramp is situated near the... Find out more


Pambula Lake 86 km

Pambula Lake, south of Merimbula, also known as the Broadwater, produces good catches of bream, dusky flathead, tailor, whiting, salmon, gummy sharks and mulloway. I fished this water with Bruce Libbis on one of his... Find out more


Eden 99 km

Anyone looking for fishing variety should visit Eden. Angling opportunities include offshore game, reef, beach, estuary and pier. Eden nestles snugly on the shoreline of Twofold Bay and, unlike Merimbula and Narooma... Find out more


Lake Wonboyn 115 km

Lake Wonboyn is one of my all-time favourite spots. Located about halfway between Eden and the border with Victoria, this large estuary system suits serious anglers and families. Some visitors to this estuary stay in... Find out more


Green Cape 117 km

Anglers who fish the east coast often refer to the January–March period as the ‘magic quarter’, when the East Australian Current brings millions of baitfish that in turn attract large predators, like... Find out more


Yaouk Valley 128 km

It was late autumn 1997 when I  arrived in Canberra to fish with  the late Chris Hole, fly-fisherman,  author and painter. Chris offered  to take me to some of his favourite trout streams that snake... Find out more


Lake Jindabyne 136 km

Lake Jindabyne sits on the eastern edge of Kosciuszko National Park and rates as one of southern Australia’s best trout waters. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, and Atlantic salmon. Some of the... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Cycling - Bega Valley to Orbost 57 km

Back Pedal Cycle Tours is an eco-certified tour company that offers a great range of supported, safe and family-friendly cycle tours, from single-day excursions in the Bega Valley, through to the three-day ‘Border... Find out more


Sailing - Batemans Bay 57 km

Batemans Bay Sailing Charters is eco-certified and offers sailing trips out of Batemans Bay on a 12.5-metre catamaran, from a three-hour cruise around the bay to overnight excursions.... Find out more


Bushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 95 km

From meanders along isolated beaches and around heath-covered headlands, to long hikes up rugged mountains in Budawang, Morton or Deua national parks, the South Coast provides limitless possibilities for great... Find out more


Platypus-watching - Bombala 110 km

If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out more


Sailing around Jervis Bay 132 km

Imagine. No engines. Just the flapping of a sail and the splash of the waves. The South Coast’s tranquil lakes and inlets are ideal for sailing. Jervis Bay Sailing Charters is one of several operators who will take... Find out more


Canoeing in the Snowys 136 km

It is certainly not the best spot in the country for canoeing and kayaking, but peaceful days can be had enjoying these activities on Lake Jindabyne, or more exciting adventures are possible on overnight excursions down... Find out more


Snowy Mountains Touring Company 137 km

Based on an unusual concept, this company offers a personal tour guide who can accompany you, in your vehicle, explaining the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the area as you travel. Either you can drive, or they... Find out more


Whale- and dolphin-watching around Huskisson 139 km

Many seaside towns on the South Coast have rightfully decided to champion the passing parade of marine mammals. From May to November there are more two-to-three-hour, whale- and dolphin-watching cruises than you can wave... Find out more


Picnicking around Canberra 140 km

There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out more


Cross-country skiing 156 km

A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Narooma Golf Club 1 km

Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out more


Royal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 139 km

When the site for the nation’s capital was selected in 1909, it was mainly rolling grassy plains with few trees. Little was known about what species might flourish in Canberra’s environment. The federal... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Casey’s Wholefood Cafe

Casey’s serves wholesome cafe fare with fantastic coffee. Situated on the hill in the middle of town, diners can pop in, unwind and feast on the sweeping ocean and coastal views. There are no fried foods at this... Find out more


Quarterdeck Marina & Cafe

No visit to Narooma is complete without a meal at this retro cafe overlooking the water. It features 1950s-style tables and chairs, with lashings of colour, and owner Chris is hard to miss in his Hawaiian work shirt. The... Find out more


The Whale Restaurant

The Whale Restaurant is located at the four-star Whale Motor Inn at the top of the hill, with wonderful views of the entrance to the Wagonga Inlet. The cosy dining room is lit on three sides by massive windows, and... Find out more


Anton’s at Kianga

For something a little different, why not go on a bike ride? Follow the meandering bike tracks from Narooma and they will lead you to Anton’s, right opposite the ocean with spectacular views of Montague Island and... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 138 km

Canberra may well claim to be the real ale capital of Australia on the strength of this single brew-pub, which sees more pints of hand-pumped ale pulled than any other joint in the land. From the well-balanced and... Find out more


Five Islands Brewing Company 213 km

Started by local Illawarra rugby league legend Michael Bolt in 2001, the Five Islands Brewing Company has travelled a markedly different course to most other craft-beer enterprises. FIBC began life as a beachside bar and... Find out more


Campsites around town

Wagonga picnic area 6 km

Take the Wagonga Scenic Dr from Princes Hwy north or south of Narooma, and it’ll lead you down to Wagonga Inlet and this picturesque picnic area. Facilities are basic, so you’ll need to bring a portable... Find out more


Bodalla Forest Park 8 km

This shady picnic spot surrounded by spotted gums is 9 km north of Narooma via the Princes Hwy. There’s some drinking water here, but best to bring your own. After lunch, you can stretch your legs on an easy... Find out more


Mystery Bay Campground (bush camping) 9 km

This is a gorgeous spot overlooking Mystery Bay, at the end of Mystery Bay Road signposted off the Princes Hwy 15 km south of Narooma. Even your dog gets to enjoy this one. The sites are shaded by tall and slender gums,... Find out more


Brou Lake camping area 10 km

In the middle of the coastal sweep of Eurobodalla National Park, Brou Lake offers swimming, beach walking, surfing, and lake and beach fishing. Anglers need to keep an eye out for signs depicting sanctuary zones where... Find out more


Red Creek camping area (bush camping) 22 km

This is a basic bush-camping site with no facilities, next to Red Creek. Bring your own everything, including toilet, drinking water and firewood. It’s 40 km south-west of Bodalla via Tuross River Rd and Red Creek... Find out more


Congo camping area 30 km

You’ll find this camping area at the point where Congo Creek meets the ocean – which makes it a top spot for swimming, fishing, beachcombing and canoeing. To reach it, follow Congo Rd from South Head Rd, off... Find out more


North Head Campground 35 km

A friendly and picturesque campground ringed with Norfolk pines and eucalypts, North Head is within walking distance of the beach. The other drawcard is the nearby town of Moruya, with its craft and novelty shops, Sat... Find out more


Aragunnu camping area 41 km

This northernmost campground can be accessed along Aragunnu Road off the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, about 25 km south of Bermagui. There’s a short, easy walk linking the northern and southern picnic areas, and a 200... Find out more


Lake Creek camping area 43 km

To get here, head west from Cobargo along Wandella Rd, then Yowrie Rd and Bourkes Rd. It’s 2WD, dry-weather access only, not suitable for caravans and only off-road camper trailers. Bring drinking water and... Find out more


Picnic Point camping area 45 km

Only 2 of the 18 campsites here are suitable for trailers, and as no bookings are taken you’ll just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Tent up amid gnarly banksias, then take your pick of swimming,... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Easts Narooma Shores Holiday Park 1 km

This is a huge park complex on the waters edge in the heart of Narooma. This is a popular place and bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more


Island View Beach Resort 3 km

Stroll to the beach or picnic on green lawns under shady trees at this quality park, located on the Princes Highway 5 km south of Narooma. With very good amenities and lots of appeal, it is ideal for a family holiday and... Find out more


Zane Grey Tourist Park 23 km

Close to the centre of town, this good quality park is popular with holidaymakers. The park was so named because the American writer Zane Grey once had a fishing shack on this piece of land. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


BIG4 Moruya Heads Easts Dolphin Beach Holiday Park 34 km

This is a popular park with spacious lawns. It has good facilities and we have stayed here often. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies during all holidays.... Find out more


River Breeze Tourist Park 35 km

This park overlooks the Moruya River on the north bank adjoining the highway, just a short walk across the bridge to the centre of town. It is a well-maintained park, popular with travellers. Bookings are required in... Find out more


BIG4 Broulee Beach Holiday Park 41 km

This is a quality caravan park located on a picturesque patrolled beach. There is a resort-style pool and undercover barbecues. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and... Find out more


BIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort 55 km

This great beachfront park is about 3 km from the centre of Batemans Bay. It has good amenities and gets extremely busy; bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies during Christmas, Easter... Find out more


Tathra Beach Family Park 57 km

This good quality, absolute beachfront park is located in the heart of Tathra. Just stroll to the beach from your site or take a short walk to the town centre, restaurants or club. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


Seabreeze Holiday Park 57 km

This is a very good quality park located across the road from the surf club, and just a stroll to local eateries. The features here are outstanding and include Austar television cabled to every site. Bookings are... Find out more


BIG4 Batemans Bay at Easts Riverside Holiday Park 58 km

The East family name is well known in the caravan park industry and this park is one of several owned by the group. Superbly located on the north bank of the Clyde River, this park has good amenities and lovely views... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Anchors Aweigh B&B

In the heart of Narooma, Anchors Aweigh has a choice of five four-star queen or king suites. Downstairs is the rustic dining room where you can enjoy breakfast, arrange to have dinner and enjoy the complimentary port and... Find out more


Whale Motor Inn

Narooma is renowned as one of the most unspoilt sections of coastline in Australia, if not the world. The four-star Whale Motor Inn has spectacular coastal views from its vantage point at the top of a hill, and offers a... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Alpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 147 km

Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out more


Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 150 km

These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out more


Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 178 km

This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out more


Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 213 km

This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Corunna Lake Park Area 5 km

71 km N of Bega (L) or 6 km S of Narooma (R) Very small area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S36 16.016 E150 07.742... Find out more


Bodalla Forest Park Rest Area 8 km

9 km N of Narooma (L) or 32 km S of Moruya (R) Large secluded area in the forest. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 09.063 E150 05.729... Find out more


Mystery Bay Camp Area 9 km

T/O 68 km N of Bega (R) or 9 km S of Narooma (L) Small shady campground located on the foreshore at a secluded beach 2 kilometres east of the highway. Limited facilities. Good shade. GPS: S36 18.032 E150... Find out more


Quaama Rest Area 36 km

31 km N of Bega (R) or 46 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 28.110 E149 51.979 ... Find out more


Waldrons Swamp Rest Area 40 km

8 km N of Moruya (R) or 20 km S of Batemans Bay (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 51.906 E150 07.158  ... Find out more


Bega Lookout Park Area 54 km

5 km N of Bega (R) or 72 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 38.692 E149 49.430... Find out more


Bemboka Rest Area 68 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. NOTE: Camping and showers available for a fee. GPS: S36 38.127 E149 34.696... Find out more


Fred Piper Memorial Lookout Park Area 74 km

14 km W of Bemboka (L) or 62 km E of Cooma (R) Very small parking bay adjacent to the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 35.841 E149 26.647... Find out more


Yellowpinch Dam Rest Area 75 km

32 km N of Eden (L) or 22 km S of Bega (R) Small area located 1 kilometre off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 51.068 E149 48.765... Find out more


Nimmitabel Park Area 83 km

South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out more


Mount Gladstone Lookout Rest Area 95 km

T/O 4 km W of Cooma (L) or 47 km SE of Adaminaby (R) Small area 1.5 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Steep access road. GPS: S36 15.04 E149 04.42... Find out more


Burrill Lake Park Area 96 km

South side of town Large town park in a pleasant lakeside setting just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S35 23.391 E150 26.652    ... Find out more


Hut Link Road Rest Area 112 km

89 km NE of Cann River (L) or 19 km SW of Eden (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 12.278 E149 50.695  ... Find out more


Scrubby Creek Rest Area 114 km

86 km NE of Cann River (L) or 22 km SW of Eden (R) Large area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 13.370 E149 49.797... Find out more


Adaminaby Park Area 125 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 59.822 E148 46.467  ... Find out more


Bewang Park Area 131 km

38 km N of Ulladulla (L) or 30 km S of Nowra (R) Small area adjacent to the highway, opposite the roadhouse. GPS: S35 05.123 E150 31.993 ... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River Rest Area 133 km

65 km NE of Cann River (L) or 43 km SW of Eden (R) Small area adjacent to the highway among a few large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 22.163 E149 42.885... Find out more


Genoa Rest Area 147 km

48 km NE of Cann River (L) or 61 km SW of Eden (R) Large area well off the highway on the north side of the river. Excellent facilities. Good shade. GPS: S37 28.351 E149 35.486... Find out more


The Rest House Park Area 148 km

28 km W of Adaminaby (L) or 63 km SE of Talbingo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 53.45 E148 32.24... Find out more


What's on around town

Narooma Oyster Festival: May.

Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Festival: Oct.

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