Jervis Bay is home to some of Australia’s most fascinating natural wonders. From bioluminescent waters to stunning rock formations, the region is perfect for hikers, nature lovers and foodies alike. Among its standout attractions is Booderee National Park, home to crystal-clear turquoise waters, unblemished beaches with powder white sand, and even an expansive botanic garden. There are bountiful places at this picturesque spot and it’s an idyllic weekend trip from Sydney if you’re looking to get amongst nature for a bit. With that in mind, here are some of the best things to see and do at Booderee National Park.
Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay
The stretch of coastal scenery at the national park is debatably one of the most gorgeous in Australia yet it feels like a closely guarded secret. Covering a huge 6,379 hectares at Jervis Bay, the park offers some excellent camping spots, laidback beaches, underwater adventures, walking trails, and diverse marine wildlife. You can also find a range of accomodation options including beachside camping if you wish to stay longer. Here are some of the highlights of the national park.
1. Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens
The Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens are a must-visit at the national park. The only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia offer many lush areas to explore including meandering trails through the gardens. On cold and wet days, visitors can find shelter at Scribbly Lawn which comes with heated barbeques and sheltered picnic areas. The gardens also offer an opportunity to learn more about the local Indigenous culture of the Koori people, the medicinal use of plants and bird watching.
2. Beaches at Booderee National Park
If you’re visiting for the beaches, you will be spoilt for choice with lulling waters, soft white sand, and incredible scenery all around. For a spot of tranquillity, head to Murrays Beach at the park which looks out to Bowen Island. Here you’ll find crystalline waters, a colony of little penguins, ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling, and very white sand. A true hidden gem of the Jervis Bay beaches, this is one of the few secluded spots in the area that you could easily get to yourself if you time your visit right.
Other beaches in the area include Steamers Beach, Kittys Beach where you can safely splash around, and the lovely Whiting Beach which has a private waterfall and lush forests to boot. The popular Cave Beach, not to be mistaken for the equally lovely Caves Beach, has served as a backdrop for many photographers and features brilliant turquoise waters, excellent surf and small sea caves.
While there, you might want to consider making a detour to the Greenfield Beach picnic area which is where the popular White Sands Walk kicks off.
3. Campgrounds
Keen to stay back and soak up the incredible surroundings to the fullest? Booderee is well known for its excellent campsites. Head to Green Patch and spend a night surrounded by bushland and tall trees. You’ll find several amenities here including sheltered barbeques, tables, and seating. There are also campsites available in the grassy area at Cave Beach set amidst a gorgeous coastal setting and tea trees. This is often considered one of the best beach camping areas in NSW. Bristol Point Camping area is another option that offers walk-in campsites and features wood barbecues, firewood, hot showers and more. Read more about Booderee National Park here.
The best time to visit Booderee National Park
The park is a year-round destination. The summer months of December to February are popular amongst locals and visitors and campsites tend to get sold out during this period. The winter months of June to August offer whale-watching opportunities, lovely coastal walks and mild weather for longer hikes.
How to get there
Booderee National Park is located in Jervis Bay and can be reached within a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Sydney on the stunning Grand Pacific Highway. There are also public transport options available if you don’t drive. Shoalhaven Shuttle offers a shuttle service between Sydney and Jervis Bay and you can also catch a train from Sydney to Bombaderry and then hop on a bus to Huskisson or Vincentia.