Two cars have been damaged in an arson attack in the Nowra CBD.

The incident happened in the car park behind the Roxy Cinema, about 9 on Friday night.

Police say a wheelie bin was placed beside a 1994 Brown Holden Commodore and set alight.

The Commodore was gutted, while a 1998 Mitsubishi , parked along side it, suffered heat damage.

Police say they would like to speak with a man described as being about 6 foot tall, of solid build, and wearing a white jumper or jacket, who was seen in the area at the time.