Nerriga

Nerriga is a tiny, tranquil hamlet in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, surrounded by eucalypt forests and rolling farmland. It's a place where the pace slows to a gentle crawl—perfect for travellers seeking solitude, bushwalking, and a genuine slice of rural Australia. The village itself is little more than a pub and a few historic buildings, but the real draw is the vast, untamed wilderness of Morton National Park that wraps around it.

Highlights & What to See

• Morton National Park – The star attraction: deep gorges, towering sandstone cliffs, and the wild Shoalhaven River. The park offers exceptional bushwalking, with trails like the 7 km return Nerriga Gorge Walk leading to stunning lookout points over the river far below.
• Nerriga Pub – A classic country pub with a welcoming fireplace, cold beer, and hearty meals. It's the social heart of the village and a great spot to chat with locals and fellow travellers.
• Shoalhaven River – The river carves a dramatic path through the park. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular in the calmer stretches, while the rapids near Long Point offer a challenge for experienced paddlers.
• Historic St Stephen's Church – A charming stone church built in the 1870s, surrounded by a peaceful cemetery that tells the stories of early settlers.
• Wildflowers & Wildlife – In spring, the bush bursts into colour with native flowers like waratahs and flannel flowers. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and a dazzling array of birdlife, including lyrebirds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Nerriga is best savoured over a leisurely day trip from the nearby towns of Braidwood or Nowra, though a weekend stay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the national park. Arrive early to tackle a morning walk in Morton National Park, enjoy a pub lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring the riverbanks or simply soaking up the quiet. If you're camping, the Nerriga Campground (basic facilities) is a great budget option for an overnight stay under the stars.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Braidwood – A historic gold-rush town 25 minutes north, with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, antique shops, and excellent cafés.
• Nowra – The gateway to the Shoalhaven region, 45 minutes east, offering the Shoalhaven Zoo, river cruises, and access to beautiful beaches like Hyams Beach.
• Morton National Park's Fitzroy Falls – A spectacular waterfall on the park's northern edge, about an hour's drive from Nerriga, with walkways and picnic areas.
• The Kangaroo Valley – A lush, picturesque valley with the historic Hampden Bridge, the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum, and great kayaking on the Kangaroo River.

Please check official sources for current details.