Discover Narooma

Discover Narooma

(published 16 October 2025 – last revised 16 January 2026)

Discover Narooma –  a place of pure beauty and serene bliss. Its name, meaning “clear blue waters” in the local Aboriginal language (one of the Yuin dialects), perfectly reflects its stunning natural surrounds. We like to call Narooma our hidden gem — a place that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Whether you live here or return year after year for holidays, that breathtaking colour and the feeling Narooma evokes never fade.

Located on the Far South Coast of NSW in the Eurobodalla Shire, Narooma is known as part of the “Nature Coast.” The region enjoys an oceanic climate with mild winters and pleasantly warm summers, making it a year-round destination.

Eurobodalla rests on the traditional lands of the Aboriginal Yuin people, whose Country stretches from the Shoalhaven River in the north to the Victorian border in the south. The Yuin Nation includes several language groups,

• Dharumba,
• Djirringanj,
• Dhawa and
• Dhurga

and is home to both coastal and inland clans. The Brinja Yuin people lived along the coastline from south of the Moruya River to the Wagonga Inlet, where deep connections to land and sea continue to this day.

For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have hunted, gathered seafood, traded and built strong spiritual bonds with this spectacular coastline. Even after the 1880s, when many communities were displaced, local families have continued to uphold their traditional fishing rights and cultural heritage. Today, the nearby communities of Mogo, Moruya and Bodalla remain vibrant centres of local Koori culture.

You will discover Narooma has so much to offer and a perfect getaway destination.

Discover Narooma – Wagonga Inlet and Gulaga Mountain

Narooma is beautifully positioned at the mouth of the Wagonga Inlet, where it is framed by the majestic Gulaga Mountain (formerly Mount Dromedary). Once an active volcano, Gulaga is now revered as a place of deep spiritual significance by the local Aboriginal people. In 2006, Gulaga National Park was formally returned to its Traditional Owners, marking an important moment in the region’s cultural history.

For those who wish to explore, Gulaga’s natural beauty can be experienced through a 14-kilometre return walk that begins at Pam’s Store in Tilba Tilba. Along this trail, an old gold-mining road is followed as it winds through lush rainforest filled with both subtropical and highland species. Upon reaching the summit, breathtaking views are revealed — a serene space where culture, history and nature are seamlessly woven together.

Surrounded by pristine beaches, winding inlets, tranquil lakes and rivers, Narooma is embraced as a destination that truly captures the heart. Visitors are invited to discover its natural playground through a wide range of activities. Bushwalking, birdwatching, swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing and windsurfing are just some of the experiences that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Only 8 kilometres offshore, unforgettable wildlife encounters are offered at Montague Island. Meanwhile, back on the mainland, iconic landmarks such as Australia Rock — a favourite location for seal watching — and the striking Glasshouse Rocks showcase the unique character of the coastline. Scenic walks, coastal bikeways, seal-swimming tours and whale-watching adventures ensure that Narooma is remembered not just as a destination, but as an experience to be cherished.

© Destination NSW 2023

Narooma History

Narooma has long been a place that draws travellers — from early prospectors and squatters to farmers and fishers. By the 1930s, its natural beauty and vibrant waterways had made it a popular holiday destination. The region’s renowned oyster industry began around 1900, laying the foundation for what is now one of the most celebrated oyster regions in Australia.

Today, Narooma sits at the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast and proudly hosts the Narooma Oyster Festival on the first Saturday in May each year. Fresh oysters, local seafood and premium dairy products are hallmarks of the region. Visitors can also enjoy a diverse range of restaurants, cafés and galleries — many offering spectacular waterfront views.

Narooma’s township was officially surveyed in 1883 and declared a port the following year. In its early days, transport was entirely by sea. By 1894, a hand-operated punt ferried people and goods across Wagonga Inlet, connecting the town.

Narooma Bridge

The Narooma Bridge was built between 1929 and 1931 and was the first major bridge constructed on the Princes Highway by the Main Roads Board. Spanning the Wagonga Inlet, it features three steel and concrete spans and remains one of only two bascule span bridges of its kind in New South Wales. A pedestrian footpath was added to the eastern (seaward) side in 1960, creating an iconic local crossing.

Narooma Charter Boats

Charter boats from Narooma offer fishing trips, seal-swimming experiences and eco-tours to Montague Island, a wildlife sanctuary and flora reserve located 8 km offshore. The island, measuring 1.4 km long and up to 800m wide, was named in 1770 by Captain James Cook after British statesman George Montague-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax. Long before Cook’s arrival, the island was known as Barunguba to the Wallaga and Djiringanj Aboriginal peoples, who paddled out in bark canoes to harvest mutton birds, seabird eggs, penguins and seals.

To the west, Mount Gulaga, formerly Mount Dromedary, so named by Cook for its resemblance to a camel’s hump that rises above Tilba Tilba village. The mountain is home to eight distinct rainforest types and sites of great cultural significance to the Yuin people. Walking tracks to the summit offer a serene immersion in nature, with glimpses through the forest canopy.

Discover Narooma – Must see attractions

Nearby beaches, including Dalmeny Beach, Narooma Beach, Bar Beach (a calm water favourite) and Yabarra Beach, offer a mix of surf and sheltered swimming.

Australia Rock, located at the bar crossing where Wagonga Inlet meets the sea, is one of Narooma’s most famous landmarks. Its distinctive shape, resembling the map of Australia, was formed accidentally when ship chains wore into the rock face during rough seas many years ago.

The Narooma Golf Club, established in 1930, is consistently ranked among Australia’s top public access and resort golf courses. Overlooking Montague Island to the east and Glasshouse Rocks to the south, it’s celebrated as both a challenging course and a spectacular setting.

Discover Narooma and plan your escape now and stay at Horizon Holiday Apartments

Accommodation details:

After a rewarding day in discovering the beauty of Narooma, you’ll want a comfortable base to relax and recharge. That’s where Horizon Holiday Apartments Narooma comes in. Book Now.

• Spacious apartments: Choose from one- or two-bedroom fully self-contained apartments with full kitchens and living spaces.
• Ocean views: Many apartments overlook Montague Island and the Pacific Ocean.
• Central location: Just minutes from Wagonga Inlet, boat ramps, shops, and dining options.
• Relaxing facilities: Enjoy the outdoor pool, BBQ areas, and private balconies or courtyards—perfect for unwinding after a fishing trip.

   

Looking for the best experiences in Narooma? Don’t miss our guides to [Whale Watching], [Montague Island] and [Mountain Bike Trails Narooma].