Nerriga

Nestled in the rugged bushland of the Southern Highlands, Nerriga is a tiny hamlet that feels a world away from the coastal crowds. This is a place for those who crave solitude, starry skies, and the raw beauty of the Australian landscape. With the Shoalhaven River winding through its valleys and ancient granite boulders scattered across the hills, Nerriga is a quiet base for exploring the wilder edges of the Morton National Park and the Budawang Range. There’s no pub, no shop – just a handful of historic buildings, a community hall, and the immense quiet of the bush.

Highlights & What to See

• Nerriga Cemetery & Historic Sites – Wander through the tiny cemetery and spot the headstones of early settlers; the old church and schoolhouse add a layer of pioneer history to the landscape.
• Morton National Park – The park surrounds Nerriga, offering dramatic escarpments, lookouts over the Shoalhaven Gorge, and the start of the challenging Budawang Track for experienced hikers.
• Shoalhaven River – Access the river at several points for a peaceful picnic, a paddle in a canoe, or a spot of fishing. The water is clear and cool, perfect for a summer dip.
• Bungonia Lookout – A short drive away, this lookout delivers jaw-dropping views over the Bungonia Gorge and the Shoalhaven River far below, especially spectacular at sunset.
• Wildlife & Birdwatching – Keep your eyes peeled for eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, lyrebirds, and a dazzling array of parrots and honeyeaters in the eucalypt forests.
• Stargazing – Far from any light pollution, Nerriga’s night skies are a tapestry of stars. Bring a blanket and a thermos, and simply look up.

Suggested Time to Spend

Nerriga is best enjoyed as a day trip from nearby towns like Braidwood or Nowra, or as a quiet overnight stop. If you’re hiking in the Budawangs, plan for 2–3 days to tackle a multi-day walk. Otherwise, a few hours to explore the historic sites, take in a lookout, and have a riverside picnic is enough to soak up the serenity. Most visitors come for the peace and the natural beauty – there’s no rush.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Braidwood – A charming heritage town with excellent cafés, antique shops, and a thriving arts scene, just a 30-minute drive north.
• Morton National Park (Bungonia Section) – Famous for its sheer limestone gorges, caves, and bushwalking trails, about 20 minutes west.
• Nowra & the Shoalhaven Coast – Head east for river cruises, wineries, and the white sands of Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay (about an hour’s drive).
• Fitzroy Falls – A spectacular waterfall in Morton National Park, with easy walking tracks and picnic areas, around 40 minutes north.
• Canberra – Australia’s capital is a 90-minute drive west, offering museums, galleries, and a vibrant food scene – a great contrast to Nerriga’s bush calm.

Please check official sources for current details.