Things to do in Nowra, NSW: What are the best attractions?

The best things to do in Nowra, New South Wales, include Ben’s Walk along the Shoalhaven River, Shoalhaven Zoo and the Treetops Adventure course.

8 best things to do in Nowra

The best things to do in Nowra are:

Kayak along the Shoalhaven River.
Tackle the 5.5km Ben’s Walk, which loops along both banks of the river.
Have a picnic at the Hanging Rock Lookout.
Swim – and enjoy the splash park – at Nowra Aquatic Park.
See the animals at Shoalhaven Zoo.
Test your nerves at the Treetops Adventure ropes course.
Taste locally made spirits at the Tara Distillery.
Visit artist Arthur Boyd’s home and studio – the Bundanon Homestead.

Where is Nowra, New South Wales?

Nowra, New South Wales, is the administrative centre of the City of Shoalhaven. Which is obviously not a real city – just a regional council area spread over a large area. You’ll pass by Nowra on the drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay or Sydney to Mollymook.

Unlike many such hub towns in Australia, Nowra actually has a fair amount going for it – not least the Shoalhaven River which runs through the town.

Things to do in Nowra, NSW: Shoalhaven River

Top of the list of things to do in Nowra, NSW, is kayaking along the Shoalhaven River. Nowra Kayak Hire offers kayaks for from $40 for two hours, but it is in Bomaderry, the twin town north of the river. It costs $20 for delivery and pick-up, which probably makes this option prohibitive for most visitors.

The other way to explore the river is walking along its banks. Ben’s Walk, a 5.5km loop from the Nowra Showground that takes in both banks, is the best way to do this. Budget two hours for it – there are forests and gorges along the way, with a suspension bridge to add a touch of jeopardy.

You can add an extra 10 minutes to the walk if you want to divert to the Hanging Rock Lookout, a justifiably popular picnic spot which juts out 46 metres above the river.

Things to do in Nowra, NSW: Nowra Aquatic Park and Shoalhaven Zoo

The other option for water-lovers is Nowra Aquatic Park, which has a 50 metre outdoor pool plus water slides and a splash play zone right next to the river.

Kids will love it, and the same applies to the Shoalhaven Zoo and Adventure World. This has the usual complement of Aussie animals, but also lions and marmoset monkeys.

What to do in Nowra: Treetops Adventure

If you fancy being a bit of a monkey yourself, Treetops Adventure lets you clamber along a tricksy ropes and obstacles course through the trees. The course includes climbing nets, ziplines and tightrope walks.

Complete it, and you might deserve a drink. The Tara Distillery is the best place to try local spirits.

Cultural attractions in Nowra

Nowra also offers a few cultural attractions. These include the middling Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, which features works by Arthur Boyd. You can also visit the Bundanon Homestead to the west of Nowra, which was Boyd’s home and studio.

Also in the historic houses department is Meroogal, a gorgeous Gothic timber house. It dates back to the 1880s and is now a museum telling the tales of multiple generations of owners.

The Sydney to Nowra drive takes just over two hours.

Best Nowra accommodation options

The best places to stay in Nowra are:

For solid quality, cheap rates and an outdoor pool: Parkhaven.
For business-friendly apartments: Quest Nowra.
For something plusher, with a big pool and 18 hole golf course: Springs Shoalhaven Nowra.

The Tara Distillery in Nowra, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

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