It's home to the whitest sands in the world, turquoise waters, colonies of kangaroos and one of the lushest national parks this side of Australia, hello Jervis Bay.
With such an abundance of things to do and see, here is my guide of some my favourite areas to visit, where to stay and most importantly go out and play!Â
Unpack the bags for a few nights
There is an abundance of places to stay in the Jervis Bay area, accommodating for all styles of stays. From luxury glamping to caravan parks, homestays, campsites, take your pick! My pick of the bunch is a secluded AirBnB located in the heart of the Booderee National Park. Away from the crowds and hosted by the welcoming Anne, Ellmoos Cottage is a tried a tested favourite of mine.
The little cottage is cosy and has all the comforts of a holiday home. Perfect for a group of friends, a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family looking for that waterside escape. Anne’s hospitable stay also includes the use of kayaks and canoes from the property’s jetty which banks right on to Sussex Inlet.Â
Grab the kayaks and head out for an adventure throughout the inlet, a great way to get out on the water and see the sights.
Hyams and Chinaman’s Beach
Words will never be able to describe the postcard perfect beaches of Jervis Bay. Adorned with the whitest sands in Australia, there is no wonder why so many tourists flock from all corners of the globe to experience it first-hand. Kick-off your shoes, pack a camera and take a stroll along the long stretches of sand. If you’re lucky you might even be able to spot a roo or two in the surrounding parkland and during summer a car spot that’s not km’s away!
Point Perpendicular
An iconic entrance on the southern tip of the Beecroft Peninsula, Point Perpendicular can be spotted from miles away marked with its grand heritage-listed lighthouse.Â
Nestled on top of the grand cliffs of the headland, Point Perpendicular is a historic site that not only offers spectacular views of the bay, but an opportunity to visit some a piece of the past.Â
Huskisson Hotel
With views over the bay, a modern and revived pub menu to select from, there is a lot to love about this down to earth sea-side local. There's both indoor and alfresco style dining, plenty of space for families and larger groups. Bookings during the peak season are recommended as this place gets pretty busy.Â
Insider tip? Order the oysters sourced from nearby Jims's Wild Oysters and watch the sunset, an all-round winning combination.
Go on a Dolphin Cruise
Jervis Bay Wild offers some great cruise options around the bay, and if you're on a tight deadline, the 1.5-hour dolphin is ideal. For $35 per adult, you get to see Jervis Bay from the sea with local commentary from the cheerful skipper.Â
See some of the local wildlife in action, and if you're lucky during the whaling migration season, you might catch a humpback or more frolicking around.
Booderee National Park
The Booderee National Park has is home to an extraordinary variety of native wildlife, campsites among the bushland and endless beaches. To access the national park you will need to purchase a pass which is available at the entry gates.
The Botanic Gardens
A must-visit, Booderee Botanic Gardens are the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia. It's the perfect playground of native wildlife and plants with multiple walks for visitors to easily explore the different types of vegetation. Maps are available at the entry of the garden.Â
Picnic areas and BBQ's are accessible within the park and are ideal for families and large groups.
Cave Beach
Just down the road from the botanic gardens is the stunning Cave Beach. To get to the beach you'll have to pass through the loveable locals, who can be found sun-baking on the lawns. Cave Beach has camping facilities pf showers, toilets, wood BBQs and fresh water available.The beach is adored for its unique caves and by surfers. Dolphins are often spotted in the bay.
Green Patch
Second, to Hyam's Beach, Green Patch is one of the most popular beaches in Jervis Bay. It's sheltered waters, and well-shaded picnic areas are a drawcard for beach makers,
A variety of short walks also start from the beach and camping sites are also available.
Murray's Beach
Overlooking Bowen Island, Murray's Beach is one of the most southern beaches in the bay. Several walks in the area start and finish at the beach. The short walk from the carpark meanders through a forest and is worth a visit just for the trek alone.
Cape St George Lighthouse
The heritage-listed site is home to one of the regions most significant European history. The lighthouse ruins tell a tale of the sites dark past full of stories of death and disaster of many of the lighthouse keeper staff and family members. The view from the cliff tops is one of the best vantage spots during whale migrations.Â
The Jervis Bay region is anything but short of things to do and see. Here are some useful links to help plan your stay and play in Jervis Bay and some bonus footage from my recent visit
Links
Ellmoos Cottage (book via Airbnb): https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/23599216?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1514508393_O9%2F%2B5itbUiHJ3V5D&source_impression_id=p3_1569117658_EmUO2x6ikNrcXRHV
Booderee National Park: https://parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee/
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