When you think of Jervis Bay, you might imagine snowy white sand beaches, bioluminescent waters, picturesque beachside walks, and exciting underwater adventures. But did you know the sprawling coastal haven is also home to a flourishing botanic garden right in the heart of one of NSW’s most picture-perfect national parks? The lush Booderee Botanic Gardens is a must-visit if you’re in the region with beautiful walking trails, bird watching, and abundant native bush. The gardens are also the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in all of Australia with a long association to the Koori people. Here is everything you need to know about the Booderee Botanic Gardens.
Booderee Botanic Gardens, Jervis Bay
If you’re visiting Booderee, you can expect a variety of outdoor thrills that include waterfront camping, lovely walking trails, and pristine native bushland. Among its many attractions is the expansive Booderee Botanic Gardens which promises respite from both the crowds and the sun. Owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community, the garden is cloistered within the national park and offers a number of amenities if you want to escape the humdrum of everyday life for a few hours.
Guests will find picnic tables, BBQs, shaded areas, and toilets on site. If you want to enjoy a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of walking trails with botanical themes to discover at the gardens. Additionally, the garden is an excellent spot for those who want to educate themselves more about bush tucker, the medicinal uses of plants, and the connections between the local Aboriginal people and the plants of south-eastern Australia. The gardens also offer birdwatching opportunities and native animals are known to make an appearance. At the Scribbly Lawn part of the gardens, guests can also find electric barbecues and a sheltered picnic area to while away an afternoon. Read more about Booderee Botanic Gardens here.
Getting there
The Booderee Botanic Gardens are about a 3-hour drive from Sydney via M1. There is no feasible public transport route available here. Do note that you will need a park pass to enter Booderee National Park. Apply for it here. Admission to the gardens is included in the entry fee for the national park.