Things to Do in Jervis Bay — Beaches, Wildlife & Coastal Wonders Await
Fringed by powdery white sands and turquoise waters, Jervis Bay is a coastal sanctuary where nature takes centre stage. Located along the NSW South Coast, this much-loved destination is known for its unspoiled beauty, relaxed seaside villages, and abundant marine life. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Jervis Bay — whether it’s a romantic weekend, a family holiday or a nature-inspired reset — this coastal sanctuary offers a perfect blend of barefoot luxury, wild beauty, and unforgettable moments.
With a laid-back atmosphere and a strong connection to land and sea, Jervis Bay is the kind of place where time slows down — and that’s exactly the point. Wander barefoot along the shore, spot dolphins from the headlands, swim in calm waters, or simply settle in for a good book and a sea breeze. There’s no rush here — just plenty to see, do and savour at your own pace.
Jervis Bay Weather
As a coastal destination, Jervis Bay enjoys a temperate maritime climate that makes it a great year-round getaway. Summer (December to February) is the most popular time to visit, with sunny days reaching the mid to high 20s and warm evenings perfect for beachside dinners or late-night swims. Spring and autumn are milder, with daytime temps hovering between 18–22°C — a sweet spot for hiking, whale watching, and exploring the national parks with fewer crowds. Winter is quiet and calm, with average highs of 16–17°C and cool nights. It’s a beautiful time for long walks, fireside wine, and spotting migrating humpbacks along the coast.
Cotton Candy skies over Cloud Nine – Vincentia
Getting to Jervis Bay
Located approximately 200 km south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is a comfortable 2.5–3 hour drive south of Sydney, making it an easy choice for long weekends or spontaneous getaways. Take the scenic route through Berry and Nowra, or head inland and wind your way through Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands before descending to the coast. The region is best explored by car, giving you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, charming townships, and off-the-track gems along the way.
What to Do in Jervis Bay
Once you arrive, it doesn’t take long to see why Jervis Bay has become one of the South Coast’s most beloved beachside destinations. From the famous white sands of Hyams Beach to the walking trails of Booderee National Park and the laid-back cafés of Huskisson, there’s something here for everyone — whether you’re chasing outdoor adventure, local flavours, or a perfectly timed sunset over the bay. Wildlife lovers can spot dolphins, stingrays and native birds from the shore, while snorkellers and divers can explore thriving marine life just below the surface. Families will love the calm swimming beaches and nature-based activities, while couples can savour slow afternoons and starlit dinners with the sea just metres away.
1. Nature & Scenic Highlights
Jervis Bay is rich with natural wonders that are as breathtaking as they are accessible. A visit to Booderee National Park is a must — this Aboriginal-owned park is home to a mix of lush bushland, protected beaches, and cultural heritage sites. Wander the trails through native forest, visit the Botanic Gardens, or stop by the historic Cape St George Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views and a dose of maritime history. The White Sands Walk is another favourite, a gentle coastal track that takes you from Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach through shady forest and along picture-perfect shorelines. Wherever you go, expect to be greeted by wildlife — from wallabies grazing at dusk to the splash of dolphins just offshore.
Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay Road
2. Beaches of Jervis Bay
Of course, no visit to Jervis Bay is complete without spending time on its world-famous beaches. The area boasts some of the softest, whitest sand in the world, and the contrast against the crystal-clear turquoise water is simply unforgettable. Hyams Beach is the best-known — and for good reason — but it’s far from the only beauty in town. Head to Green Patch for a more family-friendly setting with gentle waves and shady picnic areas, or visit Murrays Beach at the edge of Booderee for its calm waters and excellent snorkelling. Collingwood Beach in Vincentia is ideal for morning walks, while Chinamans Beach offers a quieter, more secluded stretch of sand. Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or just enjoying the view, you’ll find a beach here that feels like your own private paradise.
Hyams Beach from the Sky
3. Explore the Local Foodie Hot Spots
Jervis Bay’s food scene is relaxed, unpretentious, and full of flavour. The town of Huskisson is the culinary heart of the region, where you can start your morning with a locally roasted coffee and pastry before settling in for lunch overlooking the bay. Seafood is a highlight here — from fish and chips eaten barefoot on the sand to more refined dishes at waterfront restaurants using the region’s freshest catches. In Vincentia, you’ll find hidden gems serving everything from gourmet burgers to Asian-fusion eats, while the surrounding region offers everything from artisan gelato to wine and cheese picnics with a view. Time your visit with a local farmers market and you’ll also be able to take home seasonal produce, homemade relishes, and freshly baked sourdough from passionate local makers.
Jervis Bay’s food scene is all about fresh flavours, coastal charm, and community spirit. In Huskisson, you’ll find the heart of the action. Start your day at 5 Little Pigs, a beloved local café known for its creative brunches and excellent coffee — the kind of place that makes you want to linger. For something more indulgent, Pilgrims Huskisson offers a wholesome vegetarian menu that’s anything but boring, with fresh juices and wraps perfect for a post-swim pick-me-up.
Looking for waterfront dining? Wild Ginger is a standout, serving up modern Asian fusion with a focus on bold, vibrant dishes and a carefully curated wine list. It’s ideal for date night or a long, relaxed lunch. Harleys Huskisson has quickly become a local favourite. This laid-back takeaway spot is known for its killer Vietnamese rolls, consistently good coffee, and curated grazing boxes that can be picked up or delivered for effortless entertaining.
For casual bites, Salty Joe’s is a local favourite for burgers, brekkie rolls, and beachy vibes, while The Huskisson Hotel (aka The Husky Pub) serves crowd-pleasing classics with a killer view over the bay. And if you’re in Vincentia, swing by The Local — a lively, fresh café that’s always buzzing. With a standout juice and smoothie menu, plus a counter full of house-made bakery goods and café staples done right, it’s a perfect casual pick-me-up just moments from the water.
Wherever you choose, expect warm service, laid-back atmosphere, and meals that celebrate the best of the South Coast. And for those who love to graze, time your trip with the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Market, held monthly and packed with local produce, baked goods, and handmade treats.
4. Dining In Done Differently
When the view is this good, there’s no need to dine out. Jervis Bay makes it easy to enjoy incredible food from the comfort of your own space — whether that’s in your private holiday home, by the firepit, or barefoot on the deck. For a restaurant-quality experience without leaving the house, Season & Savour brings fine dining to you.
Led by hospitality pros Sean and Liz — and backed by years in the Sydney events scene — the Season & Savour team creates tailored, in-home dining experiences that celebrate the best of the South Coast. Think seasonal menus, elegant service, perfectly matched wines, and warm, old-school hospitality that makes everyone feel at home. Whether you’re after an intimate dinner for two or a full-scale catered celebration, they’ll bring the restaurant to you — no logistics, no stress, no dishes.
Prefer something a little more relaxed? Their drop-off banquets are a brilliant way to feed a group without lifting a finger. Picture grazing platters, locally sourced mains, and thoughtful finishing touches, all delivered to your door and ready to serve. Planning a bigger event? From long lunches to weddings and everything in between, Season & Savour also offers full event catering, complete with waitstaff and bar service to make hosting effortless.
At Supercalla, we believe in creating space for more connection and less complication — and dining like this, with every detail taken care of, is just one more way to slow down and savour the stay.
Season and Savour Spread
5. For the Wild at Heart
Jervis Bay is nature’s playground, and there’s no shortage of ways to get your heart rate up or simply explore at your own pace. One of the best ways to experience the region is from the water — whether you’re gliding across glassy seas in a sea kayak or paddling into secret coves on a stand-up paddleboard. You can hire equipment locally or join a guided tour to learn more about the bay’s marine life and Indigenous significance as you go.
For those eager to venture beneath the surface, Jervis Bay’s protected marine park is a snorkeller’s dream. Murrays Beach and Greenfield Beach are perfect entry points, with clear waters and calm conditions that reveal colourful fish, rays, and even the occasional turtle. Prefer to stay dry? Book a dolphin or whale watching cruise departing from Huskisson with providers like Jervis Bay Wild or Dolphin Watch Cruises — the bay is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins year-round, and between May and November, migrating humpbacks put on a spectacular show as they pass by.
On land, there are hiking trails to suit every mood. The White Sands Walk is a favourite, linking a series of beaches between Vincentia and Hyams, while the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan track in Booderee National Park offers sweeping coastal views and interpretive signage that connects you with the land’s traditional custodians. Whether you’re chasing adventure or just want to soak up the serenity, there’s no better place to move, breathe and reconnect with the outdoors.
6. Family-Friendly Favourites
Jervis Bay is made for families, with its calm beaches, safe swimming spots, and nature-based activities that keep kids curious and engaged. Green Patch is a standout for young travellers — a protected cove with shallow waters, soft sand, and plenty of shade. It’s perfect for building sandcastles, paddling in the shallows, or spotting the odd kangaroo grazing nearby. A short walk away, Bristol Point and Murrays Beach offer similarly peaceful settings, ideal for a low-key day by the sea.
When you’re ready to take a break from the beach, the Booderee Botanic Gardens provide a gentle change of pace. As the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia, it’s not only a beautiful spot for a walk or picnic, but a meaningful place to learn about native plants and the area’s cultural heritage. Keep your eyes out for birdlife — the gardens are home to over 200 species.
And for a well-earned treat? Head to Gelato Buoy in Huskisson, where small-batch gelato is served with serious passion. With classic flavours, seasonal specials, and a prime spot near the water, it’s the kind of place that sparks joy — and leaves little faces covered in sprinkles.
For something a bit slower, cap off the day with a family movie night at Huskisson Pictures, a heritage cinema that’s been showing films since 1913. With retro charm and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a wholesome way to wind down after a day in the salt and sun.
Visit Booderee Botanic Gardens
7. Artisans, Markets & Local Culture
Jervis Bay isn’t just about beaches — it’s home to a creative and community-driven culture that thrives through local makers, artists, and markets. In Huskisson, you’ll find boutique stores and galleries where the South Coast’s artistic soul is on full display.
Wander the streets and you’ll also discover surf-inspired boutiques, vintage stores, and artisan retailers stocking small-batch ceramics, candles, woven goods, and curated lifestyle pieces. These aren’t your typical touristy souvenirs — they’re thoughtful, quality keepsakes that speak to the slower, more grounded pace of life here.
For a taste of local flavour (literally), time your visit with the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Market, held monthly in Huskisson. It’s a community favourite, drawing local growers, bakers, crafters and creatives to the grassy lawns beside the museum. Browse handmade jewellery, organic produce, fresh blooms, art, textiles and more — often to the soundtrack of live music and kids running barefoot between the stalls.
Whether you’re on the hunt for something beautiful, useful, or just deeply local, Jervis Bay’s creative community offers a refreshing reminder to slow down and shop with intention.
8. Exploring the Surrounds
While Jervis Bay itself is full of things to see and do, the surrounding villages and landscapes offer even more reasons to stay a little longer. Callala Beach is just across the bay and feels like Jervis Bay’s quieter cousin — same stunning white sand and calm water, just fewer people and a more laid-back, local vibe. It’s perfect for families or anyone after a peaceful day by the sea. Supercalla has some of its most stunning properties nestled here, making it an ideal base for slow mornings, beach walks, and sunset drinks on the deck. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids or diving into a good book in total solitude, Callala is the kind of place where you can truly unwind.
Further south, the coastal village of Currarong offers a rugged contrast to the bay’s silky shores. It’s home to the Abrahams Bosom Reserve, a network of walking trails that hug the dramatic coastline. One of the highlights is the walk to Gosangs Tunnel — a short cave-like rock tunnel that opens up to jaw-dropping ocean views from the cliffs beyond. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and a firm favourite for adventurous travellers.
And for something a little different, take a detour inland to St Georges Basin. This large, shallow lake is popular for kayaking, fishing and boating, with a network of quiet little villages — like Sanctuary Point and Basin View — lining its shore. It’s slower, stiller, and a great place to reset with nature on your doorstep.
Whether you’re seeking remote beaches, scenic bushwalks or sleepy lakeside towns, the areas around Jervis Bay add even more depth to your coastal escape.
Ready to Explore Jervis Bay?
From barefoot beach days and sunset paddles to market mornings and private chef dinners, Jervis Bay invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly switch off. Whether you’re returning for another stay or discovering it for the first time, this coastal sanctuary leaves a lasting impression — one that’s etched in sea spray, laughter, and the luxury of simplicity.
