Nowra: River Landscapes, Culture and Recreation

In Nowra, the Shoalhaven River reaches the coastal lowlands. Bens Walk offers a distinctive perspective on the landscape: the loop trail follows the river through rugged gorges and forests, as well as along open, grassy banks. This makes it possible to get to know Nowra not only through individual attractions, but also through the changing scenery. If you enjoy spending time outdoors on holiday, this gives you a concrete option to consider when planning your day.

Out and About by the River

The full Bens Walk route is an easy 5.5-kilometre loop, which takes approximately two hours. These details can help you plan the walk as a separate activity. Along the way, a suspension bridge provides access to Depot Farm Reserve and its riverside picnic area. Both the loop walk and a break by the water are among the options described here. Riverbanks, forest sections and gorges give the trail a varied character, without requiring you to combine different activities.

Art and History in Nowra

The Nowra Museum preserves more than 30,000 artefacts, documents and images. It is housed in Nowra’s former police station, built in 1901. The Halloran Gallery is located within the museum. It houses the only permanent public exhibition of works by renowned local artist Samuel Elyard. The museum and gallery offer different ways to explore the area: the collection includes various types of historical records, while the permanent exhibition focuses on an artist from the region.

Meroogal is another notable place in Nowra; the building was constructed between 1885 and 1886. If you are interested in architectural history, this specific period offers another historical point of reference. The Nowra Murals Trail provides a different perspective on the region’s history, with artworks that highlight various aspects of its past. In Nowra, a museum, a permanent art exhibition and a trail featuring historical themes offer distinct cultural experiences.

Water, Theatre and Live Music

For water-based activities, Nowra Aquatic Park offers a Splash Play Park and the “Vortex” and “Rampage” water slides. It also has a 50-metre outdoor pool with nine FINA-standard lanes. These facilities offer different experiences: water play and slides sit alongside a large pool with a specified number of lanes. This may help with your holiday planning if you want to distinguish between water-based recreation and swimming in a pool.

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre hosts professional and community theatre, as well as live music. Together with the natural and cultural attractions, this offers a range of options for different interests, without implying any particular event date. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Nowra, consider which of these experiences you would like to make the focus of your trip: river landscapes and walking, art and history, water activities or stage performances. More destinations to consider for your own travel plans: Berry, Currarong, Cambewarra, Berrara, Pyree, Ulladulla, Mollymook and Wandandian.

For the broader travel overview: Shoalhaven City Council.