Narooma Holiday Houses & Accommodation

About five hours from Sydney and three hours from Canberra, Narooma is a coastal haven on the sparkling Wagonga Inlet, whose shallow but mesmerizing waters more than justify its name, which is Aboriginal for 'clear blue waters.'

Narooma is full of charming holiday accommodation, ranging from compact apartments to beach houses right on the water. Enjoy walks on the town boardwalk, feast on fresh oysters, go for a dip in the turquoise water, or better still, do nothing—Narooma is a great place to relax.

Getting to Your Narooma Accommodation

Narooma is located on the Princes Highway, in the Eurobodalla region of the New South Wales South Coast. The nearest airport is Moruya Airport. You can fly from Sydney to Moruya and either take a bus or rent a car to drive the last 42km to Narooma's holiday houses.

You could also fly to Sydney or Canberra, and rent a car to drive to Narooma from there. The drive from Sydney to Narooma takes around 5 hours, and from Canberra to Narooma, it’s approximately 3 hours.

Direct buses are also available: travelling from Sydney to Narooma takes a little under 7 hours, and from Canberra to Narooma, it takes roughly 4.5 hours.

What to eat on your Narooma holiday

Ask any local and he will swear that the best oysters in the world are harvested right in Narooma. After a day relaxing in a beautiful seaside holiday house, go for a stroll in the evening, at sunset, ending with a romantic dinner. Kick it off with the Kilpatrick oysters of Narooma. The Whale Restaurant is a popular option, and you can get fresh seafood in a casual setting at Blue Water Seafoods.

If you arrive in May, get ready for some extra shucking as Narooma has its own Oyster Festival, complete with fireworks, vintage car rallies, kite flying festivities, inlet tours and yes, even oyster shucking competitions!

Family holidays in Naroom

One of the most stunning walks around Narooma can be had on the Mill Bay Boardwalk. At just 250m long, the boardwalk is pram and cycle friendly. Even better, the crystal clear water below teems with marine life, including stingrays. A stroll here is sure to interest the little ones. Kids and adults alike enjoy Narooma Ice Creamery Cafe, where you can get a juicy burger as well as an after-dinner treat.

Narooma has beaches aplenty, some of which are great for surfing, and others of which are ideal for the little ones, thanks to beach patrol and calm water. Mystery Bay Beach is a bit south of town, and is a beautiful option.

Discover Aboriginal History in Narooma

The name “Narooma” is said to be derived from the Aboriginal word for “clear blue waters.” The first inhabitants of the area were the Yuin people, and the area is home to many sacred places to that culture. Explore the sites for a unique experience and opportunity to immerse yourself in indigenous history.

Gulaga Mountain is considered the birthplace of all Yuin people, and the basis for their spiritual identity. It’s known by the Yuin people as Mother Mountain, and has traditionally been a place where women would retreat to for storytelling, ceremonies, and childbirth. It’s possible to hike up the mountain, and there’s an indigenous cultural site to visit along the way.

When visiting Gulaga National Park, explore Wallaga Lake, where Aboriginal middens and artefacts are still visible. Within the lake, you’ll find sacred Merriman Island, and located nearby is the Umbarra Cultural Centre, which features an Aboriginal art gallery and shop.

In addition to being close to Gulaga National Park, Narooma is the gateway to Montague Island, known by the Yuin people as Barunguba. At the island, which plays a central role in Yuin mythology, you can spot fur seals and even whales.

Events to Check Out While Visiting Narooma

The phenomenal Narooma Oyster Festival has won several awards. Sample the world’s best oysters and enjoy live music and local art and culture. Located at stunning Forster’s Bay, this festival offers an outstanding experience for everyone, from foodies to families.

Narooma also hosts the annual Boats Afloat festival. The event celebrates boats in all their forms, and features many boating activities in the beautiful waters of Wanonga Inlet. Last but not least, the town also participates in the annual River of Art Festival, which showcases visual arts, music, dance, theatre, poetry, and storytelling in several towns throughout the Eurobodalla region. It's a great opportunity to meet locals.

Frequently Asked Questions