Guide to Jervis Bay

It’s no secret that Jervis Bay’s beaches have some of the whitest sand in the world. While many travellers make a beeline for the iconic Hyams Beach, there are a myriad of stunning secluded shorelines to choose from.

The Jervis Bay Marine Park is bursting with life. From seals to fairy penguins and a jaw-dropping number of dolphins – it’s almost impossible not to spot wildlife on the water. Add breaching whales (in season), and you’ve got quite the show.

Perched among the treetops, Paperbark Camp’s Gunyah Restaurant is both romantic and relaxing. Listen to the birds while enjoying their three-course menu combining seasonal flavours, Indigenous ingredients, and contemporary Australian cuisine.

The Booderee National Park combines Jervis Bay’s white-sand beaches and pristine waters with the wonders of the Australian bush. Whether beach hopping, hiking or kangaroo spotting, you’re bound to have a great time on this slice of Aboriginal land.

If you thought Jervis Bay’s beaches were breathtaking during the day, wait until you see them under the night’s sky as thousands of blue bioluminescent plankton light up the shoreline. It’s a beautiful and beguiling sight.

Soak up Jervis Bay’s serene beaches on the gentle 2.5-kilometre (1.5-mile) White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum track. Take a picnic and bring your bathing suit; you’ll want to jump into the crystal waters of Chinamans, Hyams and Seamans beaches.

You can’t go to Jervis Bay without experiencing the magic of the marine park. Join Dive Jervis on a snorkel or diving trip or, if you’re up for an intimate encounter with friendly giants, opt for the swimming with whales and seals experience.

The Booderee Botanic Gardens is no doubt a highlight of the national park. Aboriginal-owned, the gardens offer a fascinating insight into bush tucker and medicinal plants. Follow one of the garden’s walking trails before enjoying lunch on the lawns.

One of the best ways to soak up Jervis Bay’s breathtaking beaches is from the water itself. Join one of the frequent kayak or SUP tours, or hire the equipment for the day and embark on your very own ocean adventure.

If there’s ever been a place to camp, it’s Jervis Bay. From luxury glamping between the eucalypts to campervan spots with ocean views and back-to-nature national park sites, there’s a unique camping opportunity around every corner.

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, perched 90 metres (295 feet) above the ocean, offers sweeping views of the region (and in season, whales!). Be sure to stop by the area’s beautiful beaches on your drive up, including the hidden gem, Honeymoon Bay.

If you’re seeking a refreshing ale after a day at the beach, then look no further than Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Grab a bite from the food truck and settle in. For those feeling fruity, the “Mountain Ghost” will be sure to tantalise your tastebuds.