Nowra

The traditional owners of the land south of the river are the Wandi-Wandandian people of the Yuin nation; "Nowra" is an Aboriginal word meaning "black cockatoo". The town centre is essentially a service town, a short diversion off the Princes Highway, with a shopping mall and a handful of specialty shops — a good place to stop for supplies or a coffee, though the centre itself, set back from both the river and the coast, isn't especially scenic.

The real appeal of Nowra lies in its surroundings. The Shoalhaven River, the lush hinterland and the spectacular nearby beaches make for superb scenic drives and, with careful planning, cycling along quiet country lanes. The Shoalhaven is one of the South Coast's most beautiful and varied districts, and Nowra makes a practical base for exploring it.

The climate is mild and coastal, warmest and busiest over the summer holidays; spring and autumn are pleasant and quieter. The region can be very busy during the Christmas–January peak.

By Train

Trains on the South Coast Line run to Bomaderry station, the line's southern terminus, north of the Shoalhaven River from Nowra township; a connecting bus crosses the road bridge to Nowra (extra fare). From anywhere north of Kiama you must change from electric to diesel trains at Kiama for the last leg, so some indicator boards show services terminating at Kiama — check the timetable or ask station staff. The trip from Sydney's Central station takes about 3–3.5 hours. Bomaderry is on the Opal network, so no bookings or seat reservations are needed, and fares are cheap for the distance (the Opal Sunday cap makes it especially good value).

By Car / Road

Nowra is just off the Princes Highway, about 163 km (roughly 2.5 hours) south of Sydney, and is the gateway between the Illawarra to the north and the South Coast stretching south. It connects inland via Kangaroo Valley to the Southern Highlands. Coach services also run along the Princes Highway corridor.

A car is by far the best way to explore the Shoalhaven, as the river, beaches and hinterland villages are spread out and public transport between them is limited. The town centre is walkable, and local buses connect Nowra with Bomaderry and nearby suburbs. For cyclists, the quiet country lanes of the hinterland reward careful route planning.

• Shoalhaven River — The broad river that defines the town, good for boating, fishing and riverside walks; the heritage road and rail bridges at Nowra are local landmarks.

• Shoalhaven Zoo — A wildlife park on the riverbank with native and exotic animals.

• Coastal beaches — A string of superb beaches lies a short drive east, from the white sands of Jervis Bay nearby to quieter local beaches.

• Hinterland and lookouts — Scenic drives lead to Kangaroo Valley, Cambewarra Mountain lookout and the surrounding ranges.

• Scenic drives — Explore the river, the coast and the hinterland villages on day loops from town.

• Beaches and water sports — Nearby Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven coast offer swimming, surfing, kayaking and boating.

• Cycling — Quiet country lanes through the hinterland suit relaxed riding.

• Wine and produce — The Shoalhaven Coast wine region has cellar doors within easy reach.

Nowra has a practical spread of cafés, pub bistros, takeaways and casual restaurants serving the town and passing travellers, with fresh local seafood and Shoalhaven produce featuring in the better venues.

The town's historic hotels and cafés cover the basics, and the surrounding Shoalhaven Coast wine region offers cellar-door tasting nearby. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget — Motels and caravan parks around town and toward the river.
• Mid-range — Motor inns and riverside accommodation in and around Nowra and Bomaderry.
• Upscale — Boutique and coastal retreats in the wider Shoalhaven and toward Jervis Bay.

The town's shopping mall and specialty shops cover everyday needs and make Nowra the main supply point for the region. Local produce, wine and crafts from the Shoalhaven are sold at farm gates, cellar doors and regional markets.

• Jervis Bay (around 30 km / 35 min) — Dazzling white-sand beaches and turquoise water.
• Kangaroo Valley (around 25 km / 30 min) — Lush hinterland village popular for kayaking and scenery.
• Berry (around 20 km / 20 min) — Charming heritage village known for its cafés and shops.
• Ulladulla / Mollymook (around 60 km / 45 min) — Relaxed coastal towns to the south with great beaches.
• Kiama (around 50 km / 40 min) — Coastal town famous for its blowhole, to the north.
• Booderee National Park (around 45 km / 45 min) — Coastal park at Jervis Bay with beaches and bushland.