A local’s guide to Narooma: ‘People are amazed at how turquoise the water is’

Narooma is on the traditional lands of the Yuin people. It’s 4.5 hours south of Sydney and three hours from Canberra. I live in tiny Tilba, 15 minutes away, and I go to Narooma most days to teach yoga, swim or walk.It’s known for Narooma Oyster festival (2-5 May 2025), which showcases the famous rock oysters of the far south coast. April and May are my favourite months as the days are sunny and gently warm and the evenings are cool enough to enjoy a fire.FoodHospitality group Merivale has a big footprint in Narooma. It owns two restaurants, a fish and chip shop, a pub, a motel and a caravan park. Everyone has their opinion but I think it has hugely benefited the food scene. Its venues lifted the standard and encouraged more tourism.Quarterdeck Narooma is in an ex-oyster grower’s shed and is my go-to restaurant. You can sit outside for sunset over the water. The Polynesian-inspired menu goes deep on local seafood such as oysters, tuna, mussels and kingfish. The beignets (little doughnut...