Nowra
Population 11,600
Nowra is situated on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, on the south coast
of New South Wales.
Climate
Average temperatures: January max 26C (79F) - min 18C (64F); July max 17C
(63F) - min 9C (48F). Average annual rainfall: 1275mm (50 ins).
Characteristics
Nowra is the hub of the City of Shoalhaven, which has a population of around
83,000. The city area stretches from Berry to Durras North, and has 109
ocean, bay and lakeside beaches, lush rolling pastures, craggy mountain
haunts and bush trails.
The town has produced two Melbourne Cup winners - Archer and Arwon.
How to Get There By Rail
Bomaderry is the terminus of the South Coast Railway, and there are train
services daily from and to Sydney, 13 2232.
Pioneer Motor Service operates a daily bus service which connects with
the train, 13 3410.
By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, have daily services from Sydney/Melbourne/Sydney
which stops at Nowra.
By Road
From Sydney, via the Princes Highway - 162km (100 miles).
Visitor Information
The Shoalhaven Visitor Information Centre, cnr Princess Highway & Pleasant
Way, 4421 0778 or 1800 024 261, is open 9am-4.30pm daily. Their internet
details are www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au for
tourist information and beverlyc@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au for email contact.
Accommodation
Here is a selection of available accommodation with prices for a double
room per night, which should be used as a guide only. The telephone area
code is 02.
Pleasant Way Motor Inn, Pleasant Way, 4421 5544. 22 units, swimming pool,
spa, barbecue - $95.
Parkhaven Motor Lodge, cnr Kinghorn & Douglas Streets, 4421 6444. 30
units, licensed restaurant, swimming pool - $95-160.
Marriott Park, cnr Princes Highway & Douglas Street, 4421 6999. 16
units - $70-85.
George Bass Motor Inn, 65 Bridge Road, 4421 6388. 10 units, comfortable
rooms - $80-100.
Cross Country Motel, 242 Kinghorn Street, 4421 7777. 18 units, swimming
pool, barbecue - $70-80.
Nowra Motor Inn, 202 Kinghorn Street, 4421 0555. 30 units, licensed restaurant,
swimming pool - $70-80.
Riverhaven Motel, Scenic Drive, 4421 2044. 22 units, licensed restaurant,
indoor heated pool, barbecue - $60-75.
Caravan Parks
Shoalhaven Caravan Village, Terara Road, 4423 0770. (Pets allowed under
control) - powered sites $17 for two, cabins $30-70 for two.
Rest Point Caravan Park, Browns Road, 4421 6856. (No pets allowed) 80 sites,
playground, barbecue - powered sites $20-24, cabins $55-100.
Eating Out
Nowra has a wide selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and four licensed
clubs. Many of the motels also have restaurants. Some of the choices
are:
Nowra Steak House, 16 Kinghorne Street, 4423 4193.
Captain's Table, 202 Kinghorne Street, 4421 0555.
Boatshed, Wharf Road, 4421 2419.
Trevi Fountain, 223 Kinghorne Road, 4423 0285. Italian cuisine.
Riverhaven, Riverhaven Motel, 1 Scenic Drive, 4421 2044.
Shoreline, Parkhaven Motel, cnr Kinghorn & Douglas Streets, 4421 5444.
Nowra Palace, 54 Berry Street, 4421 4902. Malayasian and Chinese selection.
Theodore's Brasserie, 116 King-horne Street, 4421 0300.
Leong's Chinese Restaurant, 83 North Street, 4421 2131.
McDonald's is on the corner of Cambawarra Road, Bomaderry, and the Princes
Highway & Browns Road, South Nowra, 4421 1099. KFC is in Lot 22, Princes
Highway, South Nowra. Pizza Hut is on the corner of McLean Street and the
Princes Highway in Nowra, 4421 4199.
Points of Interest
Cruises of the Shoalhaven River are available from Shoalhaven River Tours,
49 Greenwell Point Road, Greenwell Point, 4447 1978.The old Shoalhaven
River bridge was erected in 1881. To cope with the heavy volume of traffic
across the River, a second bridge was erected in 1980. In Moorhouse Park,
Bridge Road, there is an old flood rescue boat from Terara.
Nowra Olympic Pool and Nowra Waterways are in Scenic Drive and are open
from September to Easter, 4421 2093.
The Showground, in West Street, is the venue for the two-day agricultural
show held in February each year. In the Showground there is the Council
Youth Centre, and the Memorial gates, which were built to commemorate servicemen
who died in action in the two World Wars.
At the western end of the Showground is Hanging Rock, a precariously positioned
formation with views across the River and Nowra Golf Course.
Ben's Walk is a walking track which follows the river bank from the track
head near Shoalhaven River Bridge to Nowra Creek, which is spanned by a
suspension bridge.
On the corner of West and Worrigee Streets, is Meroogal, an historic house
built by Robert Taylor-Thorburn in 1886. It is now owned by the Historic
Houses Trust of New South Wales, and is open Sat 1pm-5pm and Sun 10am-5pm.
For further information, 4421 8150.
Shoalhaven Historical Museum, cnr Kinghorn & Plunkett Streets, is open
Sat-Sun 1-4pm, and on Mon, Wed and Fri during school holidays 1pm-4pm,
4421 2021.
Werninck Craft Cottage, 102 Plunkett Street, is open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3.30pm,
Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, 4423 2419.
Situated on the corner of Kinghorn & Kalandar Streets is a Sea Venom
Jet, which has been donated by HMAS Albatross. A short history of the aircraft
and type of service is on a plaque at the site.
HMAS Albatross Travel south from Nowra along the Princes Highway to the
Kalandar Street intersection, turn right at the traffic lights and follow
the signs.
The Royal Australian Naval Air Station, HMAS Albatross, 9km (6 miles) south-west
of Nowra, is the home of the Fleet Air Arm. The fixed-wing section at the
base was disbanded, due to the lack of an aircraft carrier, and the station
now concentrates on helicopters. Educational tours can be arranged, 4421
1211 for more information.
The Naval Aviation Museum at the Air Station has the finest collection
of historic military aircraft in Australia, and a good collection of engines,
aviation equipment, models, uniforms and memorabilia. Picnic, barbecue
and toilet facilities are provided, and it is open daily 10am-4pm, 4421
1920.
Near the base is the Nowra Hill Lookout, with panoramic views of the Shoalhaven
and Jervis Bay area. There is a pleasant stroll from there along Commodore's
Walk to the Harry Sawkins Memorial Lookout.
Festivals
February - Nowra Agricultural Show.
November - The Shoalhaven Spring Festival.
Facilities
Lawn bowls, canoeing, fishing, golf, sailing, scenic drives, squash, swimming,
tennis, water skiing, 4WD escapes and bushwalking tours. Check with the
information centre.
Boats can be hired from the following outlets:
Aquatique, 125 Junction Street, 4421 8159 - canoes, scuba and diving gear,
surf and wave skis.
Shoalhaven Caravan Village, Terrara Road, 4423 0770 - canoes.
Outlying Attractions Shellharbour
The town of Shellharbour is around twenty minutes' drive south of Wollongong
on the coastal road. There are caravan and camping areas, modern motels,
one of the state's largest licensed clubs, an attractive corner pub, golf,
bowls, great restaurants and beautiful beaches.
The name Shellharbour is derived from the many Aboriginal shell middens
found here and at nearby Bass Point. The location is listed on the Heritage
Commission Register, and is regarded as one of the two most important archaeological
sites on the NSW coast.
Bass Point is a popular diving area, as part of its
waters form a marine reserve. There is an airport at nearby
Albion Park, and joy flights are offered. Nearby is the turnoff
to Jamberoo Recreation Park, where you can play mini
golf, go bobsledding, grass ski, or take the chairlift to
the mountain top. There is also a maze, a licensed family
restaurant, children's play area and a barbecue hut.
For more information contact the Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre,
4221 6169. They are located in Lamerton House, Lamerton Crescent, and are
open 8.30am-4.40pm Mon-Fri, closed weekends and public holidays. They can
be emailed at tourism @shellharbour.nsw.gov.au and the web address is www.shellharbour
.nsw.gov.au
Kiama
Kiama is a seaside town 36km (22 miles) south of Wollongong. The Blowhole
is the main attraction, but nowadays it only seems to 'blow' in nasty
weather. In any case, it is floodlit until 9.30pm.
The best way to explore Kiama is on foot, strolling around the foreshore
area. First, visit the burial site of one of the members of the First Fleet,
and then walk around the showground that overlooks Storm Bay's jagged rocks,
to the town's popular Surf Beach. You can picnic in the adjoining park,
or continue through the town centre taking in the historic grand old homes
and commercial buildings on the way.
The Terraces, a row of historic timber cottages, are now gift and specialty
stores, and a good place to pick up a bargain. Most of the stores are open
daily 10am-5pm.
The Family History Centre, 7 Railway Parade, 4233 1122, has comprehensive
in-house microform and data inventory to enable people to trace their family
trees. The Centre is open daily 9.30am-4.30pm.
The Quarry Leisure Centre, Havilah Place, 4232 1877, has a 25m heated swimming
pool, a wading pool, sauna, spa, aerobics, and facilities for indoor sports.
Minnamurra Falls
The Falls are 15km (9 miles) west of Kiama, in a dense subtropical rainforest,
and plunge some 50m (164 ft) into a deep gorge. There is a delightful walk
from the parking area through the rainforest to the Falls, and the round
trip takes about an hour.
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
The Reserve is 25km (16 miles) west of Kiama on the Jamberoo Mountain Road,
and affords magnificent views from the lookout. There is a unique hanging
swamp and bird observatory, and picnic and barbecue facilities.
The Kiama Visitors Centre is on Blowhole Point Road, 4232 3322 or 1300
654 262 (free call). Open 9am-5pm daily, they have information on accommodation
available, and all the places of interest. You can check the area out on
the web at www.kiama. com.au and
email them for more information at kiamatourism@ ozemail.com.au
Berry
Called the Town of Trees, Berry more than lives up to its name, and is
16km (10 miles) north of Nowra. The town has a population of around 1600,
with shopping facilities, motel and hotel accommodation, restaurants,
and many antique and craft shops.
The Berry Historical Museum, Queen Street, is open Sat 11am-2pm, Sun 11am-3pm
and public holidays 11am-2pm, 4464 1551, and they can point out the other
buildings in the town classified by the National Trust, such as the Court
House and National Bank.
Berry Country Fair, featuring local crafts and second- hand goods, is held
at Apex Park, cnr Princes Highway & Prince Alfred Street, on the first
Sunday of the month.
Local information can be obtained from Pottering Around, on the corner
of Queen and Alexandra Streets, 4464 2177.
Shoalhaven Heads
The township of Shoalhaven Heads is at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach,
about 13km (8 miles) east of Bomaderry. It is a popular holiday spot
near Seven Mile Beach National Park. The town offers a bowling club,
fishing facilities and a swimming pool. You can hire bicycles at Shoalhaven
Heads Hardware Store, 4448 7707.
Nearby is Coolangatta Estate Historic Village Resort, 1335 Bolong Road,
4448 7131, the site of the first settlement in the Shoalhaven district.
The complex comprises buildings erected by the district's founder, Alexander
Berry, that have been restored as motel units. There is also a 9-hole golf
course, a winery, and picnic areas and barbecues.
The Coolangatta Craft Centre, 1180 Bolong Road, is housed in the original
school house, established in 1861. It is hopen Wed-Mon 9am-5pm, and daily
during school holidays, 4448 7205.
Cambewarra Mountain Lookout. The lookout is on Tourist Road, Beamont, north
of Bomaderry, and offers panoramic views of the Shoalhaven River Valley
and the coastline. Picnic, barbecue and toilet facilities are provided.
There is also a kiosk which is open Fri-Wed 9am-5pm and daily during the
Christmas school holidays, 4465 1321.
Bomaderry/North Nowra
The town of Bomaderry is really a northern suburb of Nowra, separated from
it by the river. It has a large shopping centre, Narang Road Supergrass
Tennis Centre, Shoal-haven Sporting Complex, and a Basketball Stadium.
Bomaderry Railway Station is the terminus of the South Coast Railway
Line, 4423 6416.
Bomaderry Creek Walk is a track that follows Bomaderry Creek from below
the Ten Pin Bowling Centre in Narang Street. Walkers have a choice between
a three hour walk and a one hour walk, and picnic and barbecue facilities
are available at the track head.
Nowra Golf Club is situated under bush-covered escarpment, near the river
in North Nowra, Greys Beach. The clubhouse has first class facilities,
and the scenic 18-hole course offers a challenge. Visitors are welcome,
4421 3900 (pro-shop 4421 2249). The Grotto Walk, west of the golf course,
is an easy walk following the River, and beginning off Yurunga Drive.
From Rockhill Lookout, off McMahons Road, you can get a spectacular view
of the river.
Nowra Wildlife Park Huskisson
The town of Huskisson, on the shores of Jervis Bay, is 24km (15 miles)
south-east of Nowra, and has a shopping centre, a modern RSL club and
bowling clubs. It is a real holiday spot, and during the Christmas holiday
period a movie theatre and carnival operate in the town. The sands of
Jervis Bay are renowned as the whitest in the world, and each Easter
Huskisson hosts the White Sands Carnival.
The Lady Denman Heritage Complex in Dent Street is worth a visit. The Lady
Denman is an old Sydney ferry which was originally built at Huskisson,
and saw many years of service on Sydney Harbour. After she retired she
was sailed back to Huskisson, placed in the park at the Heritage Complex,
and now contains the Museum of Jervis Bay, Science and The Sea. The park
is open daily 9am-5pm, and the museum is open Tues-Fri 1-5pm, Sat-Sun and
school holidays 10am-5pm. Nearby is Lady Timbery's Aboriginal Arts and
Crafts Centre, 4441 5999.
Vincentia
Across the Moona-Moona Creek Bridge from Huskisson is the town of Vincentia,
30km (19 miles) south-east of Nowra. This is another holiday town, with
shops, and a 9-hole golf course with superb views of Jervis Bay and the
Pigeon House Mountain.
Plantation Point offers sweeping views of Jervis Bay to Bowen Island and
Point Perpendicular, and there are barbecue and toilet facilities.
Jervis Bay Territory
This area is part of the Australian Capital Territory, and is 35km (22
miles) from Nowra. It contains the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS
Cresswell, the Jervis Bay Nature Reserve and Botanic Gardens Annex. The
ruined lighthouse overlooking the ocean is quite interesting. It was
built in the wrong place and proved to be a navigational hazard luring
boats to their doom on the rocky coastline. The navy was requested to
shell it!
At Jervis Bay Village you will find a public telephone, police station,
supermarket, general store and petrol station. The Administrative Office
of Jervis Bay Territory is situated in the grounds of the village, 4442
1217.
Booderee National Park is managed by Jervis Bay Administration, and there
is a Visitors Centre on the left near the entrance, 4443 0977. In keeping
with the protection of the environment, spear guns, handspears, dogs and
other domestic animals are not permitted in the reserve, and fires can
only be lit in defined barbecue areas. For enquiries about camping in the
park, call into the Visitor Centre, which is open 8.30am-5pm in the Christmas-Easter
period, and 9am-4pm during the off-peak season. Entry into the park is
$5 per car weekly.
Green Patch is a camping and picnic area within the National Park, and
has a sheltered beach, toilets, hot showers, wood barbecues and picnic
tables. There is prolific birdlife, many interesting bush walks, and a
camping ground that allows a maximum of three weeks' stay.
Murrays Beach, Summer Cloud Bay and Cave Beach are other popular spots
within the Reserve.
HMAS Cresswell was established as an officer training college in 1915,
and visits to the grounds of the college are permitted on a limited basis
(20 minutes on weekends and most public holidays), 4429 7985 for details.
In the college is the Royal Australian Naval College Historical Collection,
with a display of artefacts specifically related to the college and the
Jervis Bay area, and Peter Webber's collection of model sailing ships.
It is open on the last Sunday of each month, or by appointment, 4429 7845.
The Jervis Bay Annex to the Australian National Botanic Gardens is 2km
along the Cave Beach Road, and has a large variety of native plants collected
from all parts of Australia. Facilities include nature walks, toilets and
picnic area, but no barbecues are permitted. The annex is open Mon-Fri
8am-4pm, and the first Sunday of the month 10am-5pm. Hours may be extended
during public and school holidays, 4442 1122.
St Georges Basin
Sanctuary Point and St Georges Basin have a combined estimated population
of 6000. There are some lovely spots in and around both places for picnics
and all water sports. Catamarans, sailboards and small canoes can be
hired from Sanctuary Point Sail Centre, 272 Grenville Avenue, 4443 0205
(only available in Summer).
Lake Conjola
The town of Lake Conjola, is on the shores of the lake of the same name,
about 55km (34 miles) south of Nowra.
Boats can be hired at the Post Office and General Store, Carrol Avenue,
4456 1163, and at Conjola Boat Hire, 4456 1563 (school holidays only).
There are tennis courts, a bowling club, fishing and water skiing.
The Craft Corner in the General Store specialises in needlework and tapestry
supplies and books, 4456 1163.
Milton
Milton is 7km (4 miles) north of Ulladulla, and 61km (38 miles) south of
Nowra. It was established in 1860, has many historic buildings, and in
the Mick Ryan Park there is a giant fig tree that is estimated to be
over 110 years old.
A flea market, featuring local crafts and second-hand goods, is held at
the Settlement Courtyard on the first Saturday of the month.
Over the long weekend in October every year Milton celebrates the Milton
Settlers' Fair, which consists of markets, art and craft exhibitions, music
and dancing.
Mollymook
Mollymook is less than 5km (2 miles) south east of Milton, situated by
the sea.
The surfing beach at Mollymook is patrolled daily, and surf skis are available
for hire during the Christmas school holidays from the Surf Life Saving
Club. Next to the Club is an 'Exersite' outdoor exercise area with equipment
and instructions for strengthening and stretching exercises.
Mollymook Golf Club's picturesque 9-hole beachside course has superb sea
views from the clubhouse and restaurant. Visitors are welcome, 4455 1911.
In addition, an 18-hole championship hilltop course is located in Maisie
Williams Memorial Drive, with a pro-shop and snack bar facilities. Visitors
are welcome here also, 4455 2055.
The Bogey Hole, a circular natural rock pool, and Collers Beach are reached
via Golf Avenue and Riversdale Avenue.
Ulladulla
Ulladulla is 68km (42 miles) south of Nowra, on the Princes Highway, and
there is much to see around the harbour and wharf. Trawlers of the fishing
fleet are anchored in the harbour behind the safety of the breakwater.
Various small craft and the activity associated with fishing are fascinating.
Each Easter Sunday, the traditional Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony is
conducted on the harbour breakwater. This is a religious custom which
has been practised by the Italian fishermen for many generations. Each
year this ceremony has become quite a celebration which is worth seeing.
Trawlers are decorated for the event and there is a carnival atmosphere.
The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol maintains full sea search and rescue
facilities at Ulladulla, for the area from Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay.
Radio cover is provided on 2182KHz, 2524KHz and VHF Channel 16 during weekends
and holidays periods, and at any other time of day or night by arrangement.
However, a continuous watch is maintained 7 days a week on 27880KHz. Pleasure
craft owners are urged to lodge sailing plans with the Coastal Patrol Ulladulla
either by telephone, 4455 3403, or by radio, to ensure they have an adequate
radio cover while at sea, and then to advise the base of their safe arrival
at their destination.
Pedal boats can be hired on the beach surrounding the harbour during holiday
periods.
On Wardens Head, the southern point of Ulladulla Harbour, is the lighthouse,
and from there you can get an uninterrupted view of the coast. A track
leads from the lighthouse to the beach where there is good fishing and
surfing.
South Pacific Heathland Reserve stretches from Dowling Street to Pitman
Avenue, and features the Chris Humphries Nature Walk covering 12ha (30
acres).
Funland, 93 Princes Highway, 4455 3053, is one of the largest indoor fun
parks in New South Wales. There are three floors of attractions, including
dodgems, the 'sizzler' thrill ride, controlla boats, air hockey, slot cars,
kiddy rides, and more. Open daily from 10am, closes 10pm Sat and school
holidays, 5pm Sun-Fri.
The Ulladulla Visitors Centre, Civic Centre, Princes Highway, 4455 1269,
is open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm, and should be your first port
of call. There is no shortage of accommodation or restaurants in the town,
and the Visitor Centre has all the details.
