Nowra, with its population of 32,000 is the busy commercial hub of the Shoalhaven. It is located on the banks of the majestic Shoalhaven River and is a service centre for commerce and industry for a large surrounding area. Taking its name from the Aboriginal word meaning “black cockatoo”, it was only after drastic floods in the nearby township of Terara in 1870 that Nowra became well established in its own right. Its distinctive bridge and elevated helicopter herald the entry to this thriving cultural and business centre.

Pretty landscaped gardens and parks make a great stop for travellers looking for a drive-revive “cuppa and cake” and a good selection of restaurants, cafés and fast food outlets are located in the main centre and points of entry.

The Fleet Air Arm Museum

It has several Air Shows each year, when aircraft from the golden days of aviation take to the skies.

Meroogal Garden Fair in November

A gardening expo set against the backdrop of the fine garden of the old home in all its spring glory.

Don’t miss Sunday amongst the art at Bundanon. The walking trails of Morton National Park. Greenwell Point oysters, fresh from the shell. Nowra Markets on the fourth Sunday of each month. There’s plenty of accommodation and lots to do and see in the local area.

The Shoalhaven City Arts Centre houses ever-changing exhibitions of works by local, national and international artists. Nearby is the gracious Meroogal, a Historic Houses Trust property, its contents a tribute to the four generations of Australian women who lived there. A short drive from the city centre is the Fleet Air Arm Museum – the largest aviation museum in Australia. Housing innovative displays of military aircraft, engines, weapons, uniforms and equipment this is a must-see for anyone remotely interested in flight.

It is located adjacent to HMAS Albatross, Australia’s home of naval aviation. Surprising to many is Nowra’s growing list of local wineries, now winning awards nationally and producing excellent vintages. Most have cellar doors and also house local art in the tasting areas, while on weekends jazz-style entertainment is becoming popular.

The Shoalhaven has well established and colourful weekend markets and Nowra is no exception. The local area grows bountiful produce, with commercial vegetable gardens adjoining the city and hard-to-beat local seafood available in town. Nowra has a strong sports orientation so there’s plenty to do whatever your interest. Aside from the many water sports (including a 50m Olympic sized pool and waterslide), there are playing fields for many team sports, a skate park and rifle club.

For the more leisurely inclined, local river cruises offer a balmy relaxed style of activity. There are some good local bushwalks within the Nowra district, notably Bens Walk which is an easy, shady and well-graded riverbank walk winding beside the Shoalhaven River, affording excellent views of the local district. Nowra has come a long way in recent years, and we invite you to explore its many attractions.

For more, go to www.visitnsw.com/