admin When planning a trip to Australia, it’s easy to focus on the big names like Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road or Uluru. But some of the most memorable places sit just beyond the usual tourist trail.
Since moving to the South Coast of New South Wales in 2019, I’ve explored a lot of this coastline, yet one place I keep coming back to is Jervis Bay. Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, it feels a world away, with white sand, turquoise water and a laid-back charm that never loses its magic.
I’d been hearing about Jervis Bay for years while living in Batemans Bay, so I was more than ready to see it for myself. A last-minute bout of pneumonia delayed our trip, and when we finally made it a few weeks later, we arrived to a forecast of rain and thunderstorms. At that point, we decided to roll with it and see what happened.
If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in Jervis Bay, you’re in the right place. Read on to see why this stunning corner of New South Wales deserves a spot on your Australian bucket list.
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Day One – Exploring Jervis Bay
We hit the road early, heading north along the Princes Highway with heavy, rain-soaked clouds hanging low overhead. As we approached Huskisson, Jervis Bay’s main town and just a quick ten-minute drive from our accommodation, we kept stealing glimpses to our right, catching the most stunning aqua blue ocean I’d ever seen. Luckily, my husband Zac was driving, because I was completely mesmerised by the view and probably would have driven straight off the road. Then again, if that ocean had been the last thing I ever saw, I’d have left this world smiling.
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
There are so many things to do in Jervis Bay, and this first day gave us a little taste of just how much there is to see. We started our adventure at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, a hidden gem that’s easy to miss when you first pull in. Entry is very reasonable at $12.50 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, and free for kids under 16 when accompanied by an adult.
We began exploring in the room opposite the gift shop, home to the beautifully restored Lady Denham. Painted a rich rainforest green, the boat still holds much of its original charm, from the wooden panelling to the chance to climb aboard and peek at the captain’s controls. Don’t miss heading downstairs to see the propeller and engine on display; it’s well worth the extra steps.
From there, we wandered through a small pirate-themed alcove filled with sea creatures, oversized shells, and a fun poster that helps you create your own pirate name. Mine came out as Whale Nautical Bart, which gave us a good laugh.
One of the highlights was Anna Glynn’s exhibition celebrating Jervis Bay, featuring native birds set against local landscapes. Some of the paintings even include kangaroos dressed as humans, which my daughter Aria and I found hilarious. Next door, the Vera Hatton Gallery dives into maritime stories from Australia’s east coast, including famous voyages and sea legends.
Heading back toward the gift shop, take a left to enter the Jervis Bay History section. Stepping into the dimly lit room feels like you’re descending into the depths of the ocean. Glass cabinets are filled with nautical artefacts, maps, letters, and tools that tell the story of the area’s First Nations custodians, the Jerrinja and Wandrawandian people, through to European settlement in the 1800s. This is also where you’ll learn about George Dent, the timber getter who built the Lady Denham back in 1861.
Don’t miss the Atmospheric Diving Suit, a relic that sends shivers down your spine just looking at it. Used by divers long ago, the suit involved being literally screwed into the helmet and wearing heavy, weighted shoes to walk along the ocean floor. It looks as uncomfortable as it probably was. Now, I love snorkelling and scuba diving, but this contraption? No way!
A few more highlights include an old Aboriginal canoe marked with white handprints, pirate statues and ship figureheads, and cabinets filled with knives, tankards, and beautifully handcrafted wooden boxes. It’s a stark reminder that 1800s sailing adventures were a far cry from the luxury cruise ships we know today.
Before leaving, take a wander around the small village-style buildings dotted around the grounds. They were closed during our visit, but even from the outside, I thought they looked so cute and really added to the museum’s charm.
I must admit, visiting the local gallery is not always the first thing people think of when planning things to do in Jervis Bay, but it’s definitely worth adding to your list.
Lunch in Huskisson
By this point, we were absolutely starving, so with Huskisson town centre just a stone’s throw away, we hopped back in the car to find something to eat. Parking in town was easy, and we ended up on Currambene Street just off Owen Street. A short two-minute walk later, we found ourselves at the charming Huskisson Bakery & Café, which turned out to be a real find.
I’ll admit, a few days before arriving, I’d read some less-than-flattering reviews on TripAdvisor while searching for places to eat in Huskisson. The most recent reviews had very little positive to say, but I’m happy to report that our experience was genuinely good.
We arrived just before the lunchtime rush, which worked in our favour. I ordered a toasted sandwich with cheese, avocado, and a delicious chutney-style sauce, and it was excellent. Given the humid afternoon, I also treated myself to an iced coffee topped with cream and ice cream, which hit the spot. Dessert was the real highlight, though.
Despite reading online that the vanilla slice might not be great, I ordered one anyway and ended up sharing it with Aria. Between the two of us, we polished it off completely, sticky fingers and all. Zac went for a meat pie and a cappuccino, both of which he thoroughly enjoyed. Aria, who was three at the time, managed only a bite or two of her toasted sandwiches before the undercover playground beside our table completely stole her attention.
I’m not trying to dismiss the experiences of other visitors, but when a local spot has a queue spilling out the door, I usually take that as a good sign. Take my review for what it’s worth, but I’d happily return.
Huskisson Wharf & Coastal Walks
Full to bursting, we left and headed down to Huskisson Wharf to take in the views across the aqua blue water and the island just offshore. To the right sits Jervis Bay Memorial Park, where a short walk along the seafront weaves together local boating history and stories from the area. At the end of the path is the modern and surprisingly moving HMAS Voyager Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in various wars. There’s also a lovely little playground here, which Aria absolutely loved, and when it was time to leave, we practically had to drag her away kicking and screaming.
If you fancy a swim, the Huskisson Sea Pool is also located here and offers great elevated views across the bay. But if it’s truly epic scenery you’re after, keep walking.
This is Shark Net Beach. Follow the path from the memorial park around the back of the pool, and it curves to the right, opening up to this incredible viewpoint. From here, the ocean stretches out in every shade of blue imaginable. Trees frame the lookout, with the wild, rugged beach below and the occasional wildflower popping through. Even with heavy cloud cover, there were breaks in the sky where flashes of blue appeared, making the scene even more dramatic.
I’d told Zac I’d just be a minute to see what was around the bend in the path, but that minute quickly turned into twenty. Not wanting him to worry, I eventually wandered back to the playground, where Aria was busy shouting instructions at Daddy to push her higher on the swing, so thankfully, I hadn’t been missed.
Before we left, Aria had a hankering for some ice cream from the Ice Cream and Fudge Shop. I’ll admit, I was still so full from lunch that the idea of more food didn’t really appeal, but the smell wafting out of the shop was hard to resist. Aria chose a bright green ice cream and happily devoured every bite, guarding it like treasure and getting it all over herself in the process. I’m fairly sure she loved it. They also had trays of homemade fudge on display, which looked absolutely divine. Since that first visit, I’ve been back to Jervis Bay several times and can confirm the ice cream is just as good as it smelled that day.
Hyams Beach – The Whitest Sand in the World (Apparently!)
Next, we drove out to Hyams Beach, which is often said to have the whitest sand in the world. I’d seen plenty of photos and, having visited my fair share of beaches, I wasn’t convinced I’d fall in love with it unless it was genuinely spectacular.
We turned onto Cyrus Street and quickly realised the small car park wasn’t going to work. There was no chance of getting a spot, so we drove a little further and thankfully found more parking bays, even managing to park almost opposite the track leading down to the beach.
By this point, the weather had improved massively. The bleak forecast had given way to blue skies, and I felt so relieved.
The sandy track down took a few minutes, with thick bushland on either side. You couldn’t see the ocean yet, but you could hear the waves breaking in the distance, which built the anticipation. Then you reach the wooden steps and, as you walk up, Hyams Beach suddenly comes into view.
It really is incredible.
The sand is so white it almost doesn’t look real. I turned to Zac and said it reminded me of white sugar. I stood there for a moment, taking it all in and would probably have stayed longer if Zac and Aria hadn’t nudged me down the stairs.
As soon as I stepped onto the sand, I knew we were somewhere special. One side of the beach is backed by lush greenery, while the other is dotted with rock pools, giving it a wonderfully natural feel.
There are two main access points, and most people seemed to settle close to the paths. If you walk further along to the right, though, it becomes much quieter. I’d definitely recommend heading that way if you can.
Like many South Coast beaches, the water was crystal clear. With the afternoon heat building, Aria and I couldn’t resist a splash in the sea. She’s such a water baby. I sometimes think she must have been a mermaid in a past life.
To the left of the stairs, a cluster of rocks covered in thick green algae caught my attention. It almost looked like soft hair against the darker stone, so of course, I had to explore a little closer.
Back at the car, while strapping Aria in, I noticed her feet were coated in what looked like fine white powder. For a second, I was confused before realising it was the sand. Even clinging to her toes, it was unbelievably white. I paused for a moment, just looking at it. It really was that beautiful. If you’re putting together a list of things to do in Jervis Bay, this is one stop you absolutely can’t miss.
Where We Stayed in Jervis Bay
By the time we left the beach, it was getting late in the afternoon, so we headed to our accommodation for the next few days to check in. We were staying at Jervis Bay Tourist Park, just outside of Huskisson.
Originally, we’d booked one of their glamping tents, which looked fantastic. However, a few weeks before our trip, I came down with bronchitis and a nasty upper respiratory infection that left me bedridden for months. By the time we rescheduled, the only option available was one of their waterfront cabins, which we were more than happy to take.
As it turned out, it was a blessing in disguise. The owners were wonderful, and one of them even hails from Manchester, just like me. Their warm hospitality made us feel instantly at home. It’s one of the things I really love about life outside the big cities, that genuine, down-to-earth country welcome.
Our cabin was elevated on stilts, with all the living space upstairs. You could park directly underneath, then climb the stairs to what quickly became our home away from home.
That evening, we fired up the BBQ on the balcony and cooked some juicy burgers. They were from Aldi and, honestly, they were excellent. We went all out, piling them into brioche buns with fancy mayo and proper cheese slices.
After dinner, we continued living the high life by knocking back a few Tim Tams while watching the sunset over the lake, chatting about what had already been an epic day.
Day Two: Dolphin Cruise – One of the Best Things to Do in Jervis Bay
We woke to pouring rain, grey skies and strong winds, which wasn’t ideal for a morning on the water. The day before, under clear 22-degree sunshine, we’d booked the dolphin cruise with Jervis Bay Wild, so there was no backing out now. The tour departs from Portside Café at Huskisson Harbour, where we checked in, grabbed a coffee and tried to stay dry while the rain did its thing.
Cruising in a Storm!
Despite the weather, we were determined to make the most of our time, ticking off one of the more unique things to do in Jervis Bay. In the end, we still really enjoyed the experience.
The crew were fantastic, especially as several passengers battled seasickness in the rough conditions. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. We only saw a couple briefly near the end, but the highlight for me was seeing Jervis Bay from a different perspective. We cruised past dramatic rock formations, hidden caves and stretches of coastline within Booderee National Park that you can’t access by land.
The stormy weather made parts of the trip feel quite epic, with waves crashing against the rocks and rain sweeping across the deck. Cold and soaked, I eventually retreated inside to warm up, but even in the gloom, the aqua tones of the water were incredible. It wasn’t the calm dolphin cruise we’d imagined, but it was memorable in its own way.
A Completely Different Dolphin Cruise Experience
I’ve since been back in the summer for another cruise, and it couldn’t have been more different. The weather was perfect, and not only did we see dolphins, but they swam right alongside the front of the boat. It was one of those picture-perfect moments you hope for. It really showed how much the weather can shape the experience. I’d definitely do it again, but next time I’d be watching the forecast closely.
If you’d like more detail, including whether it’s worth doing in bad weather, you can read my full review of the Jervis Bay Wild dolphin cruise here.
Afterwards, we headed back to our cabin, cold, wet and very ready to change out of our wet clothes. A couple of hours later, warm and dry with full bellies, we got a little too comfortable and nearly fell asleep.
Cave Beach, Booderee National Park
The rain had stopped, so we headed out for some fresh air and drove towards the botanical gardens in Booderee National Park.
It’s an easy drive along Naval College Road, which becomes Jervis Bay Road, then turn right onto Cave Beach Road. There is usually an entry fee for the national park, although it wasn’t being charged during our visit.
Finding the “Lazy Person’s Path”
The Botanical Gardens were already closed when we arrived, so we continued on after spotting a sign for Cave Beach.
At first, we panicked, thinking it was a 12-kilometre round trip, which we definitely weren’t up for. Luckily, another sign pointed to the “lazy person’s path,” which was under a kilometre to the beach. Much better. Along the way, we reached a lookout with incredible views over the national park and coastline. If you go, look for the blue sign on the left leading to a short boardwalk and viewing platform.
We also passed the campground, which was closed and occupied by a family of kangaroos who didn’t seem bothered by visitors stopping for photos. I never get tired of seeing them, even though they hop through my garden at home.
The sky stayed heavy and overcast, but the rain held off. Near the stairs down to the beach, we spotted the caves, which looked even more dramatic in the moody light, dark and almost hidden in the rock.
Exploring the Caves (and Cave Spiders)
Aria was unsure at first, so we carried her closer and told her pirates might have hidden treasure there, which instantly changed her mind. Inside, small gaps in the rock let enough light through to see the back of the caves.
I probably would have gone further if Zac hadn’t casually asked if there were cave spiders. I looked up, saw cobwebs, and decided that was enough for me.
Back outside, I spotted what looked like a huge spider on the rocks, only to realise it was a brightly coloured crab. Once the panic passed, I became slightly obsessed as loads of them were scattered across the rocks, although they didn’t seem to be fans of humans. Zac also reminded me they can bite, so I kept my distance.
We wandered along the beach, dipped our toes in the water, and eventually headed back to our villa. Tired but happy, it was another great day in Jervis Bay.
Day 3- Booderee National Park (TripAdvisor Said No, We Went Anyway)
The following day, the weather had brightened up a little, all things considered. Being a lover of pancakes, I cooked up a huge stack for the family, covered in berries and honey, which we ate on the balcony. It was our last opportunity to take in the beautiful views before we had to check out of our accommodation.
Before heading home, we decided to check out Booderee National Park, as it had been closed the day before. There is only one review on TripAdvisor, and it’s not a very pleasant one. Yet how could anywhere in Jervis Bay not be worth checking out? So, I decided we would head over and judge for ourselves. I must have picked a lucky time to go, as hardly anyone was there.
After pulling up in the car park, we decided to have lunch early. There were a few picnic tables dotted around. One of my favourite things to do, if the weather is fine, is have a picnic outdoors.
The Great Picnic Table Debacle
We headed over to choose the one with the least amount of poop on it. That proved harder than expected. Both tables were completely covered in some kind of animal poo. Not just a few plops either, but one table had a mountain of it! Eventually, we found a table with just a little bit at one end, so we ate at the opposite side, sitting as far away as possible.
We left the poop factory behind and headed into the gardens along the walking path, which led us down to Scribbly Lawn. This is where you’ll find the BBQs, more tables, and toilets.
I got a bit snap-happy in the forest because it was just so beautiful. Everywhere I looked there were tiny waterfalls and lush greenery, the strange, jungle-style plants that seem to only grow in places like this. Clearly, I’m drawing on my extensive botanical expertise to describe it all so precisely!
We followed the Forest Garden Path to the left, and you really do feel at one with nature here. Towering trees, easily three or four storeys high, shield you completely from the harsh afternoon sun. The paths are very well maintained too, so you could comfortably push a wheelchair or a child’s pram through without any trouble.
Ever since my first rainforest day trip in Cairns about fifteen years ago, I’ve had a bit of a fascination with fig trees. When I spotted one just beginning to form, its roots twisting and wrapping around each other, I had to stop and admire it for a moment.
If you continue along the path, you’ll reach Waratah Lawn, a large open space dotted with picnic tables. I was slightly gutted we’d already eaten in the car park because this would have been the perfect spot. In this section, you’ll also find a tin structure called the Green Hut, which houses information and artefacts about the flora and fauna currently under threat in the park.
It’s sobering to think that these rainforests, which feel so wild and permanent, are also incredibly fragile. It’s easy to assume one person’s actions won’t make much difference, but they do. One of the simplest and most important things you can do is leave everything exactly as you found it, taking all rubbish with you and leaving only footprints behind.
Inside one of the rooms, there’s an old fireplace, so at some point, this cute little green hut in the rainforest must have been lived in. A noticeboard displays small tidbits of information about early government occupation dating back as far as 1791. The Aboriginal people of the area were gradually moved off their land and, around a hundred years later, only two colonies remained in the Shoalhaven.
When I Became a Completely Unqualified Rainforest Expert
As we left, we followed the Rainforest Gully Track, which led us past a lake we could just glimpse through the trees. I made a mental note to detour down there later. For now, we continued along the path, where the forest felt noticeably denser. Thick leaves overhung the walkway like giant fans, and tall, wispy trees covered in thousands of tiny leaves almost looked like oversized bushes.
Eventually, we reached a purpose-built boardwalk suspended a few metres above the ground. It’s such a great way to see the rainforest from a different perspective. Small waterfalls and streams trickled below, and this quickly became my favourite part of the gardens. Several boardwalks criss-cross the area, so you can choose your own route. Some sections are shaded by large trees arching overhead like natural tunnels, while others are completely blanketed in moss, like walking across a soft green carpet.
We eventually looped back to the lake we’d spotted earlier and headed down to explore. There wasn’t another soul around. I stood on the water’s edge and just took it all in. It was such a peaceful spot, surrounded by wildflowers.
By this point, the temperature had soared to well over 30 degrees. The little one was getting tired, so we decided it was time to head home. As we left the national park, a huge clap of thunder cracked overhead. Only then did we notice the thick black clouds rolling in fast. We passed countless cars on their way into the park. Oh dear.
Around fifteen minutes later, the heavens opened, and I mean opened. The rain was so heavy we could barely see a metre in front of us. We considered pulling over, but there was nowhere safe to stop. Then, just as suddenly as it arrived, the strange, eerie storm cloud disappeared.
Blenheim Beach, Boardwalks and Why We Keep Coming Back
And just like that, our trip to Jervis Bay came to an end. But it never really feels finished. There are still so many beautiful spots left for us to discover, and I already can’t wait to go back again and again.
In fact, we’ve been back several times since that first visit. We’ve explored more of the incredible boardwalk tucked behind the museum, spent long, lazy hours at Blenheim Beach, and made the drive out to Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, which is every bit as dramatic as you’d imagine. Each trip uncovers somewhere new, and somehow it never loses that magic.
With so many incredible things to do in Jervis Bay, it’s become one of our favourite family escapes. In just a few days, we experienced everything from wild weather and ocean adventures to quiet rainforest moments and beaches so beautiful they barely look real. It’s the kind of place that stays with you and keeps pulling you back.
If you’re planning your own trip, I’d love to know — what would be top of your list to explore? And if you’ve already been, tell me what we should discover next time.
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