Things to do in Narooma, NSW

The best things to do in Narooma, NSW, include Wagonga Inlet Cruises, Glasshouse Rocks at Narooma Beach and swimming with seals at Montague Island.

Narooma, NSW, is a south coast seaside town close to the Victorian border. It’s in the Eurobodalla Shire, along with the likes of Batemans Bay, Broulee, Tomakin, Mossy Point and Central Tilba.

Unsurprisingly, the best things to do in Narooma involve the coast. The Bar Rock Lookout at the southern head of the Wagonga Inlet offers the best views of the scenic sand bars, while the nearby Australia Rock has a window supposedly in the shape of Australia.

Things to do in Narooma, NSW: Wagonga Inlet Cruises and kayak tours

The Wagonga Inlet itself is ideal for boating. Wagonga Inlet Cruises offers cruises along the inlet aboard the Wagonga Princess. This boat is more than 100 years old, but has been refitted with an electric engine and solar-powered batteries. The cheapest two hour cruises cost $45.

Wagonga Inlet Cruises also offers kayaking tours. These $65 two hour tours explore the inlet, then stop at the Inlet Seafood restaurant for lunch.

If you’d prefer to explore the Wagonga Inlet under your own steam, then Narooma Mobile Leisure Sport hires out kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for from $45 per hour.

Wagonga Inlet in Narooma, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

What to do in Narooma, NSW: Narooma beaches

Narooma wouldn’t be much of a beach town without beaches, though, and there are several boosting the Narooma tourism industry. North of the Wagonga Inlet are Bar Beach and Carters Beach, although you’re best off focusing attention on those south of the inlet. Handkerchief Beach is longest, but Narooma Beach (sometimes called Narooma Surf Beach) is most interesting.

At Narooma Beach, you’ll find two fascinating geological formations. The highly-photographed Glasshouse Rocks at the southern end are thought to be at least 440 million years old. At the northern end of Narooma Beach is a stretch of igneous pillow lava, formed via a submarine volcano’s lava flow.

Things to do in Narooma, NSW: Montague Island tours

Top of the list of things to do in Narooma, however, should be a trip to Montague Island (also known as Barranguba). Several operators offer tours to this offshore island, including Montague Island Adventures, Narooma Charters and Montague Island Tours

Montague Island Adventures offers several tour options. Some include snorkelling with seals, others whale-watching and a guided tour of the island, visiting the lighthouse on the way. There’s also an evening tour that takes you to see the Montague Island penguin colony. The most basic four hour morning tour costs $120. Visit the tour operator website for the full range of prices and options.

Narooma Charters and Montague Island Tours offer a similar range of tours. Check which is departing at the time most convenient to you, as the products and prices are similar.

Underwater Safaris runs trips that are less focused on Montague Island, and more on snorkelling or diving.

Narooma accommodation

Narooma accommodation options include the Amooran Oceanside Apartments, Top of the Town Motor Inn and Surf Beach Narooma Holiday Park.

The drive from Batemans Bay to Narooma takes just under an hour. But Tilba is considerably closer, if you fancy craft shopping and wine-tasting at the Tilba Winery.

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