Narooma
Narooma comes from the Aboriginal ‘clear, blue water’ which is exactly what you’ll discover here… and so much more.
Narooma is one of the most spectacular and picturesque towns on the NSW south coast, with a series of sweeping bends leading you to the stunning aquamarine waters of the estuary and old steel bridge. The Wagona Inlet and bay waters are instantly inviting, and the urge to pull over and immerse yourself in the landscape is hard to resist.
A symphony of blues
The thrill of seeing the intense blue waters of the Narooma coast and Wagonga Inlet is something you will never forget. It’s a sensation that never fades for those that call Narooma home and those who return time after time to holiday with family and friends. The colour and feeling it nurtures stay with you. So too will the memories and experiences Narooma allows you to create.
Things To Do in Narooma
There are so many things to do in Narooma. A visit to Narooma breaks your everyday routine with a rush of activities to consider – recreational fishing in close or out wide, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking.
The network of pathways and the popular Mill Bay Boardwalk lead in and out of Narooma and offer up more ideas – seeking out sting rays or schools of fish, cycling, strolling, skating or running.
If you’re a golfer no trip to Narooma is complete without tackling the famous Hogan’s Hole at Narooma Golf Club. The course arguably offers some of the most stunning views on the New South Wales coast. In whale season you can easily get distracted by the antics of migrating southern right and humpback whales.
Tourist Drive 5 will take you to the nearby coastal villages of Kianga and Dalmeny. Gorgeous beaches and jaw dropping vistas of coastline and out to Barunguba Montague Island make this one of Eurobodalla’s favoured holiday destinations.
A short drive south on the highway will lead you past a string of waterways, including Corunna Lake, and through national parks and into the foothills of Gulaga Mountain in the historic Tilba region. The area is renowned for pure produce, bespoke arts and crafts, and heritage architecture. Central Tilba is home to the ABC Cheese Factory and the Dromedary Hotel, well-known local heritage landmarks. The historic factory still produces fine cheeses and dairy products today for the Tilba Real Dairy, from the creamy milk of local Jersey cows raised on their Central Tilba farm.
Mystery Bay is a short detour off the Princes Highway and is surrounded by national parks, forest and farmland. The ancient rock formations, rock pools, pristine beaches and local wildlife make this a popular holiday destination. Nearby on the western side of the highway is Tilba Valley Winery & Alehouse. Set on the banks of Corunna Lake and the northern low lying foothills of Gulaga, the winery is a popular venue for a lazy lunch with live music, local wines, craft beers and ales.
Bike or beach?
Grab your bike and hit the Narooma to Dalmeny cycle track. This 21km ride between Narooma and Dalmeny village rewards cyclists with breathtaking scenery as you peddle along a shared concrete path following the shores of Wagonga Inlet and the ocean. Rest at scenic stops at Kianga and viewing platforms along the way. BYO bike or hire one (e-bike or mountain bike) from Southbound Escapes Narooma.
Or of your riding vocab includes words like gravity, flow and rock tech, then Narooma Trails is a must do MTB experience. Allow plenty of time to try the 54 trails over three riding zones.
There is a wide choice of nearby beaches. A short drive north to Dalmeny you will find Yabbara Beach, one of a series of small beaches stretching south to Narooma. Narooma Bar Beach North, is popular with surfers. Just south of the rock wall is a small beach perfect for paddling in the calmer waters of the inlet.
Narooma Surf Beach, looks out to Barunguba Montague Island and just a short stroll down the beach you can see the spectacular rock formations of Glasshouse Rocks. Glasshouse Rocks are a prominent geological feature of the Narooma coast and are estimated to be between 510-440 million years old.
Walks
There is a lot to explore on foot on the northern and southern side of the inlet. The Mill Bay Boardwalk meanders along the water’s edge. A watery playground where schools of fish, rays, dolphins and seals often make appearances. Wide enough for walking, cycling and fishing, the boardwalk leads to Apex Park, where the nearby clear waters at Narooma’s Bar Beach invite you to dive in for a sheltered swim or snorkel.
Bar Rock Road leads you to the landmark known locally as Australia Rock. Climb the stairs to Bar Rock lookout for a spectacular vantage point with views out to Barunguba Montague Island and across Narooma Bar beach. The breakwalls line the entrance between the ocean and the quieter waters of the inlet and provide a handy sunbaking and rest stop for local Australian and New Zealand fur seals.
Take a walk around the glassy waters of Forsters Bay on the western side of the town. The inlet waters are ideal for sheltered kayaking around the moored boats and oyster farms.
And so much more
The town of Narooma has plenty to offer, and you won’t go hungry or get bored.
Dining & local produce
The many restaurants, cafés and galleries reflect Narooma’s open and authentic way of life… you’ll feel like a local in no time. The views from some of Narooma’s dining options are unforgettable.
Head down to Forsters Bay for more water views. The timber boatsheds tucked beside the bridge offer fresh local oysters and seafood direct to the public, with oysters shucked in front of you if you’d like to eat them then and there.
The Tilba Market is a weekly farmers market held at the Big Hall at central Tilba. Get in early to grab some of the freshest local produce on the south coast.
Shopping & entertainment
The local Kinema, in all her art deco glory, is on the National Heritage Register and screens blockbusters alongside arthouse fliks. Also, and best of all, housemade choctops!
Shopping in Narooma is spread between ‘the flat’ just south of Narooma Bridge, the main street hill and Narooma Plaza on the south side of town. A little further north on Tourist Drive 5, Dalmeny has a bustling shopping centre and cafes with gobsmacking views of the ocean.
Fun on the high seas
The fishing around Narooma is superb and can be as easy as casting a line from the shore. The waters here are productive year-round with the estuary offering bream, flathead and leatherjacket, and the ocean reefs providing snapper, morwong, wrasse, trevally, and kingfish. Game fishing here is internationally renowned with yellowfin tuna, albacore, and striped and black marlin found closer to the continental shelf.
Barunguba Montague Island
Narooma is the gateway to Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve, just 9km offshore, an environment sure to tease your adventurous spirit.
Barunguba draws in nature above and below the ocean like nothing else along our coastline. The natural wonder of Barunguba Montague Island is not only as a New South Wales south coast fishing hotspot. Barunguba Montague Island is a mecca for marine life including whales, New Zealand and Australian fur seals, little penguins and migratory birds. Visiting Barunguba Montague Island is a must-do with plenty of adventure activities on offer like whale watching, penguin tours, scuba diving, snorkelling, seal dives, grey nurse shark dives, wildlife cruises and bird watching trips.
Getting to Barunguba Montague Island
You can explore the natural and historical features of the island including the Lighthouse precinct (subject to access) on a charter boat tour to the beautiful Barunguba Montague Island.
Overnight stays are also available. Bookings are managed by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. Find out more.
Plan your trip to Narooma
Start planning your next trip now!
Getting to Narooma
Drive, fly or catch a coach. For driving routes and transport options see our Getting Around page.
Where to stay in Narooma
Stay overnight in Narooma or linger for a few days or weeks and really get to experience all that Narooma offers. Narooma has accommodation to suit all budgets, from primitive camping to luxury apartments with gorgeous views over Wagonga Inlet.
Help and advice
When you visit Narooma drop into one of our visitor information outlets to pick up a map and ask a local for their favourite things to do in Narooma
Top 10 things to do in and around Narooma
- Take a sunset stroll on the Mill Bay Boardwalk
- Capture a selfie at Bar Rock lookout and Australia Rock
- Walk to Glasshouse Rocks from Narooma Surf Beach at low tide
- Visit Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve – swim with the fur seals
- Try the local produce – shuck a famous Narooma oyster!
- Hit the boat ramp and catch your dinner
- Go whale watching in Spring
- Kayak the pristine waters of Wagonga Inlet
- Hire an e-bike and explore the northern side of Narooma
- Dine on the waterfront at Forsters bay
See more things to do in Narooma
Narooma Oyster Festival
This annual festival celebrates the region’s oysters, the growers, their quality local produce, chefs, and rich artistic and cultural talents.
Enjoy it all from the festival’s stunning location at Forsters Bay, usually held in Autumn, check the website for the next festival dates.
Learn more about Narooma and the surrounding area
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Golfing the coast
Prefer your round of golf to come with cliffside sea views or be an easy stroll from the centre of town? Keen to try your skills on dog legs or double greens? Whatever your preference, the Eurobodalla’s three golf courses have it, with year-round play to boot (yes, winter conditions really can be fantastic). Club ...