Looking for the best things to do in Jervis Bay NSW? As one of the most popular weekend getaways from Sydney, I’ve been visiting this beautiful area with countless stunning beaches for years. And with that in mind, in my experience, it’s made it easy for me to bring you this popular guide so you can make the most of your stay here.
If you’re looking to explore Jervis Bay, I’m sharing my personal favourite things to do, where to eat, where to stay, the best beach in Jervis Bay and loads of fun places to visit!
What makes Jervis Bay so special?
I’m finally clearing up the debate – Jervis Bay is in fact pronounced as it is spelt, not as many think it’s called Jarvis Bay. I asked a couple of locals on our recent visit to confirm it for me!
While it is supposedly home the whitest sand beach in the world, the locals think it’s a marketing ploy – although it is apparently in the Guinness World Records. Regardless of this claim, all of the white sand beaches both in Jervis Bay Marine Park and Jervis Bay National Park are sublime.
Every time I come here and in my experience, it reminds me of the Whitsundays; it’s that good. Think of a white sand beach, beautiful coastal walks, amazing whale watching, and some of the best beaches on the East Coast and you’ll be coming back time and time again to this seaside town.
How To Get To Jervis Bay
It takes 2h30m to drive to Jervis Bay from Sydney, although you could stop off at loads of places along the way. You can check out our Ultimate Guide For Visiting Southern Highlands and also The Best Things To Do In Wollongong if you’re up for making a road trip of it.
Getting to Jervis Bay by public transport is quite tricky. The quickest option we’ve seen is going to take you 3h43m. You’ll need to get yourself to Bomaderry Station, then it’s a 40 minute bus ride to Huskisson.
Jervis Bay Map
I think of Jervis Bay as an area split into 3 sections. You have the top from Callala Bay to Currarong, the middle being the centre of Jervis Bay from Huskisson to Hyams Beach, and the bottom which is Booderee National Park also known as Jervis Bay National Park.
The bottom section is Booderee National Park, a part of the area you absolutely must visit. When visiting the park, make sure you bring cash with you to get in. They don’t accept cards. Find out more information about passes and permits for Booderee National Park. It’s 100% worth visiting and one of the best national parks near Sydney.
Best Things To Do In Jervis Bay
I’m going to share my personal favourite things to do in Jervis Bay with you. Jump on an excellent Jervis Bay tour, beach hop from one mind-blowing beach to another, and don’t forget to check out the incredible of Jervis Bay’s beaches and attractions.
1. Go on a legendary dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay
You can’t come to Jervis Bay and not go on a dolphin cruise! Around 60 bottle nose dolphins call the area home and you can go on this really affordable 1.5hr cruise to get up close to them and watch them swim and jump out of the water.
2. Go Through The Epic Jervis Bay Passage
We went on the Jervis Bay Passage tour (read our guide here) and in my experience it’s amazing, full of mind-blowing cliffs, blow holes and much more!
You can experience this incredible part of Jervis Bay (plus other hidden gems) on this two hour boat trip. You’re more than likely to spot some dolphins along the way too!
3. Legendary Whale Watching Cruise
If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot one of the best Jervis Bay attractions, the famous whale migration on a legendary whale watching cruise!
If you’re visiting between May to November, make sure you book a whale-watching cruise in Jervis Bay. It’s not just about seeing humpback whales up close at one of the best whale watching tours in Australia!
4. Experience A Boom Netting Experience With Dolphins
If you fancy getting a bit more up close and personal with dolphins, make sure you check out the dolphin cruise with boom netting experience. In this unique activity, you’ll be able to enjoy a jacquzzi style experience with a strong possibility of having some of the 80 resident dolphins join you.
5. Jervis Bay kayak hire
Want to explore the best Jervis Bay attractions by water? Check out the Jervis Bay kayak hire and either rent a single or double kayak. Enjoy spending the whole day at one of the best kayaking spots near Sydney and discover loads of hidden beaches in Jervis Bay!
6. Stargazing Experience in Jervis Bay
Looking for unique things to do in Jervis Bay? Why not spend the evening learning from professional astronomers as they’ll guide you through the stars on Nelson’s Beach in this awesome stargazing experience. Perfect for all ages, it’s no wonder it’s a popular way to explore Jervis Bay in New South Wales.
7. Hire your own boat
Why not hire a boat and float up the Currambene Creek. You’ll find secluded sandy beaches and clear water to swim here.
So you have two options for hiring a boat. Hire a pontoon boat which comes with your own skipper, so all you need to do is bring your own drinks and food and make a day of it.
Or, you can hire a u-skipper boat which means you’ll have full control on wherever you want to go up and down the river. Bring a picnic and your snorkel with the marine life and enjoy a day away from the crowds.
8. Visit the secret waterfall in Jervis Bay
Did you know a 35 minute drive away from Huskisson will bring you to a hidden waterfall in the area? If you’re heading further south, then put Granite Falls on your list. We visited it on our South Coast Road Trip to Eden and couldn’t believe we hadn’t hear about it before. Read our Granite Falls Guide to learn everything about visiting.
If you’re heading down the South Coast, check out our 15 Best Things To Do On The South Coast Road Trip to get you started.
9. Find The Secret Gosangs Tunnel
If you’re up for going on a proper adventure in a secret spot only those in the know, know about, then go find Gosangs Tunnel.
Located in the top section of the area near Point Perpendicular, there’s a small hidden hole in the rocks which you have to climb through. FYI – it’s not for the claustrophobics! After a 20m climb, you’ll pop out onto the cliffs on the other side.
There are no safety fences when you come out to the cliffs so please be very careful when attempting this adventure.
How to find Gosangs Tunnel
Follow the walking track at Abraham’s Bosom Reserve in Currarong near Mermaid’s Inlet. It takes about an hour return to do this hike.
10. Visit the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse in Jervis Bay
When we arrived in town, we made a beeline straight to Honeymoon Bay to check it out. On the way there, we made our way to the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse as well.
When we arrived it was pretty spectacular and seemed like we were on the edge of the world. It was amazing to see the white sand beaches I mentioned on the White Sands Walk completely lit up in the distance.
If you’re wondering what to do in Jervis Bay, go check out this lighthouse! On the June Long Weekend, all of the lighthouses including Cape St George Lighthouse open for everyone to go up to the top, so put it on your list to visit!
11. Visit Jervis Bay Botanic Gardens
Booderee National Park
Before we left the area to drive home to Sydney, we decided to check out the Jervis Bay Botanic Gardens which are Aboriginal owned botanic gardens. We didn’t have too much time but it was nice to walk around, taking in the quietness and beauty of the Jervis Bay area. I think it would be a gorgeous place to visit during Autumn or Spring.
12. Are you game for Future Rides?
We saw the Future Rides van pass us by so we checked it out and wow – we’ve seen people in the ocean on an electric hydrofoil surfboard, but you can now experience it too. Make sure you check these guys out when you’re next in town!
13. Go snorkelling or scuba diving in Jervis Bay
While we were on the Jervis Bay Passage Tour, we were shown a gap into a cave called the Albie Swim Through, where you can snorkel right in and out through another section where you can only see the light from the entrance and exit. The guys on our boat said it’s awesome, and definitely on our list to do next time.
Apparently the scuba diving is amazing in Jervis Bay Marine Park as well, so put it on your list as well!
14. Spot the Bioluminescence
Did you know Jervis Bay is home to one of the best places in New South Wales and Australia to see the ocean come alive at night time with bioluminescence? Although it’s difficult to ever pin point when you might see the bright blue water, join the Bioluminescence Australia Facebook Group for more information. Apparently it’s easier to see in Winter.
Best Jervis Bay Beaches
There are so many beautiful beaches in Jervis Bay, NSW so we’re going to share with you the best we’ve personally visited. Expect beaches full of pure white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, you’ll never want to leave! It’s no wonder many people flock here for the ultimate beach holiday!
15. Visit The Beautiful Cave Beach
Booderee National Park
Cave Beach in Booderee National Park is one of our absolute favourite beaches in Jervis Bay for its natural beauty. It might not have the turquoise waters of the harbour side but this rustic surf beach is an absolute must visit and one of the best things to do in Jervis Bay.
Also, you’ll more than likely meet some kangaroos at the car park at Cave Beach! It’s a short walk down to the cave beach camping out from the car park and you can camp there if you’re lucky to make a booking. FYI – book way in advance here.
16. Find Paradise At Murray’s Beach
Booderee National Park
Murray’s Beach which is a bit less busier than others and at the tip of the National Park opposite Bowen Island which is home to Little Penguins! It was voted one of the top 10 beaches in Australia by National Geographic and there’s good reason why. It really is absolutely stunning!
17. Visit Murray’s Boat Ramp For Sunset
Booderee National Park
Wondering where is the best place to watch the sunset in Jervis Bay? We went to Murray’s Boat Ramp next to Murray’s Beach to watch the sunset and it was spectacular! We didn’t even plan it, we just stopped off as the sun was setting to try and capture the incredible cloud formation.
18. Hike To Steamers Beach
Booderee National Park
Steamers Beach is known as being one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, but it’s not that easy to get to. We recommend doing on an incredibly beautiful and almost quiet 3km hike around to Steamers Beach. The only problem is, you can’t swim in this beach as it’s prone to plenty of sharks but you can at least admire how stunningly beautiful it is!
If you want to do a longer hike, do the entire Steamers Beach circuit which is 16km and takes about 6 hours. Here’s a Steamers Beach walking map below outlining the circuit.
Beaches Around Huskisson
19. Go on the White Sands Walk
We researched high and low to find the best walks in Jervis Bay and found hidden deep within the internet The White Sands Walk, which will have you beach hopping around the Jervis Bay beaches full of bright white sand.
It starts at Vincentina Sailing Club at Plantation Point, and ends at the famous Hyams Beach aka whitest sand beach in the world. Although, you can technically start and end the walk at whatever points along the way as there are car parks all along the way. Make sure you finish at Hyams Beach as there’s a fantastic cafe you can end the walk on to grab lunch at Cooked Goose Cafe mentioned in this article.
It took us an hour each way and I clocked up over 10KM on my Garmin 235 watch after we completed the return. It is however, an easy walk which is flat and very easy to navigate which takes you right into many amazing beaches. You can easily take kids along on the walk too!
Regardless of whether you do this walk, below are the gorgeous beaches that you’ll come across along the way. You can also park up next to most of them as well.
20. Nelson Beach
White Sands Walk
We started the White Sands Walk at Nelson Beach and saw loads of pods of dolphins which was a great start to our morning.
21. Blenheim Beach
White Sands Walk
As the path meandered through the bush, we came to our first secluded beach at Blenheim Beach. It was completely deserted with white sand and turquoise water. What a gem! We couldn’t believe how incredible this beach truly is.
22. Greenfield Beach
White Sands Walk
Moving onto Greenfield Beach, the best beach to visit on the White Sands Walk! Although Blenheim and Greenfield Beach might look similar, there was just something so beautiful about Greenfield Beach that you must visit during your stay in the Jervis Bay area. Come here for lunch and enjoy the Greenfield Beach picnic area as well!
23. Chinamans Beach
White Sands Walk
Onto Chinamans Beach which is next to the famous Hyams Beach. We couldn’t believe the vast difference between the two beaches; Hyams Beach was really crowded with tourists and Chinaman’s Beach literally next door was really quiet and much more beautiful. We dare say the sand may have been whiter on Chinaman’s Beach, but who’s judging?
24. Visit Hyam’s Beach: The World’s Whitest Sand Beach
White Sands Walk
After seeing the beautiful beaches along the White Sands Walk, Hyams Beach may come as a bit of a disappointment, as it is always packed with tourists.
Just an FYI – but Hyams Beach is quite small. If you’re looking at the beach with the long stretch of sand which has the Naval College at the end of it, this is apparently Sailors Beach, not Hyams Beach (even though Google Maps says otherwise). So the whitest sand beach isn’t the long beach, it’s the smaller one in between this beach and Chinamans Beach. The locals think it’s over rated and to be honest, I have to agree with them. Sailors Beach however, is super beautiful!
Best Jervis Bay Restaurants
There are some awesome restaurants in Jervis Bay that are worth visiting. Don’t think it’s all burgers and fish & chips! Jervis Bay is really changing and over the last few years, you’ll find more places to eat and shop at. If you’re looking for Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe, they have now closed. Hyams Beach Store is now called Cooked Goose and looks just as good!
25. Visit The Jervis Bay Brewing Co.
We love the Jervis Bay Brewing Co! It’s one of those places you probably wouldn’t have any idea exists unless you knew about it, as it’s tucked away in an industrial estate in Jervis Bay. The food trucks change throughout the week, but I had the karaage chicken salad and it was excellent.
26. Pasta Buoy
We were so excited to see a trendy new Italian takeaway in the middle of Huskisson, Pasta Buoy is awesome. Think fresh authentic Italian pasta dishes including my favourite; lasagne! I love the design of this place, it really reminds me of being back in Satorini with the beautiful stone walls. We visited on their second day of opening their bar two doors down and the cocktails are excellent!
27. 5 Little Pigs
5 Little Pigs is one of the longest running and best cafes in town! When we visited we were told the zucchini fritters had been on the menu for 10 years, but I wasn’t sold on having smoked fish for breakfast. Instead I had the scrambled eggs and Steve and I agreed they were some of the best we’ve ever had.
28. The Huskisson Pub aka The Husky
The Huskisson Pub is a legendary pub in Jervis Bay which sits right in the middle of the main town of Huskisson. With stunning views out to the water, it’s the kind of locals Aussie pub you could spend all day at. The food is great and reasonably priced too, with a fab beer garden to enjoy in a nice summer’s day!
29. Seratonin on Currambene
Seratonin on Currambene is a beautiful cafe just off the main street in Huskisson. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner with locally sourced produce and healthy food with lots of specials on! Look out for the beer & burger Wednesdays and Taco Thursdays for cheap dishes.
30. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
Interested in learning more about the local history? The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum features a world renowned collection of maritime artefacts and navigational and surveying instruments. This is the perfect opportunity to check out location exhibitions and more at one of the most popular attractions in town.
Jervis Bay camping
There are loads of beautiful Jervis Bay camping spots but during summer it’s not that easy to find. You’ll need to put your name into a ballot system by August to hopefully get a spot during the summer holidays.
We went to visit the campsites mentioned below during our Winter visit and all of them were completely deserted. Just to note, the weather was amazing and people we were swimming in the water. Find out more about camping in Jervis Bay.
- Cave Beach Camping – Australian Geographic said Cave Beach campsite is one of the best secluded camping spots in Australia. That says it all!
- Honeymoon Bay Camping – Another one of the best camping spots in Australia, it’s got a beautiful beach, perfect for families. On our boat tour, we loved the look of the beach next door which you can walk to from the campsite.
- Green Patch Beach Camping – located in Booderee National Park, Green Patch Beach iss actually the closest campsite of the three mentioned to Hyams Beach. It’s super popular, so much sure you book online to stay here.
Jervis Bay Accommodation
If camping isn’t your thing, there are some fantastic places to stay in Jervis Bay. Here are some of the places we would personally stay at.
- The Woods Farm is a gorgeous place to stay in Jervis Bay. With glamping tents for couples and three bed holiday homes for families, plus it is dog friendly too! Get up close to loads of farm animals, sit by the fire at night and swim in the pool in the daytime.
- The Cove in Jervis Bay – it’s a stunningly beautiful accommodation with beach cabins, glamping tents and more.
- Huskisson Beach Motel – we recently stayed here and although it’s basic, the location doesn’t get much better! It’s a stones throw from the main street in Huskisson!
- Paperbark Camp – ultimate luxury glamping experience!
Looking for more things to do near Jervis Bay?
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