A major town which serves as the commercial centre for the Shoalhaven District's agricultural hinterland and coastal resorts.

Where is it?: South Coast. Nowra is 170 km south of Sydney on the Princes Highway.

Nowra and Bomaderry together form the largest population centre on the NSW coast south of Wollongong. The region around Nowra is a farming community, sustaining a thriving dairy industry, but is also increasingly a retirement and leisure area for Canberra and Sydney.

Things To See and Do
The pristine Shoalhaven River, a popular fishing location, divides Nowra from Bomaderry and North Nowra. The Shoalhaven river is a salt water river, although it itself does not flow into the sea. The Shoalhaven River meets the sea through the canal that joins the Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers at Shoalhaven Heads.

The naval air station HMAS Albatross is located about 10 kilometres south-west of Nowra. The Fleet Air Arm Museum, which is attached to the air station, has an extensive display of aircraft which, together with the displays, tell the story of Naval Aviation in Australia from its beginnings to its present day.

Heritage features: Courthouse (1897); Shoalhaven Historical Museum (former police station, 1900); 'Meroogal' historic home (1885); 'Bundanon' homestead (1866)

Surrrounding area

Built in 1971, Danjera Dam (28 km west) is part of the Shoalhaven water supply and the site of a picnic area. Canoeing and swimming are allowed on the Dam but power boats are prohibited. The Dam stretches 7 km to the south with some good bass fishing. Its waters cover most of the former goldmining townsite of Yalwal and its lower mines. Some mine shafts and other diggings, the graveyard (the oldest grave dated 1854) and a stamping battery (five head) can still be seen. Of the 35 or so mine workings accessible by foot (or canoe) some are safe enough for a young child to walk and climb through whilst others are extremely dangerous. If in doubt, don't enter. The main mine workings are about 15 minutes walk from the car park and can entertain for the entire day.

Berry

Berry (17 km south west): rolling green hills and the Cambewarra range provide a picturesque backdrop for the pretty village of Berry. Famous for its gardens, trees, arts and crafts, antiques and markets, Berry has become a very trendy destination for daytrippers and weekenders from the cities of Sydney and Wollongong.

Kangaroo Valley (22 km north): one of the most beautiful valleys in Australia. The pretty village is surrounded by fast flowing streams, lush rainforest and rolling pasturelands midway between the Southern Highlands and the Shoalhaven coastal region. The township has a selection of country style shops including antique, craft and confectionery outlets, as well as a range of restaurants and cafes.

Kiama Coast Walk

The seaside town of Kiama (42 km north east) is set against green rolling hills and a scenic coastline of golden beaches and rocky headlands. Long treasured as a holiday destination, Kiama has managed to maintain its charm as a casual, relaxing resort without falling the way of the highrise compromise which has spoilt other areas. Kiama's most famous feature is its 'blowhole' situated on Blowhole Point behind the point's lighthouse.

Jervis Bay (24 km south): an expansive coastal bay area surrounded by charming seaside villages and towns, with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Bounded by Jervis Bay Marine Park and national parks, the bay has outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving conditions. Jervis Bay offers some of the best whale watching experiences in Australia. Jervis Bay is fortunately placed so, that the migration, both north and south can be observed as they pass the entrance to Jervis Bay. Seals and dolphins are regular visitors year round.