Discover Numbaa: A Quiet Haven on the Edge of the Shoalhaven

Numbaa is the kind of place travellers dream of stumbling upon—quiet, spacious, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the land. Just a few kilometres south‑east of Nowra, this rural pocket of the Shoalhaven offers a refreshing contrast to the region’s bustling coastal towns. With no formal township and no rush to be anywhere, Numbaa invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the beauty of simplicity.

A Landscape Defined by Space, Stillness and Fertile Country

Numbaa’s charm lies in its openness. Here, the horizon stretches wide, framed by fertile paddocks, grazing cattle, and the gentle shimmer of the Shoalhaven River. The area’s rich alluvial soils have supported generations of growers, shaping a pastoral landscape that feels both timeless and alive.

Driving along Comerong Island Road, the scenery unfolds in soft, painterly layers—golden fields, pockets of native bushland, and the ever‑present call of birdlife drifting across the flats. The scent of fresh earth lingers in the air, and the quiet is punctuated only by the rustle of wind through grass. For travellers seeking an authentic rural Australian experience, Numbaa offers a grounding sense of calm.

Gateway to Comerong Island: A Hidden Natural Sanctuary

Numbaa is also the doorway to one of the Shoalhaven’s most extraordinary natural escapes—Comerong Island Nature Reserve. Reached via a charming, old‑style car ferry that glides across the river daily, the journey itself feels like stepping into another world.

Once on the island, a winding dirt road leads you through forest, saltmarsh, and coastal wetlands before opening onto the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. This pristine stretch of sand is wild, windswept, and wonderfully uncrowded. It’s the perfect place for long beach walks, photography, birdwatching, or simply standing still as the surf rolls in.

Comerong Island also features peaceful picnic areas with access to both the ocean beach and the tranquil estuary. Whether you’re seeking solitude, a family day out, or a scenic spot to reconnect with nature, the island offers a sense of discovery at every turn.

A Taste of the Shoalhaven: Fresh Produce and Local Flavours

Numbaa sits within one of the Shoalhaven’s most productive agricultural belts. Just minutes away in Terara, Greengold Vegies—the region’s largest grower of seasonal vegetables—showcases the area’s rich food culture. Visitors can browse freshly harvested produce alongside homemade jams, small‑batch sauces, local honey, artisan cheeses, olives, and even non‑alcoholic wines crafted in the Shoalhaven.

It’s a delicious way to experience the region’s flavours and take home a taste of the South Coast.

Things to Do in Numbaa and Surrounds

• Take a scenic drive along Comerong Island Road and soak in the sweeping rural views.
• Ride the Comerong Island ferry—a nostalgic experience and a gateway to untouched coastal wilderness.
• Walk Seven Mile Beach from its secluded southern end, where dunes and surf create a dramatic natural backdrop.
• Enjoy a riverside picnic with views of the Shoalhaven River and abundant birdlife.
• Visit local farm gates for fresh produce, gourmet treats, and seasonal flavours.
• Photography and wildlife spotting, especially around the wetlands and estuary.

How to Get There

Numbaa is located just 10 minutes from Nowra on the NSW South Coast.

• From Sydney: Approximately 2.5 hours via the Princes Highway.
• From Nowra: Follow Kalandar Street and turn onto Comerong Island Road.
• To reach Comerong Island: Continue to the ferry crossing at the end of the road. The car ferry operates daily.

Best Time to Visit

Numbaa is beautiful year‑round, but each season offers something unique:

• Spring: Lush paddocks, wildflowers, and ideal weather for exploring.
• Summer: Long beach days on Comerong Island and warm evenings by the river.
• Autumn: Mild temperatures and rich harvest produce.
• Winter: Quiet landscapes, crisp air, and dramatic coastal scenery.

A Destination for Slow Travel

Numbaa may be small, but its impact is lasting. This is a place for travellers who value authenticity—those who seek open landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the quiet pleasure of discovering somewhere untouched by crowds.

Whether you’re exploring the Shoalhaven for the first time or returning to uncover its hidden gems, Numbaa invites you to linger, unwind, and experience rural New South Wales at its most genuine.