Major city · Australia
Nowra and Bomaderry
Base here 1–2 nights only if you have a car: the town is a supply stop, the beaches and Jervis Bay are 20–40 min away.
Nowra is the service centre of the Shoalhaven, 163 km south of Sydney, and Bomaderry across the river holds the railway station. The town centre itself is a shopping strip away from both the river and the coast; the reason to stop is the surrounding coast, Jervis Bay and Kangaroo Valley. Without a car you are limited to the strip and the museum.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Sep–Nov, Mar–May
- avoid Dec–Jan (school holidays, heat, bushfire risk)
- Airport
- SYD
- Nights
- 1–2
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 Nowra and Bomaderry000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information1800 679 737
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 Nowra and Bomaderry, 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
- SafetyLow street crime; the real risks are summer bushfire, wildlife on rural roads and swimming at unpatrolled beaches.
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 mobiles · 1800 679 737 NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information
- 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.
- AirportSYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (About 2 h 30 min–3 h 30 min by train via Kiama, or about 2 h by car on the M1/A1.).
- Getting aroundA car is close to essential: the sights sit outside the centre and local buses run only a few times a day.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soupA$14–20 (≈ US$10–14)
- Beerschooner in a pub / six-pack at a bottle shopA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)A$18–24 (≈ US$12–16)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$300 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$160 (≈ US$110) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
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
- SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (About 2 h 30 min–3 h 30 min by train via Kiama, or about 2 h by car on the M1/A1.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Dec
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jul (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Mar (12 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Nowra and Bomaderry: 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
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
12 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Nov
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 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 close to essential: the sights sit outside the centre and local buses run only a few times a day. The centre has painted cycle lanes on the Princes Highway; the lanes south of the river toward Comerong Island and Greenwell Point are better for riding. Bolong Road north of the river has fast traffic and narrow shoulders.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jervis Bay and Huskisson
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive via the A1 and Jervis Bay Road, or coach from Nowra
White-sand beaches and calm water; go early in summer for parking.
Currarong
goDoor to door: About 40–50 min
Drive south-east via Culburra Road
Small village with beaches and bushwalks; a half-day or a slow full day.
Berry
goDoor to door: About 20–25 min
Drive north on the A1, or train to Berry station
Short stop for cafés and shops on the way to or from Sydney.
Ulladulla
goDoor to door: About 45–55 min
Drive south on the A1
Harbour, beaches and a good lunch stop heading further south.
Kangaroo Valley
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive north-west via the B73
Winding road; check for closures after heavy rain.
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.
Nowra CBD
Motels and apartments around Kinghorne St; walkable to shops and the entertainment centre, 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) from the station.Motels and apartments around Kinghorne St; walkable to shops and the entertainment centre, 1.9–2.5 mi (3–4 km) from the station.
Bomaderry
Next to the train station and the river bridge; best if you arrive by rail without a car.
North Nowra
Quieter, near the zoo; needs a car for everything.
Jervis Bay side (Huskisson, Vincentia)
20–40 min drive east; pick this instead if beaches are the point of the trip.
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$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 2 nights × A$180 | A$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$160 | A$640 |
| Train Sydney Central → Bomaderry, one way (Opal)2 × A$12 · check | A$24 |
| Bus Bomaderry → Nowra across the bridge2 × A$4 · check | A$8 |
| Fleet Air Arm Museum entry, adult2 × A$10 · check | A$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$30 | A$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$111 |
| Trip total≈ A$306 per person per day, bed included | A$1,223≈ US$850 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Counter lunch or pub meal | A$18–30 (≈ US$12–20) |
| Noodle soup | A$14–20 (≈ US$10–14) |
| Beer: schooner in a pub / six-pack at a bottle shop | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) / A$18–24 (≈ US$12–16) |
| Fuel, unleaded | A$1.70–2.10 (≈ US$2) per litre (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bushfire risk is real in summer: check the Rural Fire Service app and local alerts before driving into the hinterland.
- The train terminates at Bomaderry, north of the river; a bus crosses the bridge to Nowra for an extra fare.
- Some South Coast Line services show Kiama as the terminus: you change from electric to diesel there, so check the timetable.
- Kangaroos and wombats on rural roads at dusk and dawn.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information
- 1800 679 737
Pocket card
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Nowra and BomaderryNowra and Bomaderry
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
Can you take me to this address, please?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information1800 679 737
Embassy
No embassies here; the nearest consulates-general are in Sydney.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Sydney Central → Bomaderry: about A$12 (≈ US$8) on Opal, 3–3.5 h via Kiama (check)
- Bus Bomaderry → Nowra: about A$4 (≈ US$3), extra fare on top of the train (check)
- Taxi Nowra CBD → Bomaderry station: about A$20–25 (≈ US$14–17) (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- Thanks — Thank you
- How much is that? — How much is it?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
- Is it far? — Is it far?
English is the only language you need.
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 Nowra and Bomaderry. 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: Sep–Nov, Mar–May · avoid Dec–Jan (school holidays, heat, bushfire risk) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SYD: last South Coast Line connection via Kiama, coach fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Nowra CBD, Bomaderry station and bridge, North Nowra, Jervis Bay side.
- Place pages with verified hours and last entry (Fleet Air Arm Museum, Shoalhaven Zoo, entertainment centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Bushfire and flood fixtures so gates A–D can go green.