Nowra Rainy Day Guide: Things to Do in the Rain Near Jervis Bay

When a rainy day hits Jervis Bay — and it will at some point — Nowra is the answer. Just 20–25 minutes north of Huskisson, Nowra is the Shoalhaven's main service city and offers a level of indoor activity options that the small beach towns around the bay simply can't match. From one of Australia's finest aviation museums to a multiplex cinema, shopping centres, and excellent cafes, Nowra has enough to fill a rainy day comfortably for a family of any age.

Quick Facts
Distance from Huskisson20–25 minutes drive
Top AttractionFleet Air Arm Museum — outstanding aviation history
ShoppingStockland Nowra shopping centre
CinemaYes — Hoyts at Stockland Nowra

Fleet Air Arm Museum

The Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross in Nowra is Australia's premier naval aviation museum and one of the best aviation museums in the country. The collection of historic naval aircraft — from WWI biplanes to Cold War-era jets — is displayed in a impressive hangar setting. The museum is particularly popular with aviation enthusiasts and children who love planes, but the scale and quality of the collection is impressive for any visitor. Allow 2–3 hours to do justice to the collection. The museum is located on the naval air station grounds — follow signs from the Princes Highway south of Nowra.

Shopping and Entertainment

The Stockland Nowra shopping centre on Junction Street provides a full range of retail therapy, a food court, and the Hoyts Cinema multiplex — an excellent option for a rainy afternoon with children of any age. The Nowra CBD along Junction Street and Berry Street also has a reasonable range of cafes and restaurants for lunch or coffee. The Shoalhaven River foreshore area in Nowra has walkways and parks that are pleasant in light rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Nowra from Jervis Bay?
Nowra is approximately 20–25 minutes drive from Huskisson, via the Jervis Bay Road / Wool Road to the Princes Highway. It's a quick and easy trip.
Is the Fleet Air Arm Museum worth visiting?
Absolutely — it's one of the best aviation museums in Australia and an outstanding rainy day activity for families. Allow at least 2 hours, more if your children love aircraft.