Top Towns for 2022: Where to eat, stay and play in Narooma

The waters around this Far South Coast town are so blue they seem to have been scissored from a tourism brochure. This may have been a deciding factor in why Narooma came in at no. 42 on your pick of the Top 50 Aussie Towns. But there’s a lot more to elicit awe on Narooma’s sizzle reel.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

The road bends back and forth time and again as you arrive in Narooma, and the vistas are incredible. The big draw is the blue water, which is a national marine park home to sea lions, whales, dolphins, octopuses and a vast congregation of manta rays.

Staring out to sea here is like indulging in colour therapy. Tourists from Victoria and the ACT have been trickling here for decades. But they didn’t arrive in substantial numbers until Justin Hemmes turned up. The hotelier owns a property nearby, and has invested heavily in the area’s fortunes. The ocean is central to the way of life here which is precisely what appealed to Hemmes and the many sea-changers that followed him.

Best of all: you don’t need a superyacht to enjoy it; much of the town’s charms lie in the fact that its beauty is very democratic. This rugged stretch of coast is all sugar-white beaches and deep ravines that are like rips in the seam of the Earth.

Narooma aerial view — You need to see Narooma’s blues to believe them. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

As well as being a shade of blue you never knew existed, the lagoons get an influx of seawater and freshwater, the right mix of which provides premium conditions for growing oysters. In fact, judges at the Narooma Oyster Festival have declared oysters from this region to be some of the very best in the world. Beyond slurping bivalve molluscs, here is where to eat, stay and play in Narooma.

Where to eat in Narooma

You will meet some of Narooma’s salt-of-the-earth characters at SALT, which is what inspired the name of the waterfront cafe. It’s where to go to refuel on caffeine.

External view of Quarterdeck Narooma — Quarterdeck has been thoughtfully reimagined under Merivale.

Menu at Quarterdeck Narooma — The food at Quarterdeck will delight your tastebuds.

In addition to The Whale Inn , where Hemmes has opened Queen Chow, Merivale has renovated the much-loved Quarterdeck and is giving Lynch’s some love. The menu at the heritage hotel serves up classics reimagined from the period the pub was established (1895) such as beef pie with peas and potato mash as well as staples like schnitties and steak.

Lynch's Narooma — This hotel taps into its heritage that dates back to 1895.

Menu at Lynch's Narooma — Dine on reimagined pub classics at Lynch’s.

Perch, like the nearby pelicans, at The Inlet on Wagonga Inlet , which is open for takeaway only and known for its fresh fish and chips.

Menu at The Inlet Narooma — Perch for fish and chips at The Inlet.

You should also attach yourself, like one of the creatures on the rocks below, to the Oyster Farmer’s Daughter , overlooking the bright bangle of Barlows Bay, to enjoy a glass of rosé and a dozen Sydney rocks.

If you want a quiet night in, order dinner to go from Mr Bold Catering , a local chef who curates quality food boxes and heat-and-eat items or pick up some fresh fish or abalone (when in season) from Narooma Bridge Seafoods .

Things to do in Narooma

Book ahead for Southbound Escapes to pitch a pop-up picnic which will come with all the bells and whistles as well as a hamper full of treats and goodies.

Narooma EBike Southbound Escapes — Explore on e-bikes hired from Southbound Escapes. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Southbound Escapes also hires out e-bikes and one of the best things to do in Narooma is head out, if the weather allows, with a destination in mind. In this case, we recommend hiring an e-bike that will take you to the Big Niles Brewing Co. in nearby Dalmeny, or further afield to the Dromedary Hotel in Central Tilba . You can also hire one of Mal’s BBQ Boats and putter around the protected waters stretched smooth and taut like too-tight denim around the curves of the coast.

Dalmeny Coastal Trail Narooma — E-bike the Narooma to Dalmeny Coastal Trail.

As well as the secluded bays where you can swim in solitude, you will find kayakers weaving their way around caves and emerald grottos, surfers slicing through seas shafted with sunlight, and happy hikers with suntanned legs marching around sections of coastline so jagged they seem to pierce the sky.

Montague Island Adventures will also facilitate snorkelling with seals and penguin tours in addition to its guided loops around the protected nature reserve.

Work on your handicap at Narooma Golf Club , or kick off your kicks and keep it low-key with barefoot bowls at Club Narooma.

Where to stay in Narooma

Throw back the curtains during your stay at The Whale Inn, the charming hotel Hemmes has so beautifully renovated, and you will be met with vivid colour from the sapphire-blue seas tangled like a ribbon around the fingers of land.

Book a package deal with Southbound Escapes and you will benefit from a stay at one of The Wharf apartments . You can also dispatch yourself to Amooran Oceanside Apartments and Motel or Mystery Bay Cottages , both of which are enveloped in the bucolic countryside with sweeping ocean views.

You will find Oakleigh Farm Cottages stitched onto the Far South Coast’s patchwork quilt popular for those under pressure to find pet-friendly accommodation.

If the latest Narooma rumour is true, it seems Justin Hemmes might have snatched up another place to stay in the town. Watch this space. But also know that the hotelier’s increasingly considered and restrained approach is bound to further bolster the area’s amenity and appeal and provide yet another reason to visit Narooma.

Explore more of Narooma in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .