Jervis Bay and Surrounds - NSW South Coast

Jervis Bay

Part of the Shoalhaven area of NSW, Jervis Bay is 15 by 10km of crystal clear waters. It is dotted by towns including Huskisson, Vincentia, Hyams Beach, Callala Bay and Sanctuary Point and enclosed by Booderee National Park at the southern end.

Only 15 minutes south of Nowra, Jervis Bay is a great family and adventure getaway from both Sydney and Canberra.

Top 5 things to do and see

Beaches

Jervis Bay is ringed by beaches from Callala Beach in the north, past the famous white sands of Hyams Beach to Greenpatch which faces west. These are bay beaches, so perfect family fare and the water is lovely and clear with rocky outcrops at the headlands full of rockpools and perfect for snorkelling arounds.

Diving

Jervis bay is famous for diving and there are a number of boat operators who will take you out. The underwater world includes arches, caves, rock stocks and of course, being a Marine Park, a huge array of marine life. Crest Diving (www.crestdiving.com.au) is one of the dive operators based in Huskisson.

Cruising

Depending on the time of year you can do whale watching or dolphin watching cruises, fishing trips or extreme wilderness cruises. There are many cruise operators out of Huskisson which take you to the likes of the sandstone cliffs of Point Perpendicular, deep sea caves and Hyams Beach.

Walking/Cycling

There are cycling and walking tracks around Jervis Bay, some sealed, some bush tracks, offering views of the crescent shapes beaches as you pedal by, or stop for a while and dip in the water.

Lady Denman Museum

The Lady Denman Museum in Huskisson is home to the Lady Denman Ferry, which was built in Huskisson in 1911. It has a range of permanent and travelling exhibitions including a Marine touch and feel display for children. This is also home to the Shoalhaven Visitor information centre.

Holiday options

A perfect family getaway, with calm waters, good cycling and walking and plenty of fun for adults too.

When to go?

Summer is a great time to hit the surf, however for other outdoor activities, spring and autumn may be best. Given the proximity to Sydney though, you’ll need to book ahead for weekends.

How to get there?

Jervis Bay is around 3 hours south of Sydney on the Princes Highway, and much the same from Canberra via Batemans Bay.

How long to go for?

At least a weekend, but many families book in for 2-4 weeks over the summer holiday season. Even February is busy here, so it’s best to book in advance. Apart from Jervis Bay, there is much more to see in the Shoalhaven area, so if you like exploring by car, you won’t be bored.

Where to Stay? There are some great holiday houses in the Jervis Bay area to choose from.

Tourist Information

An annual visitors guide is published on the area, the website at www.shoalhavenholidays.com.au or visitor information centres at Nowra, Ulladulla and Huskisson.