If your mental image of paradise is white sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and evergreen forests, then Jervis Bay is for you. But apart from its postcard-perfect landscape, Jervis Bay packs a punch when it comes to fun-fuelled activities and attractions. So whether you’re revisiting or going for the first time, you won’t have to worry about what to do at Jervis Bay.
Where is Jervis Bay?
For those who want to go on a day trip away from the city—well, great news for you! Jervis Bay is just a three-hour drive south of Sydney. There are also heaps of places to visit along the way, like the Southern Highlands.
How to get to Jervis Bay?
The best way to go to Jervis Bay is by car via the Grand Pacific Drive, a beautiful stretch of highway that offers sights of pristine coastlines and stunning views.
Public transport options include getting a train from Sydney to the Bomaderry Station; then, you can ride a bus to Huskisson. Another accessible option is to join a Jervis Bay tour from the city
Feeling excited yet? No need to fret about what to do at Jervis Bay—here are 20 top things to do in Jervis Bay to jot down into your itinerary:
- Hyams Beach - FREE
- Nelsons Beach - FREE
- Hole in The Wall Beach - FREE
- White Sands Walk - FREE
- Governor Head Lookout - FREE
- Husky Pub - from $5
- Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe - from $6
- Booderee National Park - $6.50
- Cave Beach Camping - $6.50
- Green Patch Camping - $6.50
- Jervis Bay Brewing Co - from $10
- Huskisson Pictures - from $12.50
- Jervis Bay Maritime Museum - $12.50
- Honeymoon Bay Camping - from $15
- Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise Tour - $35
- Jervis Bay Summer Boom Netting - $50
- Jervis Bay Kayak Hire - from $60
- Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise - $69
- Jervis Bay Passage Sightseeing Cruise - $75
- Jervis Bay Half Day Sea Kayak Tour - $135
1. Hyams Beach - FREE
The reason why most Jervis Bay visitors immediately make a beeline for Hyams Beach is that it’s one of the whitest sand beaches in the whole world! Don’t forget to pack your cameras and take some shots for the ‘Gram!
2. Nelsons Beach - FREE
If you’re looking for a beach with much less foot traffic, we recommend you head to Nelsons Beach. The White Sands Walk starts here and is ideal for a refreshing dip or lazing around by the beach.
3. Hole in The Wall Beach - FREE
Hole in the Wall gets its name from the sandstone rock wall by the northern side of the beach with a hole in it. Now, the rock has collapsed and bears a U shape instead. You can visit this natural marvel via a walking trail. Make sure to go during the low tide so you can get even closer!
4. White Sands Walk - FREE
Next on our list of top things to do in Jervis Bay is taking a stroll along the White Sands Walk. This scenic walk is one of the bay’s hidden gems and is relatively easy and short as it only loops for two-and-a-half kilometres. The route takes you to various gorgeous coastlines such as Greenfield Beach, Nelsons Beach, Chinamans Beach, and Hyams Beach.
5. Governor Head Lookout - FREE
Skip the sands and see Jervis Bay from a different perspective when you check out the Governor Head Lookout, where breathtaking ocean views await you. If you’re into birdwatching, you’re in for a treat since the lookout is also a great vantage point for it. You might even spot other creatures like whales during the annual migration season, which begins around mid-May through late November.
6. Husky Pub - from $5
While figuring out what to do at Jervis Bay, make sure you don’t miss the fantastic eats this village has to offer. One of which is the Huskisson Hotel, or Husky Pub as the locals fondly call it. Whether you’re down for lunch or quick sundowners, this seaside hotel bistro has got you covered.
7. Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe - from $6
One of Jervis Bay’s must-visits is Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe in Huskisson. Vegetarian or not, you’ll surely love Pilgrims’ all-day menu of fresh and healthy food. We suggest you try out the Bliss Burger with its delectable Mixed Grain Pattie or visit during Mexican Nights for some flavourful burritos and nachos.
8. Booderee National Park - $6.50
Discover plenty of facts about native plants and local wildlife as you bushwalk all over Booderee National Park. This Aboriginal-owned area features a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Inside the national park is the Booderee Botanic Gardens, where you can learn more about the region’s fascinating plants.
9. Cave Beach Camping - $6.50
One of the top things to do in Jervis Bay is to go camping in Booderee National Park! Head straight to Cave Beach with your tent and camping essentials, and enjoy a night by the beach and under the star-lit sky. Don’t worry, toilets and showers are available at the site—you can even use their barbecue facilities for your lunch or dinner.
10. Green Patch Camping - $6.50
Another camping site in Booderee National Park is at Green Patch. If you’d love to be surrounded by trees with access to marvellous lagoon views, then you’d enjoy a night or two here. Since most sites get booked out a month early, especially during the warmer months from October to May, remember to book ahead.
11. Jervis Bay Brewing Co - from $10
Nothing beats a cold refreshing beer after a fun day out on the beach. Jervis Bay Brewing Co is a popular drinking spot for both locals and tourists as it offers delicious craft beer for those who’d love to kick back a glass or three.
12. Huskisson Pictures - from $12.50
Jervis Bay is more than just its outdoor activities. Wondering what to do at Jervis Bay indoors? Check out Huskisson Pictures, a charming film theatre that used to be a community hall and church in the 1900s. Husky Pictures still bears its original facade with a refurbished interior and is a great spot to catch up with the latest flicks.
13. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum - $12.50
Dive deeper into this village’s history at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Catch sight of its remarkable maritime artefacts collection, which paints the vibrant heritage of Jervis Bay. Some of these include marine equipment, photographs, and drawings. Also in the museum is the historic Lady Denman Ferry, the only surviving wooden Sydney Harbour Ferry.
14. Honeymoon Bay Camping - from $15
Keen for a bit more adventure while camping at Jervis Bay? Head to Honeymoon Bay and enjoy various water activities such as snorkelling along its rock ledges. The scenic view on this magical beach is a bonus and will make you want to return. Don’t forget to book early to reserve a spot at this campsite!
15. Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise Tour - $35
Wildlife excursions land on our list of top things to do in Jervis Bay. Since the bay is home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins, we recommend you join this dolphin watch cruise tour. Set out to sea for an hour and a half to meet these friendly creatures along with other animals like fur seals and sea birds.
16. Jervis Bay Summer Boom Netting - $50
Switch up from the usual swim and snorkel as you go boom netting around Jervis Bay. Kick back in a sturdy boom net and get gently pulled along the ocean!
17. Jervis Bay Kayak Hire - from $60
Vacations are always a great time to try something new. With this Jervis Bay kayak hire, you get to challenge yourself plus explore Jervis Bay at your own pace. Hire a single sea kayak or a double if you’re coming with a partner, and enjoy a tour around the bay's stunning coastline.
18. Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise - $69
Meet the gentle giants of the sea during their annual migration on this Jervis Bay whale watching cruise. Sail past beautiful sea cliffs, rocky headlands, and stretches of white beaches on this two-hour eco-cruise that takes you to Honeymoon Bay and Port Perpendicular Lighthouse.
19. Jervis Bay Passage Sightseeing Cruise - $75
Want to appreciate everything that Jervis Bay has to offer? Join this Jervis Bay sightseeing tour and unravel the mysteries of secret passageways and blue lagoons at Jervis Bay Marine Park. Pass along marvellous rocky cliffs and under limestone formations. Plus, you’ll get to appreciate famed Jervis Bay landmarks like Point Perpendicular and Hyams Beach.
20. Jervis Bay Half Day Sea Kayak Tour - $135
Capping our list of top things to do in Jervis Bay is this half-day sea kayak tour that lets you paddle along Jervis Bay’s pristine waters and world-class beaches. The tour will start with a safety briefing and a practice session to help you get used to paddling. Afterwards, you’ll head out to the Booderee National Park before taking a break on one of the beaches for some refreshments. You can also use the free time to swim or snorkel before returning to your starting point.