Top 5 Budget-friendly Things to do in Nowra, New South Wales

A few blocks from the town centre of Nowra on NSW’s south coast, Meroogal is a rare and precious gem. Barely changed since it was built in the 1880s, the distinctive ‘Carpenter Gothic’ house has been loved and maintained by four generations of Thorburn and Macgregor women through the pleasures and labours of daily life. The house still overflows with their belongings – favourite books and ornaments, furniture, photographs, diaries and journals, newspaper clippings, receipts and recipes, appliances and clothes – and the garden, although reduced from its original size, still provides fruits and fresh produce that hint at their self-sufficiency and hospitality. Meroogal invites us into their lives, and through their private histories draws us into a shared and living past.

Shoalhaven is a foodie, nature and adventure lovers’ paradise! Brimming with national parks, bordered by a brilliant coastline, yet full of creature comforts in its 49 towns and villages. To get there, it's just a few hours drive from Sydney or Canberra. Animal encounters are a speciality. Whale watching at Jervis Bay and Ulladulla give you the chance to join the migration between May and November each year, and travel with humpback whales and southern right whales. There’s also resident dolphins, seals and even penguins all thriving here so jump on a cruise at Jervis Bay or Ulladulla, plan a dive charter or paddle tour to discover the wild side of the Shoalhaven. Shake the hands that feed you at 11 cellar doors, a brewery or two and plenty of farm gates and oyster farms or grab a table and let our chefs do the deciding for you. Visit Shoalhaven, many experiences, one destination!