Jervis Bay: Things to Do, See and Experience

WORDS: Diana Smith PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Even though stunning, peaceful and picturesque, still not many people know about the Australian gem that is Jervis Bay. This little corner of New South Wales is located just 2.5-hours from Sydney by car, and you can quickly find yourself surrounded by forests, tropical beaches, a blue ocean, small villages and other great attractions. No matter if you’re a nature lover or a water explorer, you can find plenty of things to tickle your fancy. From hiking to eating and drinking, Jervis Bay is fun for travelers like you. Here are a few things you need to do, see and experience while in Jervis Bay:

Explore the nature

The first thing to do when arriving at Jervis Bay is to hit Booderee National Park. Set on a little peninsula, this section of the bay is full of fun attractions. Start by visiting Cape St. George Lighthouse, spend some time hiking around the area and try to catch local kangaroos (but just with your camera). Next, visit one of the beaches like Iluka Beach, Cave Beach or Murrays Beach and soak up the sun. When you’re rested, hit up Scottish Rocks and the Hole in the Wall—two interesting natural rock formations. Entry to the park is not free, but for $13 for 48 hours, you can see and do a lot of things so it’s more than worth it.

Beach exploration

You simply can’t have a Jervis Bay trip without doing a White Sands Walk. This walk will get you through all the best beaches in the bay area. Your light coastal walk follows the shore, going in and out of the forest and next to stunning beaches like Greenfield Beach and Chinamans Beach. The reason why you should complete this walk is the velvety white sand and crystal-clear water that takes your breath away. If you want to be close to this coastal walk and take it every day, you can find Jervis Bay accommodation right where the walk begins. And returning to such wonderful accommodation like a private house with a view of Vincentia will be a treat in itself.

Admire whales

Whales are amazing creatures that deserve our awe, but if you don’t want to dive with them, just can simply spot them from a boat. There are great whale-watching tours that will allow you to see humpback whales on their migration to Antarctica and back. From May to November, they go right past Jervis Bay, and sometimes, they even get into the bay.

Try SUP or kayak

If you want to spend an active yet relaxing day, book a class or two of stand-up paddleboarding in Jervis Bay. SUP is a great family-friendly activity on the water that allows everyone to cruise on the surface and feel like they are gliding across the air. This area of the ocean is perfect for SUP because the water is calm and clean. If you want something even more stable, you can always rent a kayak with a much lower center of gravity. The best kayaking spot in Jervis is probably Currambene Creek with smooth and clear waters and beautiful views.

Learn something at the maritime museum

When you just don’t feel like going any crazy exploring and adventuring, you can still find plenty of things to do in Jervis Bay. If you’re into history and learning, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is full of interesting exhibits, photos and items depicting the evolution of the maritime industry. You can also see historical ships and vessels together with mysterious instruments used in sea exploration. When you’re finished with the exploration of the museum, collect your thoughts in their pleasant garden.

Try local beer and food

Australia is famous for its delicious and refreshing beer, so make sure to quench your thirst in the local brewing spot. After exploring Huskisson or Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay Brewing Co. will be just what your exhausted body and soul need. Owned and run by locals, this company is whipping up some delicious brews that they serve in the relaxing beer garden. When you have their XPA or stout in hand, there’s no better way to spend the late afternoon. Later in the evening, the location is known to be quite busy with many chatty people and great music. If there’s a local food truck parked in the vicinity, make sure to hit it up and enjoy some local treats. For a more serious meal, you can find various restaurants in Huskisson and grab a tasty bbq or seafood.

And one other thing to remember about Jervis Bay: no matter how fun and beautiful, this spot is never too crowded. As long as you avoid school holidays, you can easily find your peace and enjoy the beach in private in Jervis Bay. There are plenty of isolated spots, but also busy ones that allow conversation, new meetings and fun adventures. If you’re looking for a nice spot in Australia to have a vacation, look no further.