Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Nowra, Australia

The administrative and commercial hub of the City of Shoalhaven, Nowra, is a quaint town situated on the high, rugged banks of the Shoalhaven River.

This region of New South Wales is enriched with local agriculture, a spectacular coastline, and a thriving wine region, all contributing to its exceptional culinary offerings.

With towering cliffs lining the river, it presents its own allure, complete with picturesque lookouts and serene cruises.

Visitors can delve into coastal ecosystems at the expansive Jervis Bay Marine Park or visit historical house museums such as Bundanon Homestead, once the studio of painter Arthur Boyd.

1. Shoalhaven Zoo

This zoo boasts the most diverse collection of fauna along the South Coast, situated on the cliffs overhanging the Shoalhaven River.

Covering 6.5 acres of bushland, visitors can observe and interact with native Australian wildlife, including koalas, echidnas, various wallaby and kangaroo species, kookaburras, quokkas, emus, turtles, saltwater crocodiles, and dingoes.

Shoalhaven Zoo is also home to exotic species, including lions, meerkats, and marmosets.

For a more intimate experience, visitors can partake in various animal encounters, such as lion feeding, hand-feeding marmosets, cuddling meerkats, and handling native creatures like koalas and kangaroos during the Ultimate Aussie Experience.

2. Treetops Adventure Nowra

Nestled in the tree canopy adjacent to the zoo in Nowra Park is a high ropes course filled with adventure.

Participants navigate from tree to tree by overcoming a series of challenging aerial obstacles, which include cargo nets, rope bridges, and swinging walkways, while flying foxes zip through the canopy at high speeds.

This program accommodates individuals aged four and older, allowing participants to choose the difficulty level that best suits their abilities.

As you progress through the course, you’ll gain glimpses into the zoo’s animal enclosures and scramble along the cliffs bordering the Shoalhaven River.

A 2.5-hour session includes equipment fitting and a brief orientation.

3. Fleet Air Arm Museum

Situated just outside Nowra, HMAS Albatross serves as the primary naval air station for the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Australian Navy’s aviation division.

The museum on the base features an impressive collection of 34 aircraft, amassed since the mid-1970s.

Among the standout exhibits are a WWI-era Sopwith Pup, two McDonnell Douglas Skyhawks, two carrier-borne Fairey Gannets, a de Havilland Sea Venom, a de Havilland Sea Vampire, and a MiG-15. The collection emphasizes naval aviation, showcasing numerous helicopters, including five Westlands, two Sikorskys, three Bells, a Bristol Type 171 Sycamore, and a Eurocopter AS350.

These aircraft are meticulously displayed within a hangar, complete with detailed information and an extensive array of aviation equipment, photographs, documents, and artifacts tracing the history of naval aviation.

4. Meroogal

This weatherboard residence, constructed in 1886 for local widow Mrs. Jessie Catherine Thorburn and her four daughters, was remarkably grand by Nowra’s standards.

Over the subsequent century, the property was passed down through four generations of women, each contributing to the character of the home.

Meroogal holds the most well-preserved collection of Victorian furnishings and household items in an urban area throughout New South Wales.

It features numerous late-Victorian architectural details, including ornate verandah and balcony balustrades, arched window frames, cast iron fireplaces, and intricately designed wallpaper and ceilings.

Personal artifacts and diaries provide insight into the lives of the women who resided at Meroogal, while the charming garden has been restored to its original 1920s design.

5. Bens Walk

Commencing at the Nowra Showground, this gentle yet picturesque walking trail extends for a 5.5-kilometre loop along the Shoalhaven River and returns.

This path originated in the 1930s as part of a work initiative during the Great Depression, which provided employment to homeless individuals living in the caves in the area, linking the Showgrounds to West Nowra.

As you traverse Bens Walk, you will pass through riverside woodlands, gorges, and serene grassy banks.

A notable highlight is Hanging Rock, which will be discussed in further detail below.

Near Nowra Creek, you will encounter a delightful suspension bridge that leads to a picnic area.

This bridge was first constructed in 1886 and underwent renovation a century later.

6. Hanging Rock Lookout

Conveniently located near the Showgrounds, you will encounter a substantial rock formation featuring a natural cleft that allows foot traffic to pass through.

Upon entering this fissure, you will be greeted with expansive views around a bend in the Shoalhaven River, extending for what seems like miles.

Resting on a stone ledge amidst mature trees, the Hanging Rock Lookout rises to a height of 46 metres, providing an excellent vantage point for relaxation, photography, and appreciation of the stunning landscape.

The lookout faces west, resulting in particularly beautiful views during sunset.

7. Shoalhaven Regional Gallery

For those seeking cultural experiences, Nowra is home to the artistic center of the entire Shoalhaven Region.

The museum includes four exhibition areas, with the Main Gallery showcasing traveling national and regional collections, curated exhibitions, and displays featuring the considerable talent found in Nowra and its surrounding communities.

The Foyer, East, and Access galleries focus on more local artworks, consistently featuring something of interest.

Staying informed about the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery’s events will provide opportunities for engaging workshops, tours, talks, and activities aimed at fostering creativity among younger artists.

8. Jervis Bay Marine Park

Over 100 kilometers of coastline, located southeast of Nowra, is preserved as a national park.

This area largely encompasses the vast Jervis Bay, renowned for its remarkably clear waters due to its narrow entrance and unique currents.

The park features a remarkable range of environments, including beaches, reefs, rocky platforms, estuaries, mangrove forests, open ocean, seagrass beds, and kelp forests, fostering a multitude of wildlife.

Nature enthusiasts can observe over 210 species of fish, diverse marine mammals, and a variety of birds and reptiles.

Outdoor activities include exploring secluded beaches, whale and dolphin watching, as well as diving, fishing, and boating.

9. Shoalhaven River Cruise

Located at Nowra Public Wharf, this company provides a selection of scheduled trips along the Shoalhaven River throughout the year.

As you glide down the expansive river on the Shoalhaven Explorer, expect to observe unspoiled bushland, stunning sandstone cliffs, significant rural developments, and abundant wildlife.

The Shoalhaven Explorer has a capacity of 58 passengers and offers various options, including a journey to Greenwell Point with fresh fish and chips, a Morning Tea Cruise, a Twilight Cruise, and a 2.5-hour cruise upriver to Red Rock.

10. Nowra Fresh Fish & Meat Market

The South Coast is celebrated for its exceptional produce, particularly seafood.

For those planning a barbecue, this family-operated establishment is an excellent starting point.

The market is filled with a variety of seafood including prawns, lobster, squid, octopus, scallops, salmon, snapper, tuna, and bream.

Additionally, an oyster bar is manned by skilled shuckers, while ultra-fresh sushi and sashimi provide enticing options.

In terms of meats, there are various cuts of beef, lamb, and chicken, as well as more unique options like crocodile, emu, rabbit, and goat.

11. Shoalhaven Coast Wine Region

Nowra is situated within a wine region that extends along the New South Wales South Coast and into its hinterland.

Although viticulture is relatively new to this area of Australia, it has garnered admiration among wine enthusiasts for its mild climate, stunning ocean views, and excellent dining choices combining freshly caught seafood.

The coastal conditions help regulate temperatures, enabling the successful cultivation of varietals such as Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.

Chardonnays from the Shoalhaven Coast typically present light peach notes, making them very enjoyable and an excellent pairing with local seafood.

Wineries located near Nowra include Two Figs, Cupitt’s Estate, and Mountain Ridge Wines.

12. Bundanon Homestead

In 1993, the acclaimed landscape painter Arthur Boyd (1920-1999) and his artist wife Yvonne donated this expansive property along the Shoalhaven River to the Australian public.

This gesture aligned with Boyd’s philosophy that “one cannot own a landscape,” and he wanted the public to find the same inspiration here as he did.

Visitors can explore Boyd’s studio and the homestead, which dates back to 1860 and is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

The Bundanon Collection displays various artworks, while the upstairs gallery hosts intimate exhibitions that change regularly.

The premises also feature an education center and an artist-in-residence complex containing four art studios, a writer’s cottage, a dance studio, a musician’s cottage, and a silversmith studio.

During your visit, you can embark on walks through the bush and along the river, creating opportunities for relaxation while enjoying a picnic amidst the beautiful landscapes.

13. Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse

From Nowra, you can drive to the Crookhaven River’s mouth, situated at the Shoalhaven Estuary’s edge.

There, at Crookhaven Heads’ tip, stands a lighthouse established in 1904 to replace an earlier timber structure from the 1880s.

Although the building and its keepers’ cottage were in disrepair as of 2020, there are plans in the works for restoration in the upcoming years.

The main attraction, however, is the spectacular views from the lookout platforms at Crookhaven Heads, offering a breathtaking perspective across the Pacific Ocean, including stunning reef formations and rocky outcrops.

14. Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

This venue serves as the primary location for performing arts in the region, conveniently located in Nowra.

Opened in 2008 with a vibrant glass facade, it remains an architectural highlight more than a decade later.

The Auditorium and Studio theatres host a diverse lineup of classical music, plays, dance performances, live concerts, musicals, and comedy shows, along with numerous events tailored for children, including performances and drama classes.

Additionally, the venue is adaptable, allowing it to accommodate functions, sports events, dinners, conferences, and more. You don’t need to attend a live event to enjoy the café and two bars, which feature daily specials and a broad selection of beverages.

15. Nowra Farmers Market

Not merely an event but a permanent marketplace, Nowra’s Farmers Market relies on a robust network of local producers and consumers to maintain exceptional freshness.

Depending on the season, fruits and vegetables like lemons and spinach may be available on the shelves shortly after being harvested.

This ultra-fresh produce is complemented by an outstanding selection of specialty foods and delicacies sourced from both Australia and abroad.

Offering an extensive range of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and pâtés, as well as rice, tea, couscous, spices, bottled preserves, and exotic sauces, this market caters to diverse culinary needs.