Fast facts
- Historic dairy town on the Moruya River
- Surrounded by dairy pastures and rugged national parks
- 306 km south of Sydney, population 2,600
Why go there
Deua National Park, to the south of Braidwood, is one of the state’s largest natural forests, much of it a pristine wilderness. Easiest access is via the Moruya to Araluen Road, following the course of the Deua River. The park is also known for its limestone caves, including the incredible Big Hole, a 100 metre deep trough caused by the collapse of a cave roof, its located along the western boundary of the park.
Fishing and boating on the broad Moruya River are the main visitor activities.
The 18-hole Moruya Golf Club course has some of the lushest greens you’ll ever see, with a number of water crossings before you get there.
History
After many years of habitation by the by the Bugelli-Manji or the Wandandian Aboriginal people, graziers arrived in the district in the 1830s. The town flourished as an inland port from the 1840s, gathering speed when one of the richest goldfields in the country was discovered in the Araluen Valley, 60 km upstream. In the 1920s, granite from the local quarry was used to build the pylons for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Things to do
- Spend a night under the stars in Deua National Park.
- Paddle a canoe on the Moruya River.
- Drive the scenic route to Araluen along the Moruya River via Merricumbene.
Events
- Moruya Jazz Festival in October is a long weekend full of non-stop music with star attractions drawn from the masters of jazz.
Don’t miss
- Riverside bushwalks in Deua National Park.
- A ramble through the historic heart of the town.
- The surf beach at Moruya Heads.
- Moruya Country Market, every Saturday at the Adelaide Hotel.
- 18 holes on the Moruya Golf Club course.
