Explore the clear blue waters of Narooma
Travelling across the clear blue waters of Narooma’s Wagonga Inlet to work each day, it is very easy to become complacent about the picturesque paradise in which we live. It is no surprise that so many people choose to holiday in Narooma.
Located on the far south coast of NSW, Narooma is a popular tourist destination for fishermen, swimmers and those who simply want to share in our relaxed seaside lifestyle for a few days.
Whenever we have visitors, we love to share some of the beautiful places our town has to offer. Playing the tourist in our own town occasionally helps us to appreciate the magnificent waterways our town has to offer.
Narooma has a number of uncrowded and unspoilt beaches, backed by the still waters of the Wagonga Inlet.
History of the Narooma training walls
Before crossing the bridge over the Wagonga inlet, a unique Narooma landmark is the curving rock “training walls” along the harbour. Originally built to assist our shipping trade, these now help to maintain a safe channel for the many recreational fishermen who now navigate the harbour.
Prior to the construction of the Narooma bridge, sea transport was the only means of transporting supplies, cargo and passengers to the seaside town.
The local timber, cheese and canned tuna producers also relied on sea passage to transport their produce. In the early 1900’s it was not uncommon for ships to be stranded on the mudflats for several days. During the 1920’s the series of training walls were constructed with rock from the Bodalla quarry to improve the depth of the harbour passage.
The infamous “Narooma Bar” remained a dangerous crossing, with countless ships wrecked on the rocks over the years. During the early 1970’s the two current breakwalls were constructed to improve the safety of the harbour entrance. Despite the improvements, the Narooma Bar can be dangerous to cross without heeding the safety guidelines.
Bar Beach Narooma
Before you cross the bridge, on the northern breakwall, you will find Narooma Bar Beach. This is a popular spot for holidaying families and locals alike.
A netted beach to the south of the breakwall provides a safe, calm swimming space which is popular for young children, as well as swimmers and snorkellers.
A few metres away, on the other side of the breakwall you will find the surf beach. This beach is not patrolled, however is popular with surfers. If you are lucky you will even see a passing whale. When holidaying in Narooma ourselves many years ago, we would often “camp” on the netted beach with the smaller children, while the older ones could enjoy a surf close by.
You can also walk out on the breakwall, watch the boats navigating “the bar” and see the resident seal colony on the southern breakwall.
Mill Bay Boardwalk
In Apex Park, at Bar Beach you will find the start of the Mill Bay boardwalk. You can walk or cycle from Bar Beach towards the bridge. The waters of the Wagonga Inlet are teeming with sealife. Pelicans and manterays, schools of fish and octopus can be seen as you make your way along the pristine blue waters of the inlet.
This is also a popular spot for fishermen, with fishing platforms jutting out into the water and fish cleaning tables provided.
Mill Bay boardwalk
Narooma Town Wharf
The main town wharf is home to most of the local commercial fishing charters and is a also a popular fishing spot.
During the incoming tide, Ian and the children used to enjoy jumping in from the wharf to snorkel around to the bridge and explore the abundant sea life. The strength of the tide meant they could just relax and let the tide take them downstream.
The playground in the adjacent park is a popular destination for families and picnickers who just want to drink in the beautiful scenery.
Australia Rock
From the wharf you can drive up to the lookout, with panoramic views across the estuary and coastline. There is also a whale watching platform to provide an ideal vantage point for the annual whale migration between July and November.
From here you can either take the stairs down or drive down to “Australia Rock”. A relic of Narooma’s shipping history, the rock was used to tie ships. The hole eventually eroded into the shape of Australia. No visit to Narooma is complete without a selfie at our iconic “Australia Rock”
Seals on the Breakwall
From Australia Rock you can walk out onto the Southern Breakwall. Here a colony of Australian fur seals have taken up residence. They have become a popular tourist attraction. You can watch them swimming, fishing and basking on the rocks in their natural habitat. Just be sure to take note of the warning signs and don’t be tempted to get too close. They can and have attacked if they feel they are being threatened.
From the end of the bar you have views towards Narooma Golf Course and out to Montague Island.
Narooma Golf Course
Narooma’s Golf course is renowned for being one of the most picturesque courses. Set on the ocean clifftop, the course has become a tourist destination in itself. Many balls end up in the water at the number 3 hole. Dubbed “Hogan’s Hole” it is known to be particularly challenging.
The club itself is a popular destination for enjoying the ocean views and, of course, the passing whales.
Surfbeach at Narooma
Narooma Surfbeach is the only patrolled beach in Narooma in the summer months. Like all of our beaches it is pristine and uncrowded. Glasshouse Rocks to the south of the beach are one of our many spectacular coastal landscapes.
This is our most popular surf beach, with plenty of rock pools to explore and is also very popular with beach fishermen. You can also enjoy coffee or a light lunch at the nearby cafe.
Forsters Bay
Forsters Bay is home to the local marina and a cluster of colourful historic boatsheds that huddle along the foreshore. A relic of our former shipping history, most of these sheds are now private jetties. From the marina you can hire a small boat for a day’s fishing on the estuary.
Marina at Forsters Bay Narooma
On any weekend, you will find the inlet around Forsters Bay full of small fishing boats, hoping for a catch of flathead, or just enjoying a cruise around the estuary.
Quota Park is also a popular play area for families. The water is not deep enough for swimming. In fact it becomes a sand flat at low tide which is the perfect place to pump for live bait. It is however a beautiful, serene spot to stop and enjoy the waters of the Wagonga Inlet
Accommodation in Narooma
Narooma has accommodation to suit everyone. From motels, serviced apartments and private holiday rentals, to the three caravan parks offering campsites, cabins and onsite vans.
We hope you have enjoyed our little tour of some of the beautiful waterways around Narooma. Whether you enjoy surfing, swimming, snorkelling or fishing we are sure you will agree it has something for everyone.
Read Also: A day at the beach in Dalmeny
How to stay safe on the Australian beach
What to pack for an Australian beach holiday
A locals view on holidaymakers
We have stayed at Narooma on our way to visit family in Sydney. Unfortunately we have only stopped overnight. Perhaps next time we will plan to stay for a day so we can do a little exploring of the many wonderful spots you have described.
Certainly well worth a visit