Narooma
Town
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
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 moreBermagui 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 moreTathra 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 moreMerimbula 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 morePambula 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 moreEden 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 moreLake 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 moreGreen 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 moreYaouk 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 moreLake 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 moreEco-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 moreSailing - 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 moreBushwalking 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 morePlatypus-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 moreSailing 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 moreCanoeing 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 moreSnowy 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 moreWhale- 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 morePicnicking 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 moreCross-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 moreGolf 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 moreRoyal 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
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 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
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 moreFive 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 moreCampsites 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 moreBodalla 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 moreMystery 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 moreBrou 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 moreRed 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 moreCongo 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 moreNorth 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 moreAragunnu 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 moreLake 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 morePicnic 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 moreCaravan 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 moreStroll 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 moreBIG4 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 moreRiver 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 moreBIG4 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 moreBIG4 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 moreTathra 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 moreSeabreeze 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 moreBIG4 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
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 moreAdobe 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 moreJacarri 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 moreArthur’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 moreRest areas around town
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 moreT/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 moreWaldrons 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 moreBega 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 moreBemboka 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 moreFred 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 moreYellowpinch 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 moreNimmitabel Park Area 83 km
South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out moreMount 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 moreBurrill 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 moreHut 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 moreScrubby 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 moreAdaminaby Park Area 125 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 59.822 E148 46.467 ... Find out moreBewang 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 moreWallagaraugh 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 moreGenoa 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 moreThe 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 moreWhat's on around town
Narooma Oyster Festival: May.
Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Festival: Oct.