15 Best Things to Do in Jervis Bay

Explore Jervis Bay’s top attractions and activities, from scenic coastal tracks and lookouts to unique rock formations and historic lighthouses.

The name Jervis Bay refers to both a charming village and a stunning oceanic bay on the South Coast of New South Wales.

It’s long been a favourite holiday destination for Sydneysiders, offering an abundance of beautiful beaches and nearby national parks to explore.

Planning a fun long weekend escape? Read on as we reveal our top 15 things to do in Jervis Bay and its surrounding areas.

1. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum may be small, but it boasts a fascinating collection of maritime artefacts, as well as navigational and surveying instruments.

Its standout attraction is the historic Lady Denman, a ferry built in 1911 and the last surviving wooden Sydney Harbour ferry.

Be sure to explore the outdoor areas too, including the gardens, the fish-feeding pond, and the historic boathouse located behind the main building.

Situated on Woollamia Road in Huskisson, the museum enjoys a picturesque waterfront location on Currambene Creek, surrounded by a tranquil bush setting just outside the town centre.

2. Jervis Bay Mangrove Boardwalk

Jervis Bay Mangrove Boardwalk
Jervis Bay Mangrove Boardwalk

The Jervis Bay Mangrove Boardwalk begins just behind the gardens of the Maritime Museum. Keep an eye out for signs marking the start of the walk.

This 1.4 km boardwalk offers a family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible stroll through and above the mangroves between the museum and Currambene Creek.

Beneath the wooden walkway, the muddy terrain is alive with creatures of all shapes and sizes. The small crabs that you will see moving around are particularly cute to watch.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of information boards sharing fascinating facts about the area and its diverse wildlife.

3. Huskisson Village

Huskisson village
Huskisson village

Huskisson is the most popular town in the Jervis Bay area, offering plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs, beaches, shops, and other amenities to enjoy.

Centrally located along the bay’s coastline, where Currambene Creek meets the ocean, Huskisson is also the departure point for most dolphin, whale watching, and river cruises.

Take a stroll along the walking path that loops around Voyager Park, from the ferry terminal to the Huskisson Sea Pool. It’s a lovely way to soak in the views.

For those on a camping trip, Huskisson is an ideal spot to stock up on supplies and groceries. Alternatively, you can head to Vincentia, just a bit further south, for even more shops and dining options.

4. Kayaking

Kayaking in Jervis Bay
Kayaking in Jervis Bay

The ocean waters of Jervis Bay are typically calm, making it an ideal spot for kayaking. With so many stunning white-sand beaches scattered along the coast, kayaking offers a fantastic way to soak in the area’s natural beauty.

In Huskisson, you can also paddle along Currambene Creek, where the tranquil waters and scenic views of the mangroves and wetlands create a unique experience.

Don’t have a kayak? No problem! There are several places in Huskisson where you can rent one for a few hours or a full day, or you can join an organised tour.

Kayaking is just one of many water activities to enjoy in this beautiful part of New South Wales. Jervis Bay is also a prime destination for stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing.

5. Dolphin Cruise

Dolphin Cruise in Jervis Bay
Do a dolphin cruise

No short holiday in Jervis Bay is complete without a cruise into the bay to spot dolphins, or so they say.

While there’s no absolute guarantee of a close-up dolphin encounter, your chances of seeing these playful creatures are far higher from a boat than from the shore.

Beyond dolphin spotting, a cruise offers plenty of educational value, with tour guides sharing fascinating insights about Jervis Bay, all while you enjoy breathtaking ocean views.

Recommend tour: 1.5-hour Jervis Bay dolphin cruise.

6. Whale Watching Cruise

Whale Watching Cruise in Jervis Bay
Do a whale watching cruise

Another great option is a whale-watching cruise, which is available during the migration season from May to November.

Seeing the majestic humpback whales on their migration is a truly unique experience, made even more memorable by the stunning backdrop of Jervis Bay.

These cruises often include sightseeing as well, giving you the chance to admire dramatic cliffs and ancient sea caves up close.

Recommend tour: 2-hour Jervis Bay whale watching cruise.

7. White Sands Walk

White Sands Walk
White Sands Walk

A fantastic way to take in the stunning white sandy beaches along Jervis Bay’s coastline is by completing the 2.5 km White Sands Walk.

This family-friendly trail begins at the Vincentia Sailing Club at Plantation Point and winds its way to Chinamans Beach, just north of Hyams Beach.

The walk takes you past Nelson Beach, Blenheim Beach, Greenfield Beach, and Chinamans Beach, offering plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim if the weather is on your side.

Each beach along the trail features bright white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Most of the path is well-maintained and runs just behind the beaches, making it an easy and enjoyable stroll.

8. Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach is arguably the most popular and well-known beach in the Jervis Bay area, and for good reason.

If it’s your first visit, you’ll be awestruck by the sheer beauty of this expansive beach, which is said to have the whitest sand in Australia.

Located just north of the Jervis Bay Territory, Hyams Beach is easily accessible via Naval College Road and Booderee Avenue.

While it’s perfect for a relaxing beach day, don’t limit yourself to Hyams Beach. Jervis Bay is home to many other stunning beaches, including Nelson Beach, Collingwood Beach, and Huskisson Beach.

9. Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall rock formation
Hole in the Wall rock formation

The Hole in the Wall is the first attraction on this list of things to do in Jervis Bay that’s located within Booderee National Park.

This fascinating rock formation features a large U-shaped hole carved into a sandstone wall, making it a fantastic spot for photographers, especially at sunrise.

The walking trail to the beach is about 500 metres long, and from there, it’s just a few hundred more metres along the sand to reach the rock formation.

To find the start of the trail, keep an eye out for the signpost on the side of Jervis Bay Road (see location on map).

10. Governor Head Lookout

Governor Head Lookout
Governor Head Lookout

From the Hole in the Wall, continue along Jervis Bay Road to the Murrays Beach car park, where you’ll find the 1 km walking trail leading to Governor Head Lookout.

The views from the lookout over Bowen Island are spectacular, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot whales or dolphins in the distance.

Bowen Island is home to a colony of around 5,000 little penguins that regularly come and go from the island.

While spotting penguins is unlikely, the sweeping views of the island and ocean are more than rewarding, especially on a windy day with big waves breaking against the headland and the island.

11. Ocean Cave Lookout

Ocean Cave Lookout
Ocean Cave Lookout

The Ocean Cave Lookout, also known as the Devils Elbow, might just be even more impressive than Governor Head Lookout.

To reach it, continue south along the same walking trail for about 1.2 km until you come across the dramatic cliffs featured in our photo.

The lookout gets its name from the large caves carved into the base of the cliffs, which rise an impressive 60 metres above the ocean.

When visiting, be sure to stay well back from the cliff edge, especially on windy days, as there is no fencing for protection.

12. Cape St George Lighthouse

Cape St George Lighthouse
Cape St George Lighthouse

The next must-visit attraction in Booderee National Park is the historic Cape St George Lighthouse, which has a striking appearance reminiscent of an ancient Roman ruin.

Built in 1860, the lighthouse was active for only 29 years, from 1860 to 1889. Its location was controversial from the outset, with many questioning its suitability.

During its years of operation, numerous shipwrecks occurred, leading to its eventual replacement by the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse on the northern side of the bay (see further below).

Take the time to read the information boards, as they provide fascinating insights into the turbulent history of the Cape St George Lighthouse.

13. Cave Beach

Cave Beach
Cave Beach

Cave Beach is one of the most remarkable beaches in Booderee National Park. The beach itself is picturesque, but the large cave on the western end is truly fascinating.

Although the beach is smaller compared to most others in the Jervis Bay area, it’s ideal for swimming and bodyboarding. But the highlight, of course, is the cave that you can actually walk into.

Another delightful feature of this beach is the population of small kangaroos that like to hang out at the car park and picnic areas.

To find the beach, drive along Cave Beach Road off Jervis Bay Road and continue to the end, where you’ll find a large car park. The Booderee Botanic Gardens are also located on Cave Beach Road, should you have extra time to spare.

14. Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

Point Perpendicular Lighthouse
Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse is a working lighthouse built to replace the ill-fated Cape St George Lighthouse further south.

To reach it, head to the Beecroft Peninsula on the northern side of Jervis Bay, accessible via Currarong Road.

Point Perpendicular, with its striking lighthouse, is one of Jervis Bay’s most iconic landmarks. Designed and constructed in 1898, it’s part of a series of navigational stations along the NSW coast.

The lighthouse is stunning on its own, but its position atop the dramatic cliffs of the headland makes it an unforgettable place to visit.

15. Outer Tubes

Outer Tubes rock formation on Beecroft Peninsula
Outer Tubes rock formation on Beecroft Peninsula

When visiting the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, consider taking the walking trail to a striking rock formation known as Outer Tubes.

The 2 km track begins at the lighthouse car park. While it’s a relatively short walk, the trail is quite steep and challenging in parts, so sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended.

Outer Tubes is renowned for its land-based fishing and is one of the rare spots in the world where pelagic fish like marlin and tuna can be caught from the rocks.

The views of the rugged rock formations are truly spectacular, but caution is essential, especially on windy days.

About Jervis Bay

The name Jervis Bay can refer to three things:

  1. The oceanic bay
  2. The Jervis Bay Territory
  3. The Jervis Bay village

The large oceanic bay of Jervis Bay is framed by the Beecroft Peninsula to the north, Booderee National Park to the south, and coastal villages like Callala Beach, Huskisson, Vincentia, and Hyams Beach to the west.

Jervis Bay is also the name of a village located in the bay’s southwest corner. This village is part of the Jervis Bay Territory, a separate Commonwealth territory established in 1915 to provide the federal government in Canberra with jurisdiction over a coastal area.

Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay

While the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) is not officially part of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), it is primarily governed under ACT laws. The territory has a small population of around 400 residents, most of whom work in Defence and live in either Jervis Bay Village or Wreck Bay Village.

Today, Booderee National Park encompasses most of the Jervis Bay Territory. The name “Booderee” means “bay of plenty” or “plenty of fish” in the local Aboriginal language. The Yuin people, the traditional custodians of the NSW South Coast region, are the Aboriginal community connected to this area.

Accommodation Options

There are plenty of accommodation options in the greater Jervis Bay area, but it’s essential to book well ahead, especially during the summer months.

To make the most of your visit to Jervis Bay and visit all of the above attractions, we recommend staying at least one night, but ideally two or three nights.

Here are three great accommodation options in the area:

Prefer camping? You will find many great camping sites in Jervis Bay, such as:

More destination guides you might like:

 

15 Best things to do in Jervis Bay and surrounds

 
Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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2 Comments
  1. Looks really good. Popped into Husko on the way to Batemans Bay. Thought, must come back and do it all. Restaurants scenic walks and cruises on the harbour. Husko even has a cinema!

    Not too far from Sydney to get to either.

    Reply
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