With its picturesque town centre and beautiful riverside setting, Nowra is a fantastic gateway to the Shoalhaven region. With its rolling vineyards, silvery bushland and breathtaking waterscapes it's easy to see why it has inspired iconic Australian artists like Arthur Boyd.
Things to do in Nowra
Nowra is 17 kilometres from a coastline boasting the stunning Jervis Bay Marine Park, which has the whitest sand on the planet. Hyams Beach shimmers in the sunlight, with powder white sand so soft it squeaks as you walk.
With its fertile soil and sunny climate, Nowra is prime winemaking country Elegant Coolangatta Estate has been crafting boutique wines since 1822 and today has a cellar door tasting tour. Stroll around its vineyards or enjoy a gourmet meal at its on-site restaurant, Alexanders Grill.
Do you love art? Visit the historic Bundanon homestead, once home to legendary Australian painter, Arthur Boyd. The house is now an art gallery showcasing works by Boyd himself, as well as fellow contemporaries like Sidney Nolan. Visitors are also welcome to picnic on Bundanon's tree-shaded lawn.
From Australian kangaroos to African lions, Shoalhaven Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly attraction. It sits on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, a few kilometres from the Nowra town centre. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for one of the exciting animal encounters, from feeding marmoset monkeys and lions to meeting a wombat.
Getting around Nowra
Nowra’s town centre is easy to navigate on foot, but it’s best to hire a car if you want to explore the greater Shoalhaven region. Allow one hour if you're driving from Wollongong and two hours if you're coming from Sydney.