Byron Bay has long been synonymous with stylish coastal escapes, pairing sun-kissed beaches and rainforest trails with trendy boutiques, beachside dining and a laid-back seaside lifestyle. But it’s far from the only place in NSW that delivers a memorable coastal getaway. Just a few hours south of Sydney, Narooma is one of several pretty seaside spots that rival the more famous coastline. Offering a less-trafficked option with much of the same ingredients — rugged natural beauty, striking turquoise waterways, stellar waterside dining and pristine beaches, it’s a year-round haven for water lovers. While it’s popular in summer, winter is an equally rewarding time to visit with crisp coastal walks, migrating whales and fewer crowds to boot. Ready to plan a trip? Here’s how to spend a winter getaway in Narooma.
Things to do in Narooma in winter
Winter is an ideal time to explore Narooma on foot, starting with the Mill Bay Boardwalk, a flat and scenic 350-metre path that hugs the northern edge of Wagonga Inlet. Keep an eye on the shallows as you walk, stingrays and other marine life are often visible beneath the water. For a longer adventure, the boardwalk forms part of the Narooma to Dalmeny cycling route, a 21-kilometre trail tracing the coastline north of town and easily tackled in smaller sections.
For sunshine, sandy beaches and natural wonders galore, head straight to the coast. Well worth a visit is the famous Narooma Surf Beach and the ancient Glasshouse Rocks and Pillow Lava, an impressive geological formation at the southern end of the beach. Also, be sure to make time for nearby Bar Rock Lookout and Australia Rock — an uncanny Australia–shaped rock formation, while further south, Mystery Bay offers a pristine stretch of coastline backed by spotted gums. Mountain bikers can head inland to Narooma Trails, with 85 kilometres of purpose-built tracks winding through the bush, while Narooma Golf Club offers spectacular ocean views from its clifftop course.
Winter also coincides with the annual humpback whale migration, making the headlands and coastal lookouts around Narooma prime places to watch for whales offshore. For a closer look at the area’s wildlife, take a boat trip nine kilometres offshore to Montague Island. Tours from Narooma offer opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds, with guided visits also taking in the island’s historic 1888 lighthouse. Back on the mainland, Wagonga Inlet is worth exploring from the water, with cruises aboard the historic Wagonga Princess, as well as kayaking and guided tours available around the estuary.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Narooma has built a strong reputation for food and drink, with local seafood naturally taking top billing. Stop by The Oyster Farmers Daughter on Wagonga Inlet for freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, or settle in by the water at Quarterdeck for fresh seafood and cocktails. For something more casual, Kattalina’s On the Marina pairs breakfast and lunch with marina views, while Bound To Earth Espresso Bar is a reliable local stop for coffee and Honorbread is the spot to go for baked goods. Come evening, the historic Lynch’s Narooma is a good option for classic pub fare. Narooma’s position at the heart of the Oyster Coast also makes an oyster farm tour a natural addition to your itinerary.
Leave some time to browse the compact and breezy town centre, where you’ll find plenty of independent boutiques and local stores scattered around Wagonga Street and the Princes Highway. Stop by Seaside Collective for clothing and swimwear and Home by Montague for gifts, homewares and more. If your visit falls on the fourth Sunday of the month, head to the Narooma Rotary Markets at NATA Oval, which continues throughout winter and brings together local stallholders selling everything from clothes, coffee, sweet treats, collectibles, art and more. For a local souvenir, head to Songbee or Gemz on Gem. Read more about Narooma and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Narooma is located on the far South Coast, around a 5-hour drive from Sydney. For a more scenic journey, follow the Grand Pacific Drive south before continuing along the Princes Highway, with plenty of seaside stops along the way. If you rely on public transport, daily coach services connect Sydney with Narooma, although the journey takes longer than driving. Alternatively, you can fly from Sydney to Moruya Airport, then continue around 40 minutes south to Narooma. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.
