Jervis Bay is a coastal paradise that is famous for soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. Sitting roughly 180 kilometres south of Sydney in the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast, Jervis Bay strikes a balance between marine and forest life, which is home to native wildlife and marine creatures in the Aboriginal-owned Booderee National Park and Jervis Bay Marine park.
Best time to visit: all year round is perfect, with warm, mild, and temperate climate in summer, averaging 27°C and a gentle winter high of around 17°C.
Notable Activities to Experience: Besides watching sea creatures on the beach, Jervis Bay is home to two national parks as well as Jervis Bay Marine Park. Whether you come to walk the famous White Sands Walk, join a dolphin cruise, paddle a kayak through hidden coves, or simply find a quiet patch of sand, Jervis Bay delivers a full coastal experience.
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Jervis Bay FAQ
What makes Hyams Beach so famous?
Hyams Beach is world-famous for having some of the whitest sand in Australia, kept pristine and naturally beautiful by its protection within national and marine parks. The nearby White Sands Walk is a 2.5km coastal trail beginning at Greenfield Beach, winding through coastal forest and across the equally stunning but far quieter Chinamans Beach before arriving at Hyams Beach.
What wildlife can visitors encounter in Jervis Bay?
Jervis Bay is home to two national parks as well as Jervis Bay Marine Park, a haven for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, and sea dragons. Around 60 bottlenose dolphins call the bay home year-round, and visitors can join an affordable 1.5-hour cruise to watch them swim and leap alongside the boat. On land, kangaroos and abundant birdlife roam freely through Booderee National Park, and in spring and summer, plankton occasionally light the shoreline a vivid blue after dark.
What water-based activities are available beyond swimming?
Active visitors can dive at more than 60 sites across the bay, including a seal colony, shark nursery, and sea caves; or hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore hidden beaches at their own pace. Sailing, fishing tours, and kayaking operators including Sea Kayak Jervis Bay Tours and Jervis Bay Sea Sports are all based in Huskisson, making it easy to book water activities on arrival.
What is Booderee National Park, and do visitors need to pay to enter?
Located on the southern rim of Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park is an Aboriginal-owned and managed reserve containing beautiful beaches, botanic gardens, the Cape St George Lighthouse, and bush camping spots. Entry into the national park costs $13 per vehicle for 48-hour access, allowing visitors to return multiple times during their stay. The Botanic Gardens within the park offer self-guided trails introducing visitors to native plants and their significance to the local Koori people.
Can visitors reach Jervis Bay without a car?
Yes. There are trains to Bomaderry station along the South Coast Line, one of the most scenic train lines in the country, with connecting bus services into the Jervis Bay area. However, having your own vehicle is recommended as public transportation options within the region are limited, making it difficult to move between beautiful beaches, national parks, and villages without a car. Car hire is available from Sydney Airport for those travelling.
Are there unique experiences exclusive to Jervis Bay?
Yes. Evening stargazing sessions run on Nelson’s Beach, guided by professional astronomers, is a rare and memorable experience suitable for all ages. If you prefer take a look at the local wildlife, the bioluminescent plankton that glows blue along the shoreline in spring and summer is one of the most unusual natural spectacles on the NSW coast. Visitors can also explore the dramatic sea cliffs and hidden blowholes of the Beecroft Peninsula on a two-hour boat trip, revealing a side of Jervis Bay most day-trippers never see. At The Holiday Collection, you can find Jervis Bay accommodation to match every kind of stay, from beachside retreats to spacious group houses.
