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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Nowra and around Australia. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. With depots in town and near the train station, a hire car is the easiest way to explore the Shoalhaven region, from the beaches of Jervis Bay to the hills of Kangaroo Valley.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nowra City Rentals |
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| Bomaderry (near train station) |
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| South Nowra (Princes Highway) |
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Available Rental Companies
All major rental companies operate in Nowra, including Avis, Budget, Hertz and SIXT (formerly Thrifty). Offices are located in Bomaderry (easy for train passengers) and along the Princes Highway in South Nowra.
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Planning a summer trip between December and February? Book your car months in advance as vehicles often sell out. Visiting in the quieter winter months? You can usually find a good deal at the last minute.
- If you need a car for five days or more, check the weekly rate. It can work out much cheaper than paying by the day.
- Flying into Sydney? You could save by taking the train down and picking up your car in Nowra, skipping the expensive airport fees.
- Always return your car with a full tank to avoid high refill charges from the rental company. For cheaper fuel, top up at the Metro stations in Bomaderry or South Nowra.
Car hire prices in Nowra 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Car Space Options:
| Location | Type | Cost | Time Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nowra CBD | Street spaces | Free | 1-3 hour limits in business areas |
| Stockland Nowra | Shopping centre spaces | Free | Unlimited during centre hours |
| Junction Court | Public car park | Free | 2-hour limit weekdays |
| Stewart Place | Council car park | Free | 3-hour limit on weekdays |
| Nowra Showground | All-day spaces | Free | Unlimited (good for longer stays) |
| Hospital/Medical Precinct | Street spaces | Free | Usually 1-2 hour limits |
Local Driving Rules
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Standard speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 100 km/h on highways
- School zones (40 km/h) operate 8-9:30am and 2:30-4pm on school days
- Nowra Bridge connects North Nowra and Nowra. Follow signs carefully as lanes merge
- Some angle spaces in town centre require reverse entry
- Watch for pedestrian crossings in the CBD. Full stops required when in use
Traffic Enforcement
- Mobile speed cameras operate throughout the Shoalhaven region
- Police conduct regular RBT (Random Breath Testing) operations, especially on weekends
- Double demerits apply during holiday periods
- Fines are forwarded to the rental company and charged to your credit card
Toll Rules
- No toll roads in the Nowra/Shoalhaven region
- Tolls apply when driving to Sydney via some routes
- Most rental cars have electronic toll tags. Charges are billed to your rental account
- Administration fees may apply per day when tolls are incurred (fees vary by company)
Why rent a car in Nowra
Hire a car so you can see:
- Jervis Bay – Huskisson, Hyams Beach
- Kangaroo Valley – Cambewarra Mountain
- Berry – boutiques, donut van
- Seven Mile Beach National Park – beaches, coastline
- Morton National Park – waterfalls, walking tracks
- Shoalhaven Coast wine region – wineries
Local Rental Locations
- ABX
- Albury
- Campbelltown
- Car Hire Batemans Bay
- Compare Car Hire Prices at Leeton Airport (NRA)
- Cooma
- Goulburn
- Jindabyne
- Merimbula
- MIM Airport
- Moruya
- Queanbeyan
- Wagga Wagga
- WGA Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to Hyams Beach in a standard rental car? Yes, all roads to Jervis Bay beaches including Hyams Beach are sealed and accessible in standard vehicles. Note that parking is limited at Hyams Beach during peak periods.
Are there any roads around Nowra where rental cars aren't permitted? Driving on unsealed or gravel roads is often restricted or prohibited by rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your specific contract terms carefully for restrictions.
Is it possible to do a day trip to Canberra from Nowra? Yes, Canberra is about 2.5 hours away. The Nerriga/Braidwood Road (MR92) route is now fully sealed and suitable for standard vehicles. It passes through remote areas that have limited services, so check conditions after severe weather. An alternative is the longer, fully sealed route via Batemans Bay.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to explore the Shoalhaven region? No, a standard 2WD vehicle can access all major attractions. A small SUV provides more comfort on country roads but isn't essential.
Where can I park for the day in Nowra while taking a tour to Jervis Bay? Nowra Showground offers unlimited free parking, as does the western section of Stockland shopping centre. Both are in walking distance of the town centre.
How reliable is mobile reception for GPS navigation around Nowra? Mobile coverage is good in Nowra and most coastal areas, but can be patchy in valleys (such as Kangaroo Valley) and some national park areas. Consider downloading offline maps as a backup.
