Major city · Australia
Narooma
Give Narooma 2 nights: one for the inlet, the boardwalk and Australia Rock, one for Montague Island. Skip it if you want surf-town nightlife or a big-town food scene.
Narooma is a small Eurobodalla town on the Princes Highway, built around a saltwater inlet where the Wagonga meets the sea. The reason to stop is water: Montague Island trips, diving, the inlet oyster leases and a short coastal walk with seals and stingrays below the rocks. Two nights covers it; three if you dive or fish. It is a driving stop, not a fly-in destination.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (warm water, longer days); Sep–Nov for whales
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, some boats idle); NSW school holidays and Easter for prices
- Airports
- MYA · CBR
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Narooma000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Narooma, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a coastal town; the real hazards are water and wildlife.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · channel 86 Marine rescue (Coastal Patrol), VHF
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckMYA Moruya Airport (About 35 min north by car; small regional services, check current routes and days).
- Getting aroundA car is the default: the highway runs through town and the beaches, Dalmeny and Kianga are 5–10 min south.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$190 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$300 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MYA Moruya Airport (About 35 min north by car; small regional services, check current routes and days) · CBR Canberra Airport (About 3 h by car; the practical option for most fly-in travellers)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Best: Sep–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jul (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Mar (11 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Narooma: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Mar
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Dec
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the default: the highway runs through town and the beaches, Dalmeny and Kianga are 5–10 min south. Town itself is walkable — bridge, boardwalk, Australia Rock and the wharf are within about 20 min on foot. No local bus network worth planning around; taxis are limited, so book ahead for early boat departures.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Montague Island
goDoor to door: Half day; allow 4–5 h
Boat from Narooma wharf, about 20–30 min offshore
Permit-controlled landing and penguin viewing; book ahead, especially Dec–Feb.
Tilba
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive south on the Princes Highway, about 20 min
Heritage village, cheese and small shops; pairs with a Bodalla stop.
Bodalla
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive north on the Princes Highway, about 15 min
Short stop for cheese and a meal, not a day on its own.
Moruya
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Drive north on the Princes Highway, about 30 min
Bigger town with the regional airport, markets and a river.
Batemans Bay
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive north on the Princes Highway, about 1 h
Fine as a wet-day or shopping run; too far to bother as a sightseeing day.
Mogo
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive north past Batemans Bay, about 1 h 10 min
Village shops and gold-rush history; combine with Batemans Bay, not alone.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Narooma town centre (Princes Highway / Wagonga St)
Walk to cafés, the bridge and the inlet; motels and the hostel sit along the highway.
Forsters Bay and Bluewater Drive
Waterfront units and the wharf where Montague Island boats leave; quietest at night.
Kianga and Dalmeny
Beach suburbs 5–10 min south; better for families with a car and longer stays.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–260 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$260 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 2 nights × A$190 | A$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$170 | A$680 |
| Montague Island trip, per person2 × A$160 · check | A$320 |
| Two-tank dive with gear, per person2 × A$200 · check | A$400 |
| Fish and chips on the wharf, per person2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$187 |
| Trip total≈ A$514 per person per day, bed included | A$2,057≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and Montague Island trips excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Fish and chips | A$18–28 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Dozen oysters, localPrice moves with the season. | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pub main | A$25–38 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Cinema ticket (Narooma Kinema)check | A$15–20 (≈ US$10–14) |
| Fuel, unleadedcheck | A$1.80–2.20 (≈ US$2) per litre |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Narooma bar is one of the most dangerous boat crossings in New South Wales: incoming tide only, life jackets on, and contact Coastal Patrol on channel 86 before and after. If you are not skippering, stay out of it.
- Montague Island landings and penguin viewing are permit-controlled and sell out in summer: book the boat before you book the motel.
- Kangaroos and wombats on the highway and side roads at dawn and dusk.
- Bluebottles and strong rips on the ocean beaches; swim between the flags.
- Fuel and groceries get thinner south of town — fill up in Narooma.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Marine rescue (Coastal Patrol), VHF
- channel 86
Pocket card
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NaroomaNarooma
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Marine rescue, VHFchannel 86
Embassy
No consulates in town: embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra and Sydney.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Montague Island trip from Narooma wharf: A$120–220 (≈ US$80–150) depending on operator and inclusions, half day (check)
- Two-tank dive with gear: about A$200 (≈ US$140) (check)
- Coach Sydney → Narooma, Premier Motor Service: about 6–7 h; check current timetable and fare
Say or show
- Thanks — Thanks
- No worries — No worries
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Table for two, please — Table for two, please
- Where is the boat wharf? — Where is the boat wharf?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
English is the only language you need here.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Narooma. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (warm water, longer days); Sep–Nov for whales · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, some boats idle); NSW school holidays and Easter for prices · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Wharf-to-bed contract for Montague Island boats: departure times, check-in cutoff, seasickness call, weather cancellation rule.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: bridge and boardwalk, Australia Rock and the breakwall, Forsters Bay and the wharf, Kianga–Dalmeny beach path.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Montague Island, Australia Rock, the Kinema, the golf club lookout) and eat pages with last orders.
- Bar-crossing and beach-safety fixtures so gates A–D can go green.