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Meroogal

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Meroogal

Meroogal, in the south coast town of Nowra, was built from 1885 to 1886. This delightful timber house, with its 'gothic' trimmings, is a charming testament to its early days and early ways. Meroogal is a house that was greatly cherished by its owners. It was passed through the hands of four generations of women from the same family. The women led busy and fulfilled lives and their daily routines encompassed domestic chores and the pursuit of their own genteel interests and talents. Furniture, household objects, diaries, letters, scrapbooks, photographs and clothes allow a very personal insight into the more private world of the family. It is unusual for a house to be occupied by the same family for such a length of time, even in rural areas. Meroogal has survived to make its contribution to the study of social history.

Nowra NSW

0.2 km away

Meroogal — Image credit: Photo © Katherine Lu for MHNSW

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Meroogal Women's Art Prize Exhibition

This biennial prize celebrates the achievements and creativity of women artists in NSW through works that respond to the historic house of Meroogal, its rich cultural heritage and enduring sense of place. Artworks on exhibition include ceramics, illustrations, paintings, textile works and sculptural forms produced in varying mediums. Artists from across NSW were invited to submit artworks that respond to Meroogal and its meaning within broader historical and contemporary contexts. The finalist artworks are displayed throughout the house to provide new perspectives on the stories of the people who once lived there and the treasured possessions they left in the home. Tour the house and exhibition and vote for your favourite artwork in the People's Choice Award.

Nowra NSW

0.3 km away

Hanging Rock Nowra — Image credit: Shoalhaven Tourism

Natural Attractions

Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock is a popular picnic spot, loved by walkers and photographers. The rocky platform is 46 metres above the Shoalhaven River and offers spectacular views. It's a great place to rest after a circuit of Ben's Walk, and is very close to Nowra Showground, with toilets and plenty of car parking.

Nowra NSW

0.3 km away

Barnett Newman, Broken obelisk, 1963/1967/2005, installation view, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, 2024 — Image credit: The Barnett Newman Foundation, New York/ARS, New York/Copyright Agency 2024

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Nowra

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Nowra serves as an exciting artistic hub for the Shoalhaven Region South Coast NSW. Each year welcomes a vibrant exhibition program featuring both contemporary and traditional works, a diverse range of touring exhibitions by leading Australian and Shoalhaven artists, Community-based exhibitions and works from the Shoalhaven City Art Collection. Exhibitions change every six to eight weeks. Shoalhaven Regional Gallery prides itself on fostering dynamic Public Programs. It presents art, cultural and community events aimed at audience development, accessibility and education, for the use and enjoyment of the entire community. Their Gallery Shop supports local artists and artisans with an eclectic array of unique gifts. With four spaces available to hire for your business needs and special events they can cater for your event.

Nowra NSW

0.7 km away

Nowra Aquatic Park

Amusement and Theme Parks

Nowra Aquatic Park

Nowra Aquatic Park is set on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River in central Nowra. The newly refurbished Nowra Aquatic Park offers a variety of facilities, including a nine-lane FINA standard 50 metre outdoor pool, Splash Play Park and the community-named ‘Vortex’ and ‘Rampage’ waterslides – making it the perfect place for a family day out! The spacious meeting room is also ideal for training sessions, corporate events and special occasions, with catering available upon request. The on-site Splash Cafe offers a variety of food options catering to all. For more information, please visit the website.

Nowra NSW

0.9 km away

Hanging Rock, near Nowra Showground. — Image credit: Shoalhaven Tourism

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Nowra Historical Walk

The Nowra Historical Walk is a self-guided walking tour which highlights various historical buildings and places. The tour can be done in smaller sections, with opportunities to visit eateries, parks and galleries along the way. Highlights include Marriot Park, the Werninck Craft Cottage, Nowra Museum (built as a police station in 1900) and Hanging Rock Lookout, which leads on to Ben's Walk.

Nowra NSW

0.9 km away

Bookshop in the entryway

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Nowra Museum

Nowra Museum, despite being small in size, has a reputation as being a leading volunteer-run regional museum. With a collection of over 30,000 artefacts, documents and images, the Nowra Museum is the single largest repository for Shoalhaven’s history. The museum has four display areas that are regularly changed, the administration room and collections storage space. The hallway of the Museum, known as the Halloran Gallery, holds the only public permanent display of artworks from renowned local artist Samuel Elyard. Local History resources such as Aboriginal artefacts, subdivision and parish maps, biographical files, village and township histories, newspapers from the ’60s to the ’80s and numerous history publications are accessible to visitors for research purposes. Expert volunteers are available for guidance with research projects. The Museum also offers a comprehensive bookstore with over 60 local history titles, photographs and general merchandise and souvenirs available for sale. Nowra Museum is situated on the corner of Plunkett and Kinghorne Streets Nowra, in the 1901-built old Nowra police station.

Nowra NSW

1.0 km away

Adnate — Image credit: Adnate

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Nowra Street Art Murals

Inspiring artworks that tell the stories of the Shoalhaven. Talented, emerging street artists can really breathe new life into a city. Their vision and ideas have the ability to start a conversation, transform a once tired space and add a touch of vibrance to local enclaves. In a collaborative effort to rejuvenate Nowra's streets and laneways, Shoalhaven City Council, the Shoalhaven Historical Society and local building and shop owners have come together to commission a series of artist murals around the CBD. Visitors and locals can venture along the Nowra murals trail and discover each artwork, that highlights a different part of the region's history. Wandering from mural to mural is also a great way of exploring Nowra and its surrounds a little bit differently.

Nowra NSW

1.0 km away

Bens Walk

Natural Attractions

Bens Walk

Bens Walk offers visitors a perfect opportunity to stretch their legs while exploring Nowra. This scenic loop winds around the Shoalhaven River, passing through rugged gorges, peaceful forests, and open grassy riverbanks. The walk begins at the Nowra Showground, where travellers can enjoy a barbecue and take in superb elevated views of the river and surrounding mountains from Hanging Rock. The full circuit is a leisurely 5.5‑kilometre return walk, taking approximately two hours. For those short on time, a brief return walk from the footbridge back to the Showground and Hanging Rock takes only about 10 minutes. A suspension bridge provides a fun and memorable crossing of the river and also offers access to Depot Farm Reserve and its riverside picnic area. There are plenty of great spots along the way for photos, making it a favourite for nature lovers and casual walkers alike.

Nowra NSW

1.1 km away

Paddle the Shoalhaven River on your own craft or hire one, there's a lot of river to explore! — Image credit: Shoalhaven Tourism

Natural Attractions

Shoalhaven River

The mighty Shoalhaven River is one of Shoalhaven's most famous natural assets, right up there with Didthul Pigeon House Mountain (Balgan) and Jervis Bay. Stretching 327 kilometres, it originates on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range, near Euranbene Mountain, approximately 350 kilometers southwest of Sydney. It flows generally northwards through the pastoral district near Braidwood, then into a canyon east of Goulburn, before reaching the coastal lowlands at Nowra. The Shoalhaven River is joined by 34 tributaries along its course, including the Mongarlowe, Corang, Endrick, and Kangaroo rivers. It's a haven for nature lovers with fantastic opportunities for kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, boating and camping adventures.

Nowra NSW

1.1 km away

Rockface Trio — Image credit: Paula Granelli

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Paula Granelli Ceramics

Local ceramic studio and gallery featuring beautiful hand made designs inspired by the South Coast of NSW. Paula specialises in unique sculptural forms and beautiful interior design pieces. Be sure to also pick up one of her signature dew-drop mugs while you are there. Paula has a no-wastage and eco friendly approach to her work. Visits are by appointment only, so call to arrange.

Nowra NSW

1.3 km away

The Grotto — Image credit: Shoal Water

Natural Attractions

Grotto Walk

On the banks of the Shoalhaven River in North, Nowra access from Yurunga Drive is The Grotto. Whilst access to The Grotto is steep in parts, the walk is short and the ambience of the reserve more than makes up for any effort expended. Take a picnic and spend some time watching the beautiful Shoalhaven River, from a superb vantage point. A large overhanging rock called the Grotto has given its name to this walk. This is a beautiful walk with steep entrances that zigzag down 45 metres from the cliff-tops to the banks of the Shoalhaven River. The walk is a two kilometre loop track taking between one to two hours depending on whether you visit all of the four lookouts at the top of the cliffs. The walk passes through an old farm and orchard which belonged to John Hanson in the 1920s.

North Nowra NSW

1.9 km away

Falcon Crescent Link Track

Natural Attractions

Falcon Crescent Link Track

This walk is popular with locals because it provides such beautiful variety of landscapes and links the western side of the park at North Nowra with the wonderful walks of the gorge and the park’s attractive rainforest setting. Setting out across open forested heath on the plateau, you’ll enjoy the views of the gorge before descending to the cool shade of Bomaderry Creek. The flowers in spring are spectacular and the nectar-feeding birds, like honeyeaters, love them too. Why not pack some lunch and link up with the longer She-Oak crossing walk just up stream from Mossy Gully? This walk takes you past Bomaderry Creek picnic area where you can enjoy lunch before returning back across the heath.

North Nowra NSW

2.5 km away

Bouquet — Image credit: Catherine

Shopping and Markets

Shoalhaven Flowers

Shoalhaven Flowers is an award winning boutique flower shop with an adjoined indoor plant garden centre called The Conservatory. It is a family-owned business that prides itself on exceptional old-fashioned customer service and great Australian-made and grown products. Stop into this quaint little shop and pick up a bunch of fresh flowers, some locally grown or walk through to the conservatory to find a lush green plant to take home for your own indoor garden. Shoalhaven Flowers also stocks a variety of hampers, with local Shoalhaven wines and gourmet foods. Their Giftware is Australian made from Local Berry Chocolatier chocs, Urban Rituelle body products, candles and Diffusers as well as Studio Sol Home Fragrances. They also stock a range of Plant Runner soils, gloves, plant foods and more.

Bomaderry NSW

2.5 km away

Shoalhaven Zoo — Image credit: Shoalhaven Tourism

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Shoalhaven Zoo

Shoalhaven Zoo boasts an extensive collection of native and exotic animals, set in amongst the most spectacular natural rock formations and bushland, all on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River. After spending time exploring the zoo you can relax with a picnic by the river, cook up a barbecue or eat in the delightful Macaws Nest Café while taking in the wonderful views. And before you leave, don't forget to browse through the gift shop where you will find a great selection of souvenirs to remind you of your visit.

North Nowra NSW

2.7 km away

Trees Adventure Nowra Park

Amusement and Theme Parks

Treetops Adventure Nowra

Treetops Adventure Nowra is the first tree and cliff edge tree ropes park. Spend the day hanging around the South Coast at the treetop adventure park located right inside Shoalhaven Zoo! Treetops Adventure Nowra is Australia’s First Cliff Edge adventure park along the banks of the Shoalhaven River, that will have you zipping through the air and scrambling along the rocks. It’s time to get into the nitty gritty business of climbing while you hear the lions roar in the distance. A 2.5-hour session through the aerial challenges (including training) will have you laughing along with the kookaburras. Your adrenaline is the top priority, so the courses are designed to challenge you, no matter your level.

North Nowra NSW

2.7 km away

Bomaderry Creek Regional Park — Image credit: OEH

National Parks and Reserves

Bomaderry Creek Regional Park

The centrepiece of this park, tucked away behind the Princes Highway at Bomaderry, is the lovely Bomaderry Creek Gorge. Here you'll discover a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of life. A short walk brings you to cool forest, soaring sandstone faces, scattered boulders, the sound of running water and the joyous sight of wildflowers in spring. Nature-lovers and keen walkers can enjoy the trails, picnic area and lookouts year-round the shade and water make spending time here pleasant, even in high summer. You'll love the variety of landscapes, from the cliff-lined gorge and huge sandstone slabs, to the plateau above. You can also look out for the threatened glossy black cockatoo feeding on the casuarinas. The Aboriginal rainbow serpent mural in the picnic area is great for the kids, and because it's a regional park, you can take the family dog for a walk here, as long as it's on a leash of course.

Bomaderry NSW

2.9 km away

Bomaderry Creek Walk NPWS Discovery Tour

Natural Attractions

Bomaderry Creek Walking Track

Bomaderry Creek is a small bushland oasis adjacent to the town of Bomaderry. The walk journeys through patches of remnant rainforest, spotted gum forest, dry woodland and small hanging swamps. The small gorge is rich in Aboriginal heritage and sheer sandstone faces. The track follows Bomaderry Creek which has carved a course through sandstone forming impressive cliffs, rock walls, overhangs and caves. Visitor facilities include a grassed picnic area with sheltered tables and toilets. Dogs are permitted in the park, provided they are always kept on a leash. There are two tourist walks you can follow: Walk One is a 5.5-kilometre return walk along the eastern and western tracks. It takes about three hours. Walk Two is a 1.4-kilometre return walk along the western track to rock crossing returning to the track head via Mossy Gully. It takes about one hour.

Bomaderry NSW

3.0 km away

John Martin Court

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre

The Shoalhaven’s premium Indoor Sports Centre provides state-of-the-art facilities for a wide range of sports including Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal Netball and Badminton. The Courtside Cafe, indoor/outdoor dining spaces, conference rooms and the expansive shower/change rooms are custom designed to cater for large-scale events and provide an outstanding customer experience for casual visitors. The perfect rainy day rescue or activities for the kids, the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre is a must-visit facility in the Shoalhaven. For more information, head to their website.

Bomaderry NSW

3.1 km away

Bomaderry Creek picnic area

Natural Attractions

Bomaderry Creek picnic area

For a lovely spot to have lunch or laze about under the trees, Bomaderry Creek picnic area is perfect. Surrounded by bushland and yet well-equipped and very easy to get to from the Princes Highway, this former quarry is a lovely place to unroll a picnic blanket and relax, and the starting point for a number of easy gorge walks. The whole family will find plenty to do here. Your little ones will love the game of stepping stones and the open space to run around. A rainbow serpent mural and clay footprints tell the story of this place's importance to the local Aboriginal people. Abundant birdlife flies overhead while you enjoy this special place too. Once you've enjoyed a barbecue in the eucalypt trees, stretch your legs along She-Oak crossing walk and explore the Bomaderry Creek Gorge, or head out across the heath on Falcon Crescent link track. Take a virtual tour of Bomaderry Creek picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Bomaderry NSW

3.1 km away

She-Oak Crossing Walk

Natural Attractions

She-Oak Crossing Walk

For some decent exercise and a couple of hours of absorbing the delights of Bomaderry Creek, take the She-Oak crossing walk. This trail makes the most of the natural wonders of the park; the hidden gorge with its rock faces and tumbled boulders, the cool rainforest and softly running water, are the perfect accompaniment for this tranquil walk. Setting out from Bomaderry Creek picnic area you will wander beneath rock overhangs, stride out on the heath, enjoy the wildflowers and keep an eye out for orchids sprouting from the rock crevices. You’ll enjoy the birdlife and be sure to watch the creek for fish as they dart through the rock pools. Best of all, you can enjoy this two-hour walk during any season. Winter is a pleasant time of year on the NSW South Coast and this shady pocket provides shelter, even on hot sunny days.

Bomaderry NSW

3.2 km away

Bomaderry Aquatic Centre

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Bomaderry Aquatic Centre

Bomaderry Aquatic Centre is open all year round and is tailor-made for family fun. For the little ones, there’s the heated toddler pool, but there’s also an indoor 25 metre pool and an outdoor 50 metre pool for the serious lap-swimmers. If you’re simply after a relaxing day out by the pool, bring along a picnic blanket and a good book, pick up some tasty treats from the on-site café and kick back for an afternoon well spent. Picnic shelters are available in the swimming pool grounds for free use. Bomaderry Aquatic Centre also features a sports retail shop that offers a wide range of swimwear and accessories.

Bomaderry NSW

3.4 km away

Coast to the Highlands Scenic Drive – Kangaroo Valley — Image credit: Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

Natural Attractions

Coast to the Highlands Scenic Drive – Kangaroo Valley

For spectacular scenery through the lush rainforest, waterfalls and mountains of NSW Southern Highlands, enjoy a driving route along the superb Coast to the Highlands scenic drive. Leading from Nowra to Goulburn, through the beautiful Kangaroo Valley, this drive offers plenty of options for walking, picnics and scenic views, making it a perfect family day out. Following the lush tree-lined road over Cambewarra Mountain, Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park is a magnificent sight after heavy rain, and Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre is well worth a visit. Near Bundanoon, there are loads of walks to suit everyone and if you’re tempted to stay a while, there's camping at Gambells Rest campground. Be sure to stop at Long Point lookout for spectacular scenic views over the deep Shoalhaven Gorge and the magnificent West Ettrema Wilderness. It’s an ideal spot for some photography.

Bomaderry NSW

3.5 km away

The Kiln Pottery Studio

Entertainment Venues

The Kiln Pottery Studio

The Kiln is a community-centred pottery studio on the South Coast, created by locals who believe creativity flourishes best in a welcoming, supportive space. We offer pottery classes, workshops, and memberships for all experience levels, from first-time makers to experienced ceramicists. More than just a studio, The Kiln is a place to connect, learn, and create — where clay brings people together, and every piece tells a story.

South Nowra NSW

4.4 km away

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