Jervis Bay is hugely popular for its pristine white-sand beaches flanked by aquamarine waters and national parks. But as pretty as these beaches are during the day, the real fun starts when the sun goes down. Jervis Bay is also a popular destination for regular bioluminescence sightings and you can experience the incredible natural phenomenon less than a three-hour drive from Sydney. While the best time to see bioluminescence varies depending on a number of factors including weather, it’s a lot more common in the warmer months.
Bioluminescence, Jervis Bay
Have you ever wondered what this glowy phenomenon is all about? The beautiful glow is produced by a chemical reaction in marine creatures like fish, squid, and algae which produce bioluminescence to confuse predators or attract prey. If you’re keen to see the glittering display, take a trip to the south coast of NSW and experience it with your own eyes.
Lucky beachgoers have spotted bioluminescence on several beaches in Jervis Bay. Some popular spots are Barfluer Beach, north of Plantation Point, the Insta-famous Hyams Beach, Callala Bay, on the northern shore of Jervis Bay, and the picturesque Blenheim Beach in Jervis Bay National Park. The secluded Scottish Rocks Beach and the picturesque white sand Orion Beach are other places where the striking occurrence has happened. In other parts of the country, bioluminescent algae have been known to light up South Australia and Tasmania.
If you’re not keen to drive far, similar scenes have also been witnessed in Sydney on the Northern Beaches like Manly Beach, Shelly Beach, and Palm Beach to name a few. It’s hard to predict exactly when the phenomenon will occur but if you’re looking to get a glimpse, a pro tip is to join the Bioluminescence Australia Facebook group where you can find daily posts on where to spot the most recent Bioluminence Phytoplankton bloom.