Visit Jervis Bay, NSW
Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Full day or weekend
Family friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Details
If you are looking for a weekend getaway in New South Wales, Jervis Bay will be the perfect destination!
Located on the coast, about 200km south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks and wildlife.
It is niched between two of the most beautiful national parks in NSW, Jervis Bay and Booderee. If you are into hiking, you will be spoilt for choice.
There are a lot of walking trails in the area. White Sands walk is a popular one. It’s a great way to discover the beautiful Greenfield and Chinamans beaches.
The absolute must-see attraction is Hyams Beach. It is, according to the Guinness World Records book, the whitest beach in the world!
Jervis Bay is also a popular destination for whale watching. From June to October, the whales migrate from Tasmania up the coast of Queensland. You can see many of them in Jervis Bay. To enjoy the full experience, you can book a cruise from Huskisson or Vincentia.
If you are a foodie, you can go to one of the amazing seafood restaurants in Huskisson. The Hyams Beach Cafe is also a great option to grab fish and chips and have a picnic on the beach.
There are a lot of places to stay in Jervis Bay. If you like camping, you can opt for one of the national park campgrounds. You can book at the visitor centre.
As it’s a popular destination for families, you will also find a lot of holiday houses, cottages and pet friendly accommodation in Jervis Bay.
Recommended by Pauline Vergney from BeeLoved City
Best time to visit Jervis Bay
Best time of year to visit Jervis Bay:
Summer is best for people who want to enjoy a beach holiday. If you’d rather see the whales, winter is the ideal time of the year to visit Jervis Bay.
Driving distances
Sydney to Jervis Bay distance – 3 hr (196.7 km) via M1 and Princes Hwy
Canberra to Jervis Bay distance – 3 hr 1 min (222.0 km) via Braidwood Rd
Parking facilities at Jervis Bay
There are several car parks in Huskisson, Vincentia and Callala Beach. There is also a car park by Hyams Beach.
Official website
What you should bring/wear
You will be spending a lot of time on the beach so bringing a swimming costume, towel and any other kind of beachwear is essential.
It’s a very sunny place so sunscreen is definitely recommended.
If you plan on going walking, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes (closed toe).
In winter, a wind jacket is always good to have especially if you go on a whale watching cruise.
Weather in Jervis Bay
Wheelchair friendly?
Yes. Huskisson Waterfront has a wheelchair accessible jetty. Whale cruises are accessible to everyone. Shoalhaven council also provides free beach wheelchairs.
Tips from the author
The staff at the visitor centre is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They really take into consideration your personal tastes and the time you have to recommend the best activities. Stopping by when you arrive is a great thing to do.
The white sands walk is one of the best walks in Australia. It’s pretty short but you get to see so much! I particularly enjoyed Chinamans beach. It’s almost as white as Hyams Beach but way less busy. If you like places off-the-beaten path, it will be perfect for you!
I particularly recommend getting to Hyams Beach early as it gets crowded (so does the car park).
Jervis Bay Accommodation
Budget Jervis Bay Accommodation:
- Bristol Point Camping Ground
- Green Patch Campground
- Jervis Bay Holiday Park
Mid-range Jervis Bay Accommodation:
Luxury Jervis Bay Accommodation:
Things to do in Jervis Bay:
- Booderee National Park
- Jervis Bay Marine Museum
- Point Perpendicular
Jervis Bay Restaurants
-
Hyams Beach Cafe: perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, fish and chips and of course, coffee
-
5 Little Pig: they serve delicious Australian and vegetarian food.
-
Barefoot Cafe: Perfect for burgers!
Popular Jervis Bay Tours
Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour –
- Close encounter with wildlife
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Excellent value for money
- Family friendly
- Tour is wheelchair accessible
- Choice of morning or afternoon departure
Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise –
- 1.5-hour dolphin-watching cruise on Jervis Bay
- See wild bottlenose dolphins at play near your boat
- Enjoy unobstructed views from five decks
- Hear informative commentary on the dolphins and Jervis Bay’s environment during the cruise
- Relax aboard a well-equipped catamaran that provides a stable ride
- Don’t miss anything with a running commentary on board the cruise
- Visit between May and November for the chance to see whales in the Bay
- Compact, roughly two-hour cruise leaves time to explore other parts of Jervis Bay
- Get on board without needing a printer: downloadable mobile tickets provided
Jervis Bay Kayak and SUP Guided Tours –
- Make the most of Jervis Bay’s waters with ease on a kayak and SUP tour
- Book ahead to secure a time that fits you, and save hassle on vacation
- Paddle clear waters by beaches and mangroves, and look for birds and rays
- Suits novices and experts, with choice of kayak or SUP, and tuition provided
Subscribe for Bucket List updates
