Top Historical Places in Nowra, Australia

Discover the rich history that lies within Nowra, a town with a blend of colonial charm and modernity nestled on the NSW South Coast.

The Royal National Park Visitors Centre

Nowra's first stop is the Royal National Park Visitors Centre, located in nearby Kirrawee. It offers insights into the park’s unique ecosystem and the area's indigenous history, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding before exploring the park’s trails.

Nowra Historic Town Walk

A stroll through Nowra's historic town center reveals the town's rich past. Explore buildings like the Nowra Courthouse, dating back to 1895, which now houses a community art gallery. Don’t miss the Anglican Church of St John the Evangelist, built in the early 20th century and featuring stunning stained glass windows.

The Old Nowra Gaol

Step inside the Old Nowra Gaol, constructed between 1912 and 1936, to learn about its tumultuous history as a local correctional facility. Guided tours offer vivid stories of life behind bars in this imposing structure.

Pimeera Indigenous Rock Art Site

Venture out from Nowra into the surrounding bushland to find the Pimeera Indigenous Rock Art site. Here, you can see ancient Aboriginal rock paintings that provide a window into the region’s deep cultural heritage.

Shellharbour Heritage Museum

Dive deeper into Nowra's colonial past at the Shellharbour Heritage Museum. This museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents that chronicle life in the area from its earliest days to the present, offering valuable insights into local history.

The Nowra Wharf and Marina

Visit the Nowra Wharf and Marina for views of the coastal town’s heritage. Originally built as part of the whaling industry, this marina now serves as a gateway to water-based activities and offers stunning vistas over Jervis Bay.

Nowra Historic Cemetery

Explore the Nowra Historic Cemetery, which dates back to 1876. Here, you'll find the graves of early settlers, soldiers from both World Wars, and local pioneers who helped shape the town’s history.

The Old Post Office

The Old Post Office in Nowra, now repurposed as a café, is another site that carries historical significance. Built in 1907, it stands as a testament to the area's growth during the early 20th century.

Nowra Railway Station

Built in 1895, Nowra Railway Station serves as a reminder of the town’s importance in the early days of rail transport. It also operates as a tourist information center, providing travelers with maps and information on local attractions.

The Bundanoon Historic Village

Just outside Nowra, explore the charming village of Bundanoon. This historic site is known for its well-preserved colonial buildings, including the now-closed Bundanoon Hotel and the old post office, which have been restored to their former glory.

The Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Museum

Visit the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Museum to gain a deeper understanding of local Indigenous history. The museum showcases the culture and traditions of the Dharawal people, including their connection to land and sea.

Nowra Showground

The Nowra Showground hosts various events throughout the year but also serves as a reminder of its historical roots. Originally established in 1876, it has been an integral part of community life for generations.

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Located at Broulee, just south of Nowra, this museum offers insights into maritime history and the region’s connection to the sea. Displays include shipwrecks and stories of local seafarers.

Nowra Lighthouse

Perched on a hill overlooking Nowra Harbour, the Nowra Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely since its construction in 1890. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline and town below.

The Jervis Bay Lookout

At the Jervis Bay Lookout, you can see why this region is known as the "Garden on the Coast." Here, you’ll find a combination of natural beauty and historical significance, with views that stretch across the bay to the hinterland.

The Nowra Harbour Bridge

Cross the Nowra Harbour Bridge, completed in 1964, which connects Nowra to Broulee. Although not as old as some other sites on this list, it’s still a significant structure and a key part of the town's modern infrastructure.

The Old Police Station

Built in the early 20th century, the now repurposed Old Police Station stands as a quiet testament to the law enforcement presence in Nowra. It offers tours that provide insight into its past uses and the role it played in community life.

Pimeera Reserve

Explore Pimeera Reserve, which includes walking tracks leading to historical sites like the old wharf and former salt works. The reserve is also home to a number of Indigenous artifacts and monuments.

The Nowra Shire Historical Society Museum

Visit the Nowra Shire Historical Society Museum for a curated collection of local history items. Here, you can discover stories from early settlers, photographs, and personal belongings that tell the tale of life in Nowra over the years.

The Old Telegraph Office

The Old Telegraph Office is another key historical building in Nowra’s town center. Constructed in 1896, it played a vital role in communication before the advent of modern technology.

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Shipwreck Display

While not a traditional museum, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum's shipwreck display offers a fascinating look at some of the vessels that met their end on the region’s treacherous coast. Learn about maritime disasters and the recovery efforts that followed.

Conclusion

Nowra, Australia, is rich in historical sites that tell its story from colonial times to modern-day life. Each location provides unique insights into the town's past, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.