Narooma

On the water

Driving over the bridge into Narooma, you'll be seduced by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Wagonga Inlet. It is incredibly photogenic, with gliding pelicans, colourful kayakers, boats bobbing at anchor and oyster sheds. Step aboard the 117-year-old Wagonga Princess ferry for a gentle cruise around the picturesque waters.

Wagonga Inlet, Narooma

Along the Narooma coastline runs a necklace of breathtaking beaches. Catch a wave at Narooma Surf Beach or sit back on the sand and admire the ancient rock formations of Glasshouse Rocks and Pillow Lava. Bar Beach South, on the ocean side of the Wagonga Inlet, is an ideal spot for snorkelling and diving, with the calm enclosed waters home to schools of fish, squid and jellyfish. On the southern side of town, Handkerchief Beach is known for powerful surf. Further south, Billys Beach and Mystery Bay are quiet and spectacularly beautiful.

Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma

Just nine kilometres offshore from Narooma is Montague Island, one of the South Coast's most remarkable wildlife wonderlands. It has long been sacred to the local Yuin Aboriginal people, who call it Barunguba. Come face to face with the island's colony of playful seals on a snorkelling or diving tour with Underwater Safaris. Narooma Charters or Montague Island Adventures can also take you to visit colonies of little penguins, spot more than 90 species of seabirds, look for dolphins and whales, and walk to the historic lighthouse, built in 1888.

Underwater Safaris, Narooma

Outdoor adventures

There's plenty to explore on land as well. Join Southbound Escapes Tours for guided walks and e-bike tours, kayaking adventures and Indigenous cultural experiences. Learn more about the area's rich Indigenous history and the significance of nearby Mount Gulaga on a two-day Yuin Retreat, led by a guide from Ngaran Ngaran Cultural Awareness.

Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, South Durras

Follow the 350-metre Mill Bay Boardwalk around the northern side of the Wagonga Inlet on foot or by bike, and look out for stingrays feeding in the shallow waters below. The Narooma to Dalmeny cycling route also includes the boardwalk, part of the 21-kilometre route that winds along the magnificent shoreline. If you like to get dirty, try Narooma Trails with 85-kilometres of mountain bike trails in the bush. For a tee off with a view, play a round at the scenic Narooma Golf Club, set right on the edge of the water.

Mill Bay Boardwalk, Narooma - Credit: Jon Poyner | Eurobodalla Tourism

The oyster capital

Narooma is at the heart of the Oyster Coast and there are many places to taste these delicacies freshly shucked. Run by the Coxon family, who have been farming oysters for more than 40 years, The Oyster Farmer's Daughter is set on the edge of the Wagonga Inlet. It serves freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, fish and chips, cold-pressed juices, and cocktails. Take a tour to visit more oyster farms and farm gate stores. Or time your visit with the Narooma Oyster Festival, which celebrates all thing oysters each year on the first weekend of May.

VIP Private Tours, Old Mill Road Farm, Narooma

Eat & drink

Narooma has gone from sleepy seaside village to gourmet hotspot, thanks largely to Justin Hemmes, CEO of the Merivale group. He has made the town his second home and revamped a slew of local venues. The Quarterdeck, a seafood restaurant and bar perched over the water on the Wagonga Inlet, has preserved its sense of coastal cool while offering a new menu that embraces spectacular local seafood (think snapper ceviche and whiting tacos) and colourful Tiki-inspired cocktails.

The Quarterdeck Narooma, Narooma - Credit: Honey Atkinson | Honey Atkinson

Next door, The Inlet serves fish and chips with outdoor tables and sunset views. The Whale, a small hotel in the centre of town, is now home to an outpost of Sydney restaurant Queen Chow, serving Cantonese classics and new dishes inspired by local produce like Wagonga oysters. The bright blue Lynch's Hotel, dating back to 1895, is a classic Aussie pub and one of the oldest buildings in town.

For good coffee, head to Bound to Earth Espresso Bar. In the middle of the main shopping strip, Raven Cafe & Grill serves up breakfast, burgers, and salads, or enjoy lunch with water views at Kattalina's on the Marina. Relax over a beer at Breakwall Brewing Co, named after Narooma's infamous bar crossing in the harbour. There's a Thai food truck on site and plans for a brewpub in the centre of town are currently underway.

Breakwall Brewing Co, Narooma - Credit: Eurobodalla Shire Council

Where to stay

There are plenty of places to stay in and around Narooma. The Merivale team have revamped a classic coastal motel, which reopened in mid 2026 as The Whale. Families will love Discovery Parks – Narooma Beach, Narooma Surf Beach Holiday Park and Big4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park. Choose cosy beach cottages and tranquil farm stays or pitch a tent at Dalmeny Campground or Mystery Bay Camping Area.

Discovery Parks, Narooma Beach - Credit: John Montesi | Discovery Parks

Amooran Oceanside has stylish self-contained apartments and motel rooms with views over the ocean and Narooma Golf Course. There's an outdoor pool and spacious landscaped grounds, and it's just a short stroll to cafes and restaurants. History buffs can spend the night in the heritage lighthouse keeper's cottages on Montague Island. With no other overnight guests, you'll experience the beauty of the island in silence and solitude.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, Narooma

Getting there

It's a five-hour drive from Sydney to Narooma and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly to Moruya Airport and rent a car for the 40-minute drive south. Regional Express operates flights from Sydney to Moruya seven days a week, either direct or travelling via Merimbula.