MI had an incredible time exploring the Blue Mountains during our two-week road trip in November 2023. The waterfalls were especially beautiful after the recent rain, and witnessing the Three Sisters at both sunrise and sunset was truly unforgettable as the sunlight cast a stunning glow over the rock formations. We only managed to glimpse a fraction of what the Blue Mountains have to offer, and I can’t wait to go back and explore even more.
Throughout our journey, we made multiple stops and stayed overnight at various locations, allowing us to fully experience each place without feeling rushed.s.
We made a spontaneous stop in Narooma for a couple of hours and found ourselves capturing countless photos and videos of the wild seals. It was a delightful surprise to stumble upon these ideal seal-viewing spots by chance.
Immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Narooma, New South Wales, I’m surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Sapphire Coast, teeming with diverse marine life, and the rugged, picturesque landscapes that characterize this hidden gem of Australia. Here, adventure intertwines with tranquility, offering a sanctuary for nature lovers, explorers, and anyone drawn to the allure of the ocean’s charm. From the iconic Montague Island to the heritage-rich streets, Narooma is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural experiences, waiting to be discovered.
Click on this link to go to Narooma Part 2 and Narooma Part 3
How to Get to Narooma
Traveling to Narooma by car from Sydney requires a five-hour journey, while the trip from Canberra is shorter, taking about three hours. Alternatively, you can fly from Sydney to Moruya Airport. Upon arrival, you have the option to rent a car for a 45-minute drive south to Narooma. Moruya Airport is conveniently located just 5km away from the center of Moruya. To reach your destination from the airport, you can utilize the available taxi services for a quick southwest trip. If you prefer to explore at your leisure, car rental services at the airport offer the freedom to discover the Eurobodalla region on your own terms.
A Timeless Gem Rediscovered
Nestled amidst the sea, serene lakes, and winding rivers, Narooma resonates with shades of blue, offering a symphony of natural beauty. Here, one can immerse themselves in the company of seals, glide over tranquil bays, and harvest oysters from gentle waters. Beyond its renowned scenic marvels, this coastal enclave is quickly rising as the trendiest culinary hotspot on the South Coast.
Key Attractions
Glasshouse Rocks and Pillow Lava
Surf Beach in Narooma boasts two striking geological wonders: the ancient Glasshouse Rocks to the south and fascinating pillow lava formations to the north. At low tide, visitors can explore the beach and trek around the headland to witness the grandeur of the Glasshouse Rocks. For a panoramic view, take Glasshouse Rocks Road to Narooma Cemetery car park, then follow an unmarked bush track to the beach. Note that this path may be challenging for those with mobility issues or young children due to its steep and unmarked nature.
Location: Glasshouse Rocks Road, Narooma, NSW 2546, Australia
Accessibility: Not suitable for individuals with accessibility needs.
Mill Bay Boardwalk Narooma
Explore the natural beauty of Narooma with a stroll along the 350-meter Mill Bay Boardwalk from Apex Park. Enjoy views of the expansive waterway and spot schools of fish and stingrays. The boardwalk offers easy, level terrain with wheelchair access. Extend your walk along Riverside Drive to seafood eateries at Forsters Bay or continue to Rotary Park, Australia Rock, and Wagonga Inlet entrance. Approximate walking time is 30 minutes to two hours.
Location: 1 Centenary Drive North Narooma NSW 2546 Australia
Accessibility: Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Snorkelling Barunguba Montague Island
Embarking on a snorkeling trip to Barunguba Montague Island offers an unforgettable underwater experience. Swim alongside 400 to 2000 New Zealand and Australian fur seals, depending on the season, in the crystal-clear waters of this wildlife sanctuary overseen by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. This premier adventure also attracts eco-tourists, whale enthusiasts, lighthouse history buffs, and divers seeking the rare Grey Nurse Shark.
To reach the island, take a boat charter from Narooma, with options for snorkeling-only trips or combined island tours. Day trips and unique two-night stays in the renovated lighthouse keeper’s accommodations are available. Experienced and confident snorkelers can enjoy the chance to explore the deep waters surrounding the island and its mesmerizing underwater kelp forests, weather permitting.
Location: Montague Island, NSW 2546, Australia
Accessibility: This experience may not accommodate individuals with specific access needs.
Bar Rock Lookout and Australia Rock
Bar Rock Lookout offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean stretching to Montague Island, with a scenic vista of Bar Beach and the vibrant blues and greens of Wagonga Inlet.
Descending a steep staircase brings you to the southern breakwall and Australia Rock, a natural wonder that, from a certain angle, strikingly resembles the Australian continent (excluding Tasmania). This unique shape has sparked various theories about its origin. Some believe it’s the result of millennia of erosion on the ancient chert and shale headland. Others tell a more colorful story of a ship anchored to the headlands with large chains that, during violent seas, gradually carved the rock into its now-familiar shape.
Australia Rock forms part of the Narooma Accretionary Complex and Chevron Folds, shaped by the immense forces of the Pacific Plate crashing into the continent.
Location: Bar Rock Road, Narooma, NSW 2546, Australia
Accessibility: This location is welcoming and accessible to visitors with different access needs.
On the 20th of November 2023, between 11 am and noon, I made my way to Bar Rock Lookout and Australia Rock. The weather was cold and rainy, which, as it turned out, was ideal for seal watching. Initially, I was at the lookout, curious about the crowd gathered along the pathway below. Descending the steps to join them, I discovered seals lounging on the rocks and frolicking in the water. The lookout provides parking, and there’s another road to the left leading to a second parking area closer to the action, though it offers fewer spaces.
Bateman’s Marine Park and Sanctuary
Stretching from Murramarang Beach to Wallaga Lake, the 85,000-hectare area boasts estuaries, creeks, rivers, and lakes ideal for recreational fishing. With minimal restrictions, the Batemans Bay Marine Park balances marine biodiversity protection with recreational and commercial use. Commercial trawling and dredging are prohibited, ensuring the preservation of diverse marine life like dolphins, seals, sharks, and rays. The park offers unique experiences such as snorkeling with seals near Montague Island. Kayaking and scenic walks along the water’s edge are popular activities for exploring the stunning coastal landscapes.
Why Batemans Marine Park is unique
The park features diverse ecosystems, including rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy beaches. Highlights include Montague Island Nature Reserve, a breeding ground for seabirds and seals, and home to little penguins. The waters are rich in fish like morwong and snapper, and attract pelagic species. Coastal lakes like Durras and Brou offer unique environments, influenced by periodic openings to the sea. The area holds cultural significance for the Yuin people, reflecting their enduring connection to the marine environment.
Explore and Discover
Batemans Marine Park is a hub of activity and exploration. Dive into the possibilities of what you can do and see:
Beaches
Explore over 80 stunning beaches along this coast, ranging from secluded, untouched sands to vibrant, people-filled shores. Some come equipped with cafes, picnic areas, and amenities, while others offer untouched natural beauty. For more tourism details, visit www.visitnsw.com. For beach safety tips in the area, check out www.beachsafe.org.au. At the park’s north, near Bawley Point, you’ll find Murramarang Beach. Merry Beach, Pretty Beach, Depot Beach, and Pebbly Beach, known for kangaroos visiting at dusk, are also close by. Notable beaches between Batemans Bay and Narooma include Malua Bay, Bengello Beach (Broulee), Brou Beach (Dalmeny), Narooma Beach, and Mystery Bay.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks/batemans-marine-park/beaches
Boating
A vibrant boating culture and rich maritime history thrive within and around Batemans Marine Park. The Tollgate Islands near Bateman’s Bay offer ideal sailing conditions. Wagonga Inlet’s shimmering waters in Narooma attract many enthusiasts. Explore watercourses like the Clyde, Tomaga, Moruya, and Tuross Rivers, along with Durras, Coila, Tuross, Corunna, and Wallaga Lakes. Sail along the scenic shores of Batemans Bay. Discover convenient boat ramps, wharves, jetties, and courtesy moorings scattered throughout the park. If you don’t have your own vessel, numerous boat hire services are at your disposal. For comprehensive boating information in NSW, visit Transport for NSW.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks/batemans-marine-park/boating
Dolphin and whale watching
The optimal time for whale watching is from September to November during the southern migration. For onshore viewing, recommended spots include:
- Burrewarra Point Lookout (Guerilla Bay)
- Broulee Island
- Toragy Point (Moruya Heads)
- Carters Beach Headland (Kianga)
- Bar Rock Road Lookout (Narooma) For offshore experiences:
- Humpback whales are often sighted near Montague Island as they migrate south, with daily sightings of twenty or more.
- Other common sightings include killer whales, southern right whales, dolphins, flying fish, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays.
- The marine park is also home to substantial populations of Australian and New Zealand fur seals. For further whale-related information, visit the Office of Environment and Heritage and Wild About Whales, or for general tourist information and charter operators, visit www.visitnsw.com.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks/batemans-marine-park/dolphin-and-whale-watching
Leisure Fishing
The majority of the Marine Park allows for recreational fishing. Whether you prefer offshore, estuary, rock, or beach fishing, there’s something here for every fishing enthusiast.
Offshore
In the park, Montague Island: hosts a variety of marine life including large yellowfin tuna, albacore, marlin, and kingfish offers excellent bottom fishing opportunities for species like snapper, morwong, redfish, pigfish, gummy sharks, and tiger and sand flathead.
Rocks and Beaches
The beaches offer ample fishing opportunities for popular species like salmon, tailor, flathead, whiting, bream, and mulloway. During summer, anglers spin and gather live bait from rock platforms to target bonito, various tuna, and kingfish. In winter, you’ll find good catches of tailor and salmon from the rocks. Throughout the year, you can catch other species such as bream, drummer, and groper.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks/batemans-marine-park/recreational-fishing
SCUBA diving and snorkelling
Batemans Marine Park is highly sought-after for diving and snorkelling adventures. Its rugged coastline offers numerous sheltered areas for snorkelling, while divers can explore reefs, caves, and deep gutters. The marine life is abundant throughout the year. Top spots for exploration include Guerilla Bay, Broulee Island, Shelly Beach near Moruya, Wagonga Inlet in Narooma, and Mystery Bay. Don’t miss the chance for a snorkelling encounter with the Australian and New Zealand fur seal colony at Montague Island.
Here’s essential information to remember:
Montague Island and the Tollgate Islands are designated as critical habitats for grey nurse sharks to safeguard this endangered species. Grey nurse sharks are also found near Brush Island, Jimmies Island, Black Rock, Burrewarra Point, and Dalmeny Headland. Special regulations are in place for diving and snorkelling at these sites.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks/batemans-marine-park/scuba-diving-and-snorkeling
Location
Batemans Marine Park Batemans Bay NSW 2536 Australia Location – Batemans Marine Park Batemans Bay NSW 2536 Australia
Accessibility
This location does not provide access facilities for people with specific access requirements.
Click on this link to go to Narooma Part 2 and Narooma Part 3
Complete Packing List
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Narooma worth visiting?
Narooma, derived from the Aboriginal term meaning ‘clear, blue water,’ offers not just breathtaking vistas of aquamarine estuary waters but also a wealth of other attractions. With its picturesque charm and stunning surroundings, Narooma stands out as one of the most captivating towns along the NSW south coast.
How do I get from Narooma to Sydney?
The quickest route from Narooma to Sydney involves taking a combination of bus and flight, with a travel time of 3 hours and 25 minutes, typically costing between $190 and $460. There is indeed a direct bus service available from Narooma to Sydney, departing once daily and arriving at Central Station station, operating every day.
Why is the water so clear in Narooma?
Narooma is a stunning coastal gem, predominantly expanding along the southern bank of the inlet and the Pacific Ocean coastline. Unlike major rivers, only a few creeks feed into the inlet, resulting in exceptionally clear and beautiful waters.
How long is the Narooma boardwalk?
The Mill Bay Boardwalk, stretching 350 meters from Apex Park on the northern side of the inlet, offers an ideal opportunity to admire Narooma’s natural splendor and observe the various activities on its vast waterway.
Does Narooma have Uber?
You can make taxi bookings using the Uber app.
What airport is near Narooma?
The closest airport to Narooma is Moruya (MYA) Airport, located 35 km away. Other nearby airports include Merimbula (MIM) (79.5 km) and Canberra (CBR) (132.3 km).
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