Travel Guide to Narooma & Bermagui

Being an avid traveler, I have traveled extensively in New South Wales (NSW) state of Australia. And most of the towns I have visited have been along the coast. Narooma is one of my most favourite coastal towns in NSW. I have been to this amazing town many times and in spite of it, I always want to go back.

Also Read | For fun big things to see on the way – 11 big things to see in NSW.

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About Narooma and Bermagui

Narooma and Bermagui, are coastal towns in the South Coast region of NSW. The name Narooma is derived from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘clear blue waters’ and Bermagui, is derived from the Dyirringanj word permageua meaning ‘canoe with paddles’.

According to 2016 census, there are only 3300 people living in Narooma.

With amazing beaches and blue ocean, Narooma is one of the top coastal destinations in NSW. It is also very famous for its seal population as there is a large seal colony.

The best time to visit Narooma and Bermagui is between the months of September and May as the weather is pleasant and not too cold. The cold months are between June and August. You need at least 3 to 4 days to explore Narooma and Bermagui.

How to get to Narooma and Bermagui?

By Road

The distance between Sydney and Narooma is around 350 kilometres. And Bermagui is about 36 kilometres further down from Narooma. The best and convenient way to get to Narooma or Bermagui is by driving from Sydney and the journey by road takes around 5 hours one way. As the route is along the coast, the route is very pretty.

For all my adventures with my beautiful car Ruhi, visit ‘Adventures with Ruhi‘ section of my blog.

By Public transportation

The public transport to Narooma from Sydney is not straightforward. One needs to take a train and then take two buses to reach Narooma.

• Take the train from Central train station in Sydney to Bungendore station.
• Then a bus to Wagonga street from Bungendore station.
• Finally, a bus from Wagonga street to Narooma. The bus stop at Narooma is around 600 metres from the CBD.

Up-to-date information on buses and trains can be found on the Transport for NSW website.

Things to do in Narooma and Bermagui

The two coastal towns offer plenty of things to do. Some of the things that I have done and which I definitely recommend are:

Camel and Horse Head Rocks

The Camel and Horse Head Rocks are unique formation rocks along the ocean. And these rocks resemble the shapes of a camel and a horse head and hence the names given to them. It is believed that the area is said to be composed of 450 million years old metamorphic rocks.

• Visiting the Camel and Horse Head rocks are one of the must dos when in Narooma. Horse Head Rock is a short walk on the rocks from Camel Rock. The best time to visit is during low tide. Do not go closer to these rocks during high tide as it can get dangerous.
• There is a free car part at Camel Rock and the walking path starts at Camel Rock beach car park.
• The cost to visit these two rocks is FREE.

Note: During the high tide, the walk is dangerous, so do not attempt the walk during the high tide.

Australia Rock and Seal Colony

One of the absolutely stunning rock formations is the Australia Rock. Yes, you heard it right! There is a rock that is in the shape of Australia. And it is the most popular and one of the best spots to take pictures in NSW.

The Seal Colony is just opposite to the Australia Rock. You can find so many seals resting and sleeping at this point.

• One can take the car right in front of the Australia Rock.
• You can climb the Australia Rock, but that requires a bit of getting down the rocks and then climbing it. There are no proper steps and path.
• Beware of the seals and do not go very close to them. They mostly lie and sleep but be sure to be careful around wildlife.
• The cost to view the Australia Rock and seals is FREE.

Swimming with the Seals

This is my favourite activity or thing to do in Narooma. Montague Island is about 9 kilometres off the coast of Narooma. This island is known for its Australian fur seals breeding colonies and Little Penguins.

Did you know that you can see these Little Penguins return home after a day of catching fish? Read One Day trip to Philip Island.

Montague Island is a place where one travel to from the wharf at Narooma and swim with the seals in the wild. This spot is just a short boat ride and there are scheduled boat trips that go between Narooma and Montague Island.

• The cost for this boat trip along with the guided snorkeling tour is AUD 99 per person.
• The trip is organised by Lighthouse Charters and it can be booked online.

Narooma Lighthouse (Not active)

Narooma lighthouse is a non working lighthouse that is next to the Narooma Visitor Centre. The key piece and the notable feature of this lighthouse is the original light from the Montague Island Light station.

Stay at Narooma

Amooran Oceanside Apartments and Motel

Located along the coast with great views of the ocean, Amooran Oceanside Apartments and Motel is a 4 star property that offer studio and 1/2/3 bedroom apartments. Each of these apartments come with flat screen television, sofas, fridges and fully equipped kitchen.

Click here to check prices on Booking.com

Narooma Motel

Narooma Motel is a 3 star property with basic rooms and dorms. The rooms are fitted with flat screen television, minifridge, tea and coffee maker, and a shared kitchen.

Click here to check prices on Booking.com

Budgeted stay at Narooma | Surf Beach Holiday Park

One of the best budgeted places to stay in Narooma is at an awesome camping ground called Surf Beach Holiday Park. It is a car camping ground which means you can drive up till your camping site.

• For an unpowered site for three people, the total cost was only AUD 53. It is surely a great place to stay on a budget.
• Note: Sometimes you can get the camping site right in front of a lake and also the camping site has all the facilities like barbeque and showers.

Click here to check prices on Booking.com

If you are camping in your caravan, the visit Caravan Camping website for best camping equipment solutions.

Safety for solo female travelers

Narooma and Bermagui are absolutely safe for solo female travelers. I have been to these coastal towns all the times with friends but there are times where I have gone around the towns alone and have not had any issues whatsoever. However, these towns can get isolated and quiet after dark, so definitely be cautious and know your surroundings, especially at night.

Closing Notes

As I mentioned earlier, Narooma and Bermagui are one of my favourites and I would totally recommend visiting both of these towns when you are in Sydney. Surrounded with blue oceans, and unique rock formations, these coastal towns make make a perfect weekend trip from Sydney.