Nowra: Discover River Landscapes, Culture and Leisure

Nowra offers a range of reasons to stay: the Shoalhaven River shapes the landscape, while the museum, Murals Trail, Aquatic Park and Entertainment Centre appeal to cultural and active leisure interests. If you’re looking for a hotel in Nowra, your trip’s planned focus can help narrow down the options. The following places can help you decide whether you’d rather spend your time walking by the river, exploring local history and art, swimming, or enjoying a theatre or music program.

Explore the Shoalhaven River

The Shoalhaven River reaches the coastal lowlands at Nowra. Bens Walk is a scenic loop along the river, passing through rugged gorges, forests and open, grassy riverbank areas. The route alternates between forested sections and gorges, and open spaces beside the water. The full loop is 5.5 kilometres long and takes visitors approximately two hours. This estimate offers a practical guide when planning the nature outing as part of your stay. A suspension bridge on Bens Walk provides access to Depot Farm Reserve and its riverside picnic area. If the route is part of your plans, check the track conditions and the current conditions at the bridge and reserve before setting out.

Nowra’s history and art

The Nowra Museum is housed in the town’s former police station, built in 1901. Its collection comprises more than 30,000 artefacts, documents and images. The Halloran Gallery in the museum houses the only public permanent exhibition of works by renowned local artist Samuel Elyard. This means an extensive collection and a presentation of one artist sit side by side in the same building. As exhibition arrangements may change, check the latest information before visiting.

Meroogal in Nowra was built between 1885 and 1886. By comparison, the house predates the former police station, built in 1901—two different periods of construction that form part of Nowra’s local history. The Nowra Murals Trail offers another perspective on the region’s history: along the trail, you can discover artworks that highlight different aspects of the region’s past. Individual murals may change.

Leisure and live performances

The Nowra Aquatic Park in the centre of Nowra offers a Splash Play Park and the “Vortex” and “Rampage” waterslides. It also has a 50-metre outdoor pool with nine FINA-standard lanes. The facilities therefore include a play area and slides as well as a pool with designated lanes. Facilities may be renewed or changed, and pool specifications may also change following future upgrades. Check the latest information before your visit.

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Bridge Road hosts professional and community theatre, as well as live music. The performances and shows vary. If a particular program is important to your travel dates, check the event schedule for your dates before planning around it.

Find a hotel to suit your stay

For planning purposes, Bens Walk offers a specific combination of route length and approximate time required. The museum and Murals Trail focus on history and art; the Aquatic Park and Entertainment Centre offer different leisure options. Consider which of these is important for your trip, then look for a hotel in Nowra that suits your needs. Check the amenities and terms that matter to you for each individual listing.

Discover more destinations: Mollymook, Berrara, Currarong, Bangalee, Greenwell Point, Burrill Lake, Huskisson, Sussex Inlet

For the broader travel overview: Shoalhaven City Council.