A Road Trip to Narooma: Crystal Waters, Oysters, Seal Encounters & the Dreamiest Coastal Stay
When your partner says a golf trip, caravan ....on the South Coast of NSW.
All you can think about is cold water, brick-a-brac shopping and bad coffee.
Wow, how wrong I was. I have always gone north, so discovering the south, well, all I can say is impressive, a surprise at every turn. Our escape to Narooma —mixed luxe-but-laid-back accommodation, unforgettable swims, culinary gems, and wildlife encounters we’re still talking about.
STAY
We based ourselves at Surf Beach Holiday Park, where the cabins and luxe van-style stays sit right by the shoreline. If you’re travelling with a furry companion, make sure you request ACE 5—it’s beautifully kept, ocean-close, and totally dog-friendly. Also perfect for a late-night pitch on the 17th.
SWIM
Just offshore sits Montague Island Nature Reserve, a wildlife wonderland. It's home to hundreds of birds (over 90 species!) and a colony of delightfully lazy seals who sunbathe on the rocks like they own the place.
A day trip takes only 20 minutes by boat, and the guided lighthouse tour offers views worth every step.
We fully planned to snorkel with the seals—one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
But the weather had other ideas.
The ocean said not today, so our Montague Island seal swim will have to wait for next time. A little heartbreaking… but nature delivered a backup plan. A swim from the surf club to Glasshouse Bay.
The morning was a chilly 7C outside, but the water was surprisingly warm at around 17C. Not a soul in the water but us, so under a couple of waves, we began our swim. My mind was on the ripples in the sand when my swimming buddy yelled.
“Kaz, it’s a seal!”...
Where ?
Before I could even spot the direction, a very large seal popped up right beside me—curious, calm, and close enough to lock eyes. It hovered, dipped, resurfaced, and lingered just long enough to take our breath away.
Magic. And totally unforgettable.👀👀🦭🦭 Needless to say, my adrenaline and anxiety for the rest of the swim was pretty high, I was on high alert for furry guests.
COFFEE
A few minutes' drive to the unassuming industrial estate is Mr Bold next door. It became our daily ritual—great coffee, friendly faces, and that delicious holiday slow-down that happens as soon as the first sip hits. Plus the most amazing array of meals to take home.
DINING
Narooma’s hospitality scene has levelled up thanks to Merivale’s love affair with the region.
The Quarterdeck, perched on the Wagonga Inlet, began life as an oyster grower’s shed before becoming a kiosk, fish’n’chip shop, and eventually the tiki-inspired favourite it is today. Justin Hemmes calls Narooma his “second home,” describing it as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Not far away sits Lynch’s Hotel, built in 1895 and still full of local charm. It’s everything a classic pub should be, with the occasional Queen Chow pop-up adding that unexpected Merivale sparkle.
A Narooma trip isn’t complete without fresh oysters, and The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter is THE place to stop. This outdoor oyster bar and food truck sits right on the water, serving oysters farmed by Brian Coxon and shucked by his daughter Natasha. Pair them with a couple of their dangerously good cocktails, and you’ve got yourself the perfect coastal afternoon.
BIKE
For a land-based adventure, hire an e-bike at Southboundescapes and cruise the coastal trail from Narooma to Dalmeny. The path winds along beaches, headlands, and ocean viewpoints that feel almost too beautiful. Effortless riding, endless scenery—an absolute highlight.
GOLF
Cliffs That Command a Pause. The coastline is rugged, ancient, and cinematic. Cliffs curl and rise like sculpture, and every viewpoint feels like a page torn from a travel magazine.
Narooma Golf Club remains one of the most spectacular courses in NSW. The Hogan Hole—a shot across cliffs with the Pacific crashing below—is pure drama. Even if your swing is questionable, the view is absolute perfection. Sadly, I haven't made it over yet.
Between the crystal waters, luxe pet-friendly stay, perfect coffee, cliffside walks, e-bike rides, oysters, golf, and a seal cameo that still feels surreal—Narooma wrapped us up in everything we love about the coast.
Pack your wetsuit, your appetite, your sense of adventure, and maybe a little luck.
Narooma will handle the rest. It was the perfect place for a bit of wear testing.
OUR LATEST LONG JANE WETSUIT⬇️🌊🏊♀️🥽
