Travel Guide to Narooma & Bermagui
Narooma is one of my most favourite coastal towns in New South Wales (NSW). I have been to this amazing city many times and in spite of it, I always want to go back.
For fun big things to see on the way, read 11 big things to see in NSW.
About Narooma and Bermagui…
Narooma and Bermagui, are coastal towns in the South Coast region of New South Wales (NSW). Supposedly 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.
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How to get there?
- Driving – The distance between Sydney and Narooma is around 350 kilometres. And Bermagui is about 36 kilometres from Narooma. The best and easiest way to get to Narooma is by driving from Sydney and the drive takes around 5 hours one way. The route is very pretty and is along the coastal route of NSW.
For all my adventures with my beautiful car Ruhi, visit ‘Adventures with Ruhi‘ section of my blog.
- 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 can be found on the Transport for NSW website.
Things to do
There are many things to do in these two coastal towns. Some of the things that I did and which I definitely recommend are:
Camel and Horse Head Rocks
The Camel and Horse Head Rocks are unique formation rocks along the ocean. The rocks resemble the camel and horse head shapes and hence the names. 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.
- The 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
Absolutely stunning formation of rock is the Australia Rock. Yes, you heard it right! There is a rock that is in the shape of Australia. It is the most popular spot in NSW for photographs. The Seal Colony is just opposite to the Australia Rock.
- One can take the car right in front of the Australia Rock.
- To climb to the Australia Rock, you need to do a bit of getting down the rocks and then climbing it.
- 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 in Narooma. It is a place where one can go and swim with the seals in the wild. There are boat trips that go from Narooma to Montague Island where visitors can swim and snorkel near the seal colonies.
- The cost for this boat trip is AUD 99 per person.
- The trip can be booked with Lighthouse Charters.
Montague Island is about 9 kilometres off the coast of Narooma.
Narooma Lighthouse (Not active)
Narooma lighthouse is a non working lighthouse that is along the Narooma Visitor Centre. The key piece of this lighthouse is the original light from the Montague Island Light station.
Budgeted stay at Narooma
There is an awesome camping ground called Surf Beach Holiday Park in Narooma.
- It is a car camping.
- 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.
If you are camping in your caravan, the visit Caravan Camping website for best camping equipment solutions.
Contact Details
- Address: 5 Ballingalla Street, Narooma New South Wales 2546 Australia.
- Phone: +61 2 4476 2275.
- Email: info@surfbeachholidaypark.com.au
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.
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. They make a perfect weekend trip.
