20 Best Things to Do in Jervis Bay, Australia

Situated about three hours from Sydney, Jervis Bay is a jewel of South Coast NSW. This popular and picturesque region features quaint coastal villages, a wealth of natural attractions, fantastic campsites, and abundant wildlife. Here are 20 best things to do in Jervis Bay— start planning your South Coast holiday.

Booderee National Park

A place of significance for the Koori people, Booderee means ‘bay of plenty’ in the Dhurga language. Among many other things, this national park is home to an incredible range of wildlife, unspoiled beaches, and the highest sea cliffs in NSW. Spot waterbirds, snakes and turtles in the swamplands between Caves Beach and Bherwerre Beach, or dust off your hiking boots and embark on a full-day trek around Steamers Head. Here are other Australian destinations.

Sea Kayaking

Since 1995, the team at Sea Kayak Jervis Bay have been sharing some of Jervis Bay’s best spots with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a leisurely two-hour paddle, or choose a four-hour adventure complete with a beach break for swimming, snorkeling, morning tea, and coffee.

Scuba Diving

With clean, deep water not far from the shore, Jervis Bay enjoys some of the best temperate-water diving in NSW. Head below the crystal clear waters to discover endless reefs, archways, drop-offs, caves, and crevices; these structures are home to colorful sea dragons and stingrays, as well as rarer species such as the grey nurse shark and the giant cuttlefish. Book a tour with a PADI-certified instructor for the best diving experience possible.

Indigenous Tours

Galamban is a family-owned and operated business which specializes in Aboriginal art and culture. Enriched by generations of ancestral wisdom, they offer a range of fascinating cultural tours based around Booderee National Park. Discover new worlds and ways of being through experiences such as nocturnal wildlife walks, medicine making, traditional weaving, and storytelling around the campfire.

Glamping

If you’re looking for a nature-based retreat without the hassle or compromise of camping, why not give glamping a go? Situated just behind Currambene Creek, Paperbark Camp offers an alluring mixture of fine food and deluxe camping in peaceful bush surrounds. With twelve gorgeous safari-style tents and an onsite restaurant, this might just be the best way to experience the great outdoors.

Eco Cruises

Although Jervis Bay has plenty of great spots for dolphin and whale watching, there’s nothing quite like getting up close to the action. Jump aboard a purpose-built catamaran with Jervis Bay Wild to scour the sea from five different viewing levels. Live onboard commentary will direct your attention towards nearby humpback whales (from mid-May to mid-November), plus other marine animals such as seals, penguins, and bottlenose dolphins.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is a fantastic way to explore the tranquil waters of Jervis Bay. Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle offers a range of lessons and tours which can cater to visitors of all ages and abilities. Have fun gliding across the calm, clear waters of Jervis Bay, or book a nighttime tour for a truly illuminating experience.

Beachfront Camping

Jervis Bay is the perfect place to enjoy a serene night’s sleep just moments from the beach. Green Patch is a favorite camping area with small groups and families, while Bristol Point campground offers a peaceful bush setting that’s ideal for larger groups. The grassy camping area at Cave Beach has also been named ‘one of the best-secluded camping areas in Australia’ by Australian Geographic. All three campgrounds can be found within Booderee National Park.

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Visit the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to discover an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, photographs, models and nautical equipment from the Jervis Bay area. The museum also houses a number of historic vessels, such as the Lady Denman ferry, which will captivate fanatics and amateurs alike. Don’t forget to check out the outdoor shipyard and extensive mangrove boardwalks while you’re there.

Stonegrill

Foodies visiting Jervis Bay can’t miss the opportunity to have dinner at the Stonegrill steakhouse. Located in Huskisson, Stonegrill offers the chance to have your choice of prime aged steak, wagyu beef, fresh seafood, lamb, chicken (and more) cooked to perfection on a heated stone at your table. Add your favorite entrees, salads, sides, and watch the perfect meal come together right in front of your eyes.

White Sands Walk

Beginning at Greenfield Beach and meandering towards Hyams Beach, the White Sands Walk provides a tasting platter of Jervis Bay’s incredible landscape. Together with the Scribbly Gum track, this scenic loop takes visitors through pristine bushland and past pockets of dazzling white sand, all while offering stunning views of the bay. If you think you might be tempted, bring your swimmers and a towel to make the most of this beautiful walk.

Murrays Beach

Perched on the southern edge of Jervis Bay, Murrays Beach is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature. Take your pick of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding, or follow one of several bushwalks that start just next to the beach. Murrays Beach also faces north towards Bowen Island, home to a 10,000-strong colony of fairy penguins. Visit Murray Beach at dusk and spot them yapping as they head home after a long day of fishing.

Cape St George Lighthouse

You’ll find the ruins of the Cape St George Lighthouse perched on the edge of spectacular cliffs bordering Booderee National Park. This lighthouse is renowned for its dark and grisly history and has also been recognized as a significant European historic site by the National Estate Register. After you’ve explored the ruins, be sure to follow the small path to reach a huge clifftop with magnificent views of the rugged coastline.

5 Little Pigs

Arguably the most popular breakfast spot in Jervis Bay, 5 Little Pigs is a great place to start your day. Located on the corner of Owen and Currambene streets, this Huskisson cafe serves up excellent coffee alongside an innovative brunch menu. Whether you choose zucchini fritters, the croque monsieur, pancakes, or a brisket burger, there’s no such thing as a wrong decision here.

Honeymoon Bay

Honeymoon Bay is a beautiful picnic and snorkeling spot which is only accessible to the public on weekends and public holidays. Barely 100 meters wide, this crescent-shaped inlet is almost completely closed off from Jervis Bay. Its rocky ledges and kelpy shallows offer incredible snorkeling opportunities, with yellowtails, old wives, garfish and plenty of other species easily spotted darting between the corals at mid-high tide.

Booderee Botanic Gardens

Located within Booderee National Park, the Booderee Botanic Gardens are known for being the only ones owned by Aboriginal people. Visit the gardens for the opportunity to learn about bush tucker and how to use several plants from this area for medicine. The gardens are open every day of the year, including public holidays, with plenty of picnic areas and walking paths to enjoy.

Cycling

Find a set of wheels and spend the day exploring the beautiful coastline of Jervis Bay. Based in Vincentia, Jervis Bay Bike Hire has a variety of bicycles for hire including hybrid road bikes, beach cruisers, tandem bicycles, and scooters. Helmets, maps, and locks are provided, and the staff will happily show you some of the most scenic routes and hidden spots in the area.

Moona Moona Creek

With its flat sand and calm shallow water, Moona Moona Creek is a favorite destination for families visiting Jervis Bay. Cast a fishing line, paddle in the warm water, or bring a picnic and simply soak up the scenery. With BBQ facilities, public toilets and a playground all found nearby, Moona Moona Creek can provide a fantastic day out for the whole family.

World Famous Fish N Chips

Celebrate the coastal scenery with a classic lunch of fish and chips. Located in Huskisson, World Famous Fish N Chips is the top spot to score snapper, scallops, and salty sides in Jervis Bay. Serving up deliciously fresh seafood in a no-frills setting, this is exactly how summer on the coast is supposed to be.

Huskisson Ferry

The Husky Ferry is an hourly ferry service which travels from Myola to Huskisson on Saturdays and Sundays. Directed by the friendly Captain Dave, this ten-minute voyage allows passengers to marvel at the scenery, the sunset, and sometimes even seals and stingrays. Join a regular service, or hire a two-hour private charter for up to 12 people. You can also bring your own wine and snacks to take full advantage of this relaxing trip up Currambene Creek.