Nowra: Your Practical Gateway to Jervis Bay
Nowra is the largest town in the Shoalhaven and the practical gateway to Jervis Bay — most visitors drive through Nowra on their way to Huskisson and the bay. For a Jervis Bay holiday, Nowra serves as the essential supply stop: Woolworths and Coles supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores, and petrol stations are all easily accessible in Nowra before the final 20-minute drive to Huskisson. Beyond its role as a supply town, Nowra has genuine attractions of its own — most notably the outstanding Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross.
| Location | Princes Highway — 20–25 min from Huskisson |
|---|---|
| Key Services | Woolworths, Coles, pharmacies, petrol, hardware |
| Top Attraction | Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross |
| Cinema | Hoyts at Stockland Nowra |
Using Nowra as Your Supply Stop
Every experienced Jervis Bay visitor knows to stock up in Nowra before heading to the bay. The supermarkets (Woolworths in the CBD and at Stockland, Coles nearby) have full ranges at normal city prices. The small IGA in Huskisson has limited range and higher prices. Buy groceries, sunscreen, medications, ice, and any camping supplies in Nowra. The Stockland Nowra shopping centre on the main road also has major chain stores if you've forgotten clothing, beach gear, or other essentials.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross is Australia's premier naval aviation museum and one of the finest aviation collections in the country. The museum houses a remarkable collection of historic aircraft spanning WWI to the modern era, displayed in a large purpose-built facility. The scale of the collection and quality of presentation is impressive. It's an outstanding rainy day option for families and aviation enthusiasts. Allow 2–3 hours to properly explore the collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I stock up in Nowra before going to Jervis Bay?
- Yes — absolutely. Nowra has full supermarkets with normal prices. Stock up on groceries, sunscreen, medications, and supplies here rather than paying the premium prices at the small Huskisson IGA.