Nowra

Nowra is a town in the South Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the administrative and commercial center of the northern Shoalhaven and sits on the north bank of the Shoalhaven River, opposite the suburb of Bomaderry. The town is about 170 kilometers south of Sydney by road and serves as a gateway to the coast and to Jervis Bay.

Indigenous peoples occupied the Nowra area for thousands of years before European contact. European settlement began in the early 19th century with pastoralism, timber harvesting, and river trade, and Nowra developed as a service town for surrounding agricultural districts. Over time it grew into a regional center for commerce, education, health services, and government administration.

Economy and facilities in Nowra include Shoalhaven District Hospital, the main public health facility for the region. The Royal Australian Navy operates HMAS Albatross, a naval air station located nearby, which provides employment and supports the local economy. Retail, professional services, and tourism are also important to the area. Cultural facilities such as the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre serve residents and visitors.

Transport and geography: Nowra is connected by the Princes Highway, a major coastal route that links the town with broader New South Wales road networks. The surrounding area offers beaches, bushland, and national parks that attract visitors and support regional activity. Nowra is part of the City of Shoalhaven local government area and functions as a regional hub for the northern Shoalhaven.