10 Top Things to Do in Narooma, NSW

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If you’re planning on exploring the quiet beach towns of NSW’s South Coast, then you might want to cast your eyes on Narooma.

Don’t let it’s size fool you, there are so many things to do in Narooma which makes it the ideal destination to visit for a quiet getaway from Sydney or Canberra.

Quite simply, Narooma is stunning. The scenery is breathtaking and so unique. I don’t think I have ever seen blue water so bright before in any other place in New South Wales.

We explored Narooma on bikes, which allowed us to easily get around the town’s top attractions.

This historic seaside town is home to less than 4,000 people, and with the nearest populated town of Bega being 57 kilometres, it can feel quite remote.

But if you’re planning to drive down the Princes Highway, you should make sure to stop for a day or two. And here’s why…

Is Narooma Worth Visiting?

Narooma is a quiet seaside town that offers both tranquility and remote peace and quiet, as well as outdoor activities and adventures.

While this may seem contradictory, it’s also what makes a great holiday destination as it caters to every type of traveler.

It’s also simply beautiful. It is said that the name Narooma comes from the ancient aboriginal word meaning “blue water” which is exactly what you will find here.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to rest up on a road trip, or you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination, you’ll find all this and more in Narooma, which is why it’s definitely worth visiting.

Things to Do in Narooma

If you’re thinking of heading this way but not sure what to do in Narooma, then here are the best attractions in Narooma.

1. Bike Along the Boardwalk to Bar Beach

There is the fabulous Mill Bay boardwalk that wraps around the inlet and hugs the coastline to Bar Beach.

There’s a picnic area and the Apex Park playground for the kids with beautiful views back over the Wagonga Inlet and Mount Gulaga.

The boardwalk is great for walking or cycling, and if you time it right, the chances of seeing stingrays close to shore are high.

The water is so clear you won’t miss them. We timed it wrong, but saw plenty of fish and a jellyfish, which Kalyra could not help but write about in her journal, especially because it was pink!

The bike trail continues for 12 km to Dalmeny Beach, but Kalyra was not up to riding that far. We only went around the corner to the headland before the bugs proved too much for her sanity and she melted down.

We drove around there the following day, and saw more of them frolicking. I had goosebumps thinking how incredibly lucky we are to be surrounded by rolling green hills, and mountains, abundant land wildlife, and then have whales dancing and playing nearby.

We had our own bikes, but you can rent e-bikes here if needed.

Watch this video of our cycling around Narooma:

2. Check out Foreshore Park

On one other lazy afternoon, we jumped back on the bikes for a pedal around to the Foreshore Park and discovered a fantastic tapas bar and restaurant, The Quarterdeck.

We had coffee and cake with views out to the inlet.

The Quarterdeck is also a great place to try some local seafood dishes such as fresh oysters, while watching the waves lapping in the ocean over the Wagonga Inlet.

It’s a popular place to come for meals and to hand feed the fish just off the jetty. The girls had a serious buzz doing this.

3. Head up to Bar Rock Lookout

For pretty nice views over town, head to the Bar Rock Lookout just out of town. To get there, simply head north over the bridge and after about 3-5 minutes on the left there is a small sign that says lookout.

Once you reach the lookout, you are met with incredible views overlooking Narooma.

4. See the Australia Rock

You must also head down the stairs to Australia Rock, a natural rock formation. I think this is one of the coolest things, I’ve ever seen in Australia.

Wowee! It’s just a swirling piece of brilliant blue beauty.

Why there were not crowds of visitors checking this out, I don’t know. And for the best timing be there at sunrise!

5. Visit the ABC Cheese Factory (Tilba Dairy)

Drive over to Central Tilba and check out the ABC Cheese Factory, home to the Tilba Real Dairy.

The dairy was established in 1891, making it the first cheese factory in New South Wales.

It produces award winning diary products, not only cheese, and visitors can enjoy tastings of these delicious products if they visit the factory.

If you can, plan your visit for a Saturday morning so you can check out the bustling Tilba Market.

6. Check out Glasshouse Rocks

Located at Narooma Surf Beach, Glasshouse Rocks is another incredible rock formation.

The ancient geological rock formation was formed between 510-440 million years ago.

You can also see a pillow lava flow cut into the rock on the northern end of the beach, which was said to have been formed by an underwater volcano. The pillow lava is 300 meters north of the car park.

It’s best to visit at low tide, so you can easily walk around the headland and the rock formations.

7. Visit Camel Rock Beach

Camel Rock Beach is another beautiful beach with an impressive volcanic rock formation. It’s located in Wallaga Lake near Bermagui, and aside from the rock formation, it’s known for its crystal clear waters and soft golden sand.

You can hike up to stunning lookouts overlooking stunning ocean vistas, where if you plan your visit for winter months, you may even spot some whales or dolphins.

Camel Rock Beach is a great place to enjoy snorkelling around the rock formations and coral gardens, since the waves here are usually quite gentle.

8. Go Golfing at Narooma Golf Club

Narooma’s golf courses are famous in Australia, and are ranked in the top 50 in the country.

You will find the public access courses perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, or in a headland surrounded by lakes. It’s not only world-class golfing but it has incredible views to admire at the same time.

Whether you’re a serious golfer or just after a bit of fun, the Narooma Golf Course is a great place to spend an afternoon.

9. Take a Boat Cruise to Montague Island Nature Reserve (Barunguba)

If you want to see some incredible wildlife, simply take a boat over to Montague Island where you can go snorkelling with schools of fish, as well as see wildlife wonders on the island itself.

The island is home to Australian fur seals and colonies of little penguins. There are also said to be more than 90 species of bird who call this island home, including pelicans.

The boat tour is not only a chance to see wildlife on their nature habitat on the island, but it also offers a special chance for whale watching, if you visit during the right time of year.

During the months of June to November, it’s possible to see humpback wales swimming in the warm waters on their annual migration. Sometimes you can also see dolphins swimming happily in the waters too.

You can also book tours from the Visitor’s Center to Montague Island.

10. Visit the Historic Lighthouse Museum

Narooma Lighthouse is not only a lighthouse, but it also contains the Narooma Visitor Centre and the The Lighthouse Museum.

Here you can discover the maritime history of Narooma and of Montague Island, as well as see the original optical apparatus from the Montague Island Light Station.

It is said that the lighthouse was the last manned lighthouse in NSW.

Where to stay in Narooma?

We stayed at the Big4 Caravan Park right on the water and in the centre of town. They have cabins and powered sites for camping and your own caravans, plus tons of things to do for kids.

There is a Kid’s Club, an outdoor swimming pool and a games room with a TV. For adults, there’s a barbecue area where you can cook your own food and mingle with other guests. There’s also an onsite laundry room, and kayak rentals.

Plus, you are a stone’s throw from the beach and the wharf, and just a 5-minute walk from the main street where you will find many cafes and restaurants.

You may also like:

• Horizon Holiday Apartments is a 4-star hotel, just a few minutes’ walk from Narooma Surf Beach and the town center.
• Just 800 feet from Forsters Bay, Whale Inn & Restaurant features a solar-heated swimming pool, a restaurant, and a barbecue area with outdoor seating. Free Wi-Fi and a private balcony with a scenic view

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Narooma

If you’re planning a road trip along the stunning far South Coast NSW, then you’ll find that Narooma is the ultimate holiday destination.

The clear waters of Narooma provide a perfect backdrop for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing in the sun.

Not to mention the beautiful trails leading to secluded spots, or the abundance of activities you can do on the water such as take a fishing or scuba diving trip.

You can make all sorts of exciting memories in Narooma, as well as disconnect from the stresses of city life for a while.

I hope this guide helped you plan your trip to Narooma and gave you some inspiration for what to do here.

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