The word NAROOMA is derived from the Yuin term for ‘clear blue water’ and that is exactly what you encounter as you cross over the bridge into the town. The inlet waters are crystal clear and with the backdrop of Gulaga Mountain the old bridge, the waters and the mountain have become an iconic image of this quiet South Coast town.
There is much to explore and Narooma makes it easy with a dedicated shared cycleway that gives safe access around the town so leave the car, grab a bike or pull on some waking shoes.
Narooma North
On the northern side of the inlet are the boatsheds tucked beside the bridge offer delectably fresh local seafood. Narooma plays a key role in the Australia’s Oyster Coast, and celebrates in style each May with the annual Narooma Oyster Festival.
Continue on your explorations of the northern side by following the inlet to the Mill Bay Walkway which traces itself along the water’s edge. This section of the inlet is part of the Batemans Marine Park so don’t be surprised to see huge rays or seals around the boatramp.
The boardwalk leads to Apex Park which has a netted beach (BAR BEACH) for a those who prefer calmer waters.
An excellent option if you are driving is to venture out along Riverview Road to The Oyster Farmers Daughter cafe and discover our local oysters.
On the southern side of the bridge there are two options to explore.
Narooma Sth - Option 1
Make your way along the shoreline to the Narooma Wharf where there is often a parade of wildlife queued up for fisher castoffs.
Continue to Bar Rock Road and then follow it up to the lookout before continuing down the hill to Australia Rock and the southern side of the Narooma Break wall. This area is favoured by a rowdy bunch of Australian fur seals. Don’t miss Australia Rock, a natural hole weathered into the remnants of volcanic activity hundreds of millions of years ago that just happens to be shaped like Australia.
The lookout gives extensive water views to Barunguba (Montague island) however you will see it clearer if you now follow the coast road south once again towards the Narooma Golf Course that has to be seen to be believed as having one of the best views of any golf course in the country. Where else can you putt and watch a whale breaching at the same time? Just down the hill from the golf course is the road to the Narooma Beach.
A much favoured though rarely suggested excursion is to the Narooma Cemetery that you can see from the beach on the headland to the south. The cemetery overlooks the Glass House Rocks. The rocks are recognised by the Geological Society of Australia as dating between 510 and 440 million years old and are possibly the most photographed rocks along the Eurobodalla coastline.
The view of the rocks is quite reasonable from the cemetery which is accessed via Glasshouse Rocks Road at the southern end of Narooma. At low tide you can walk round the headland from the Narooma Beach to Glasshouse Rocks North Beach as well. Just be mindful of the tides - Caution is advised.
Narooma Sth - Option 2
Narooma has two sides. The boisterous ocean side with whales, rocks, beaches and ocean views. And then there is the quiet side of the Wagonga Inlet with its boathouses, cafes, oyster sheds and marinas. This side also has a great area for family safe paddling with cycle, kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board hire in summer
Once you are done with exploring the town there is the draw of MONTAGUE ISLAND.
Barunguba (Montague island) one of Australia’s top destinations for a snorkel or diving with seals. For those who prefer to stay above water, Montague Island makes a great day trip, with whales, dolphins, flying fish and over 90 species of bird calling the area home throughout the year.
The granite lighthouse on the Island is almost 140 years old and retains most of its original features. Climbing the original winding stairs provides outstanding 360 degree views and a chance to spot passing whales.
For a unique overnight stay, accommodation is offered in both the lighthouse keeper’s, and assistant lighthouse keeper’s cottages.
The fishing around Narooma is superb and can be as easy as casting a line from the shore.
Be sure to look at Our MUST DO and MUST SEE menus above
NAROOMA TO DOs:
Click on the image for more info
Narooma has great beach options. On the northern side of the Inlet you will find Bar Beach which is a popular surf break. At Apex Park you will find a small family safe shark-netted beach. On the South side is the Narooma main beach which is patrolled and further south of Narooma you will find Handkerchief Beach which has a tidal inlet much enjoyed by families. This beach is a local secret so look for the coastal track just south of the caravan park a few kms south of Narooma.
Narooma has a rich and interesting history. Have a read, maybe visit the Montague Lighthouse museum, and then watch the town come alive as you walk it with fresh eyes.
A cycleway leads from Narooma to Dalmeny - 11kms. From the cycleway south of town that starts at Narooma Wharf continue over the bridge and follow Mill Bay walkway to Apex Park. From there click on the link to visit our CYCLING Page that has all the info you need.
Eurobodalla is a fishing wonderland with land and water options available to suit all ages and all abilities. For tips and location info visit our FISHING page
Go to the Movies at The Kinema
94 Campbell St, Narooma
The "Kinema" has become an icon in Narooma with its art deco influence and ambience, is something appreciated by locals and tourists alike. Narooma Cinemas (Kinema) is housed in the historic Soldiers Memorial School of Arts Hall which has been placed on the National Heritage Register because of its significance to the Community. Screening films since 1928 is the 4th oldest cinema screening films in Australia. The character of this Edwardian building has been maintained, enter the foyer and you can feel its charm. Ph 44762352
Visit Australia Rock and the seals
South Narooma Bar
Make sure you go out to the lookout and Australia Rock and while you are there look for the resident seals on the bar rockwall. Australia Rock is a popular photo opportunity. Viewed at just the right angle, the hole in the rock at Wagonga Head looks like a map of Australia.
WHERE TO EAT
Narooma has all manner of places to eat that suit most tastes and budgets.
A wonderful way to enjoy fresh local produce at an affordable price is to have a BBQ at one of our many free BBQs in town or by the coast. Source your protein locally, add to it a variety of locally grown fruit and vegetables and finish up with a perfect picnic of freshly baked local breads, cheeses and preserves. Perfect.
For the known eating options across the Eurobodalla, from takeaway to cafes and from restaurants and pubs to fine dining go to our interactive Eating Out Map below
There is no favouritism - ALL known providers are listed because that is what you need to know when you're hungry.