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.
| Distance from Huskisson | 20–25 minutes drive |
|---|---|
| Top Attraction | Fleet Air Arm Museum — outstanding aviation history |
| Shopping | Stockland Nowra shopping centre |
| Cinema | Yes — 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.