Nowra and Bomaderry face each other across the Shoalhaven River, with Bomaderry as the railhead and Nowra as the main South Coast service town. This is not the beach fantasy of nearby Jervis Bay, but it has a useful mix of river scenery, heritage, and easy side trips.
The town's best sights are spread out. In Nowra, Meroogal gives a rare domestic view of 19th-century life, while Ben's Walk and Hanging Rock put the river gorge within a short walk of town. South of the centre, the Fleet Air Arm Museum is the serious specialist stop.
Treat Nowra and Bomaderry as a practical base with a few real anchors rather than a polished resort. It suits travellers moving by train or car who want one inland South Coast day before turning toward Berry, Kangaroo Valley, or the beaches.