Laze on the beach, learn to surf, hike an extinct volcano, visit seals and penguins on Montague Island and soak up the relaxing atmosphere of this seaside town.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Narooma, a seaside retreat nestled in the shadow of Mount Gulaga. Find plenty to explore here, with Montague Island National Park Wildlife Reserve just offshore, hiking trails up the mountain and nearby heritage villages. Unwind on the beach, eat fresh seafood and experience the peace and quiet of life on the Sapphire Coast.
Narooma is close to several beaches. Bring a surfboard or paddleboard to Dalmeny Beach or head to Bar Beach for some fishing off the north wall. Stroll south down Surf Beach in the late afternoon to see the sun set over the towering red Glass House Rocks jutting from amid the crashing waves.
Visit the fur seal colony at Montague Island Nature Reserve and get up close with marine creatures while scuba diving. Go game fishing for tuna and kingfish in the waters surrounding the island. Dolphins, penguins, grey nurse sharks and whales can also be spotted around here. Trek to the former lighthouse for fantastic panoramic views.
Cultural entertainment is in ample supply here too. Book a romantic horse and carriage ride along the coast, discover the history of the lighthouse at the small museum at the Narooma Visitor Centre and watch a movie at the art deco cinema.
May is festival season, with celebrations of local art and artists, as well as the area’s delicious seafood catch. Taste the regional flavours at the Oyster Festival, which features live music, local wines and cooking demonstrations.
Hike the rainforest trail at nearby Mount Gulaga, a sacred site of the Yuin Aboriginal people. The 11-kilometre (7-mile) return trek up the once active volcano is dotted with unusually shaped granite boulders and has spectacular views over the rolling green hills and coast. Sip a coffee at the trail’s end in the heritage town of Tilba Tilba.
Find Narooma at the northernmost end of the Sapphire Coast. The scenic drive from Canberra leads through state forests and national parks, and takes just under 3 hours.
