MUSEUMS CAMBEWARRA

Welcome to Nowra Wildlife Park
We are the largest native animal park on the NSW South Coast and bring together over 100 species of mammals birds and reptiles. Set in 16 acres of native bushland and resting on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River, you'll find plenty to see and do during your visit. Nowra Wildlife Park is the largest native animal park on the NSW South Coast and brings together over 100 species of native Australian animals, birds and reptiles. Set in 16 acres of native bushland and resting on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River you’ll find plenty to see and do during your visit.

Shoalhaven City Lanes is the local ten pin bowling attraction including fun filled special events and cosmic bowling every Friday and Saturday evening from 8pm. 16 lanes of excitement. Come along to experience some great family time, hang out with friends or throw a party. There's fun to be had by all.

Located adjacent to Kangaroo River and historic Hampden Bridge, River Estate provides contemporary hospitality in a picturesque country setting. They offer a gourmet tasting room featuring quality local produce, and boutique wines and beers. They also offer the perfect venue for a country wedding in Kangaroo Valley. Rolling farmland, a stunning sandstone escarpment, historic structures and the sounds of the flowing river provide a uniquely stylish backdrop for an unforgettable function.

Hanging Rock Lookout has been a prominent landmark of Nowra since the town was established. It is 46.25 metres above the river and offers spectacular views of the Shoalhaven and the town of Nowra. The precariously positioned overhanging rock formation with views across the Shoalhaven River can best be seen from the Bens Walk walking track. Site facilities include a car park and toilets.

Cambewarra Estate is only two and a half hours drive from Sydney on the beautiful South Coast, located at the foothills of the majestic Cambewarra Mountain. There are eight acres under vine and the first harvest of Chardonnay and Chambourcin was taken in March 1994. These hand picked grapes were sent to Tamburlaine in the Hunter Valley to be vintaged. The 2004 vintage celebrated the 10th Anniversary with a special label painted by internationally renown artist, Robert Dickerson who lives and works in the Shoalhaven area. There is a tasting area which has a rustic and intimate atmosphere. The view from the cellar door is delightful as it takes in Cambewarra Mountain and overlooks the vineyard and dams.

On the banks of the Shoalhaven River in North Nowra (access from Yurunga Drive) is The Grotto. Whilst access to The Grotto is steep in parts, the walk is short and the ambience of the reserve more than makes up for any effort expended. Take a picnic and spend some time watching the beautiful Shoalhaven River, from a superb vantage point. A large overhanging rock called the Grotto has given its name to this walk. This is a beautiful walk with steep entrances that zigzag down 45 metres from the cliff-tops to the banks of the Shoalhaven River. The walk is a two kilometre loop track taking between one to two hours depending on whether you visit all of the four lookouts at the top of the cliffs. The walk passes through an old farm and orchard which belonged to John Hanson in the 1920s.

The winery was established in 1976 when 12 acres of vines were planted in the rich volcanic soil of Jaspers Brush. The complex consists of a modern, airy wine tasting and retail sales building. The vine covered verandah overlooks the beautiful valley for a very relaxed and informal experience. Seating is provided on the verandah for dining or there is a log fire inside for a more cosy atmosphere. Picnic and barbecue facilities also provided for visitors.

Let's play croquet - the thought sport. A game requiring skill and strategy. Suitable for all - male and female, young and old, low cost involved. Croquet is played on a court which measures 35 yards by 28 yards. The lawns used are normally level and flat but not to the same standard as a bowling green. Six hoops are laid out on the court and each player uses a mallet to strike a ball with the aim of running each hoop in a specified order and direction. Each game is played with either two players (singles) or four players (doubles) and four coloured balls are in play at all times. Competitive or social - there is room for both. Participation in sport can be for a variety of reasons, including - exercise, mental stimulation, companionship, competition. Croquet provides an opportunity to travel for tournaments and meet new friends.

Nowra Raceway is a modern and well designed racing complex which holds regular races and meetings. It is known as Archer Raceway and was named after Archer, the local winner of the first two Melbourne Cup Races. Shoalhaven City Turf Club is a dynamic flexible venue that not only hosts a number of exciting Feature race meets, but also manages a number of special events. The venue caters for gallopers as well as greyhounds and is home to the Shoalhaven City Turf Club and Shoalhaven Greyhound Racing Club. The Nowra Speedway is also located on the grounds. There are covered areas for picnics and barbecues with tables and toilet facilities. There is plenty of car parking with room for coaches.

Drawing Room Rocks is nature's Drawing Room, with tables and chairs made of rock. It's a stunning place for a picnic and a great walk within two hours' drive of Sydney where you can chill out surrounded by natural treasures that hardly anyone knows about. The hike is not a long one at 4.5 kilometres return, and will take a walker of average fitness about two and a half hours. Not far from the quaint village of Berry and idyllic Kangaroo Valley, the walk to the Drawing Room, though uphill, is a real delight, taking you through lush bushland and along clifflines, with lovely sea breezes and vistas of verdant valleys and blue ocean accompanying you most of the way.

Experience the nostalgia of travelling on a steam railway through a rural property at Penwood Miniature Railway. All engines are working replicas of the original trains. A fun day out for big and little kids! Penwood Miniature Railway is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month. Entry to the property is 250 metres north of Croziers Road, on the Eastern side. Look for the red letterbox and Penwood Miniature Railway sign. Please wear covered footwear.

What is Shoalhaven Life? A few words and a bit of fine art photography lumped together to highlight what a wonderful and unique area of Australia the Shoalhaven region is. A website to showcase the places, the characters, the people and the artisans wherever they may be in their natural environment. Dean's images capture the unique beauty and character of the Australian landscape and its people. His work has been highly commended in many National and International photography competitions and several of his images have been published in National and International magazines. Dean's photographs are available at the Shoalhaven Visitors Centre, or the monthly Artisans market.

Donated by the descendents of the original settlers of the valley, see the cottage as it was in the 1840s. See historic exhibits and photographs, early settlers hut, pioneering farm equipment that demonstrates how early Australian settlers and pioneers lived, worked and played. Take a walk over the historic wooden suspension bridge, into the extensive bushwalking area overlooking the beautiful Kangaroo River, or enjoy a picnic lunch in pleasant surrounds. A unique fossil rock and original school house from Beaumont are other features of the complex. You can set aside an hour to see the historic exhibits.

Your host Michaela, along with her team of friendly staff, invite you to experience the wonders of Cambewarra Mountain Lookout. Perched high on the summit of the Cambewarra Range, 'The Lookout' commands a magnificent panorama of Shoalhaven City, stretching from Coolangatta Mountain in the north, way down to Pigeon House Mountain just inland from Ulladulla, in the south. The view also includes Point Perpendicular and the beautiful Jervis Bay National Park. While you're absorbing the breathtaking views and the natural beauty of the region, you can also observe the wonderful wildlife that inhabits the area. Magnificent King Parrots, Kookaburras and Lyrebirds are regular visitors and the majestic Wedge Tailed Eagles soaring overhead is a sight to behold, while you sip your cappuccino! If you visit in the evening, you may even see Mr Wombat ambling across the lawn.

Trees Adventure is an eco-adventure experience. The park features exciting and challenging courses high in the tree canopy, that will have you swinging, leaping, climbing and flying through the forest. The course lets you experience Australia's unique landscape, allowing thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts to experience the trees like never before. Flying foxes zip between the trees at exhilarating speeds, while cargo nets, rope bridges and wooden obstacles offer physical challenges high above the ground. There's even an airborne skateboard! The courses become increasingly difficult as you climb higher into the canopy, which means that you can find the right level to suit you. Suits ages from four years up to adult, and yes, there are even extreme "black" courses for the really adventurous! Bookings available via the website.

The Shoalhaven City Arts Centre is a regional art gallery located in Nowra NSW. Its facilities include four exhibition galleries, a gallery shop, meeting room/community gallery, an elegant courtyard and a catering area for functions.

The exhibition program features incoming touring exhibitions, curated exhibitions by leading Australian and Shoalhaven artists, as well as community based organisations and works from the Shoalhaven City Collection

The Arts Centre presents art, cultural and community events on a regular basis and also encourages arts-focused activities and events aimed at development, access and education for the use and enjoyment of the entire community.

Exhibitions are changed approximately every four weeks in the East, Access and Foyer Galleries and in the Main Gallery every eight weeks.

The Shoalhaven City Arts Centre is a member of the Regional & Public Galleries Association of NSW and is registered with the Cultural Gifts Program of the Australian Government.

Bendeela is a rustic camping ground and picnic area set in natural bushland on the banks of the Kangaroo River arm of Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam), near Kangaroo Valley village. Facilities include basic campsites (there is no power to the camping and picnic grounds), toilets and drinking water. No wood, charcoal or solid fuel barbecues or cooking devices can be used. Portable gas barbecues are permitted except during total fire bans. Permitted activities include fishing, swimming, bushwalking, canoeing and non-powered boating on the Kangaroo River and Lake Yarrunga. Picnic and camping sites are available on a 'first in first served' basis and cannot be reserved.

The Royal Australian Navy invites you, your family and friends to visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross Nowra. Explore and experience the story of naval aviation from its beginnings to the present day. The current exhibition "Wings over Water" tells the story of naval aviation in Australia, with aircraft from the 20th Century, ranging from a World War One Sopwith Pup to an A4 Skyhawk jet fighter. The exhibition also includes examples of allied and foreign aircraft, like the MiG-17 fighter. Showcases and audio visual displays add to the stories of these aircraft and those who flew and fixed them. Individual displays include the US 135th Assault Helicopter that incorporated the RAN Helicopter Flight-Vietnam and a special exhibit on Admiral Sir Victor Smith. The Museum's flight simulator provides a 'virtual experience', for all ages, on what it is like in the pilot's seat. Come and have fun.

Close to beautiful Shoalhaven beaches, this golf range facility has grass or mat tees, along with an entertaining 18-hole Mini Golf/Putt Putt course, discount golf shop and refreshments. It offers full family fun with a barbecue and playground area. The Nowra Golf Range and Putt Putt has coaching, lessons, clinics, repair and hire services with an AAA rated PGA Golf Professional.

Bottlerocket Bar and Cafe is the Shoalhaven's first boutique style cocktail bar. The mood at Bottlerocket is friendly and relaxed and feels more like a home away from home. Choose from a large selection of cocktails from around the world whilst listening to a great mix of classic rock and feel good tunes. Bottlerocket is an over 21's bar and cafe making it a perfect location for a business meeting, or quiet catch up with friends. Tuesday night is Trivia night, so come join in the fun. Bottlerocket hosts touring and local artists on Thursdays playing original music from 7pm.

Werninck Craft Cottage is a settler's cottage that was built in the 1900s. Local handcrafts are sold at the cottage with all profits going to local charities in the area. The Cottage is situated in central Nowra close to the main central business district and offers an insight into the local arts and crafts as well as an opportunity to provide much needed funds to local charitable organisations.

Yarrawa Estate Vineyard is nestled in between the rugged escarpments of Upper Kangaroo Valley, offering unmatched scenic beauty. This vineyard enjoys a temperate climate with rich volcanic and alluvial soils providing an ideal environment for viticulture. Yarawa Estate offers farm tours by appointment to observe macadamia, walnut, pecan and Japanese raisin trees plus large citrus grove. Seasonal farm produce is also available for purchase. Visit the Yarrawa Estate cellar door for wine tastings. Sample nuts, jams and pickles whilst enjoying the picturesque views.

Meroogal, in the South Coast town of Nowra, was built in 1885-1886. This delightful timber house, with its 'gothic' trimmings, is a charming testament to early days and early ways. Meroogal is a house that was greatly cherished by its owners. It was passed through the hands of four generations of women from the same family. The women led busy and fulfilled lives and their daily routines encompassed domestic chores and the pursuit of their own genteel interests and talents. Furniture, household objects, diaries, letters, scrapbooks, photographs and clothes allow a very personal insight into a more private world of the family. It is unusual for a house to be occupied by the same family for such a length of time, even in rural areas. Meroogal has survived to make its contribution to the study of our social history.

The Nowra Museum and Shoalhaven Historical Society aims to promote and encourage the study of Australian history and in particular, that of the Shoalhaven district. Founded in 1967 the Nowra Museum is located in the former police station and contains displays focusing on the Nowra district, using plenty of photographs held by the Society. The Society also has an extensive list of local history publications.

All wine is grown and harvested in the alluvial soils adjacent to Kangaroo Valley's famous Hampden Bridge landmark, the rather unique grape variety, Viognier, will delight your senses with its subtle taste and unique flavours. The cellar door tasting room is located in the function room of Jing Jo Cafe Thai Restaurant on the lawns opposite Hampden Bridge. Visitors will be able to experience the Award-winning Kangaroo Valley Estate 2006 Viognier and 2006 Shiraz as well as the 2008 Shiraz-Viognier. Come along to experience this unique taste and wonder.

Shoalhaven Zoo is the largest native animal park on the New South Wales South Coast and brings together over 100 species of native Australian animals, birds and reptiles. Set in 16 acres of native bushland and resting on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River, you'll find plenty to see and do during your visit. After spending time exploring the zoo you can relax with a picnic by the river, cook up a barbecue or eat in the delightful Zoo Haven Cafe while taking in the wonderful views. And before you leave, don't forget to browse through the gift shop where you will find a great selection of souvenirs to remind you of your visit.

Aquatique surf shop is a family run business that has been operating three stores on the south coast of New South Wales since 1987. Excellent service and huge ranges of stock has firmly established Aquatique as a leading provider of surf wear and equipment on the South Coast. Come and check out the amazing Stockland store. Opened in 1991, the Stockland store has always been a busy store staffed by some fantastic people over the years. Always stocked with a huge range of the latest mens and ladies fashions by brands including Billabong, Hurley, Quiksilver, Roxy, Rip Curl, Rusty and many of the new up coming labels, you will always be able to find what you are looking for. They carry an amazing range of both mens and ladies surf accessories, watches, shoes, sunnies, backpacks and much more.

Imagine a day spa in the privacy of your own luxury private cottage surrounded by gardens and magnificent views. At Crystal Creek Meadows they invite you to journey into a serene and tranquil world. Within your own cottage allow yourself to unwind from the hectic lifestyle you have left behind. Your beautiful cottage, in blissful surroundings and gentle music, will take you into a world of total luxury and relaxation. The professional therapist will perform specific beauty treatments tailored to your personal needs, offering professional skincare treatments from Sothys Paris and 100 per cent natural essential oil aromatherapy from Crystal Creek Meadows. Together Sothys Professional Skincare and Crystal Creek Meadows have designed unique day spa experiences that will indulge your senses, rejuvenate your body and mind, soothe your soul and restore your sense of wellbeing.

Set on 40 acres of bushland this vineyard and winery offers a rustic cellar door - for tastings and sales. Lyrebird Ridge Organic Winery offer self-contained accommodation with the grounds containing barbecue facilities, dams - with fish and yabbies, bush walks and farm animals for all to enjoy. Lyrebird Ridge Organic Winery offers visitors a chance to try high quality wine produced without the use of chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. The organic wines are grown and produced at the winery and are aged in underground cellars. The cellar door operates by appointment. If you are visiting the area and would like to come for a visit please phone ahead so they can organise a suitable time.

Ackroyd Opals has one of Australia's finest collections of opals at Australia's best prices. Opals are cut and polished on site with experience which is second to none. Choose from opal rings, pendants, earrings, jewellery, unset stones, as well as jewellery repairs and valuations. This den of glorious, colourful stones is the pride of the Ackroyd Family, who have been involved in the opal trade, from the ground up so to speak, for many years. From the diggings at several mines in the great Outback, the Ackroyd family stock high quality stones for processing into jewellery grade items. Since each opal region produces gems of different appearance, Dallas will take the time to explain to visitors how to select a stone for value and appearance as well as solid investments.

The Gallery hosts exhibitions of interesting and diverse offerings of original artwork, sculpture, jewellery and other objects d' art. The proprietor of The Gallery is award-winning artist Larraine Hahlos. Larraine has won many awards for her new impressionist landscapes and abstract works and is delighted to share her thoughts on 'affordable' art with her clients.