Winter is one of the best times to explore the beaches and natural beauty of the South Coast, especially if you’re looking to escape the peak season crowds, with pristine beaches, migrating humpback whales along the coastline and cooler temperatures perfect for exploring the walking tracks and national parks. Just a short drive from Sydney and a stone’s throw from the gorgeous coastal town of Huskisson, Booderee National Park is one of the region’s best places to experience it all. Home to scenic walking trails, secluded lookouts, brilliant white sand beaches and remarkably clear turquoise water, the park is arguably at its prettiest in the cooler months. From hiking through native bushland, to spotting majestic whales offshore and simply soaking up the scenery, here’s why it’s one of the best winter escapes in NSW this year.
Booderee National Park
One of the biggest highlights of visiting Booderee in winter is the chance to spot migrating humpback whales as they travel along the NSW coast. Several lookouts throughout the park offer excellent vantage points, with Cape St George Lighthouse and Governor Head among the best places to keep an eye on the glittering waters. Bring a pair of binoculars and you’ll often spot whales breaching offshore, while dolphins, seabirds and even fur seals are also known to frequent the surrounding waters.
The park is also home to some excellent walking trails that are easier to tackle in the cooler weather. The Munyunga Waraga Dhugan loop winds through native bushland to dramatic clifftop lookouts overlooking Jervis Bay, while shorter walks around the Booderee Botanic Gardens offer the chance to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and discover Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned botanic garden. Wildlife encounters are also on the cards here with native birds, kangaroos and wallabies commonly spotted throughout the park. The nearby White Sands Walk is another must-do, linking some of Jervis Bay’s most spectacular beaches in one short but scenic walk.
Of course, no visit is complete without spending time at Booderee’s beaches. Murrays Beach is famous for its calm, crystal-clear water and views across to Bowen Island, while Green Patch is a local favourite for picnics and wildlife spotting. For something wild, Cave Beach draws surfers chasing winter swells, and Steamers Beach rewards those willing to make the walk with one of the most secluded stretches of coastline in the region. Even if it’s too cool for a swim, the dazzling white sand and turquoise water make these beaches worth visiting year-round.
Key details
- Where: Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay
- Distance from Sydney: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car
- Entry fee: Park entry fees apply per vehicle; pedestrians and cyclists enter free
- Best winter experiences: Whale watching, coastal walks, wildlife spotting, camping
- Don’t miss: Cape St George Lighthouse, Murrays Beach, Green Patch and the Booderee Botanic Gardens
Keen to stay a while? You’ll find campgrounds right by the beach at Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach. Wake up to native birdlife, spend the day exploring the park’s walking trails and secluded beaches, then settle in for a peaceful evening surrounded by incredible scenery. Find more information about Booderee National Park here.
Getting there
Booderee National Park is around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive south of Sydney in Jervis Bay. If you’re already visiting nearby Huskisson or Vincentia, the park is just a short drive away. Travelling by public transport? Catch a train from Sydney to Bomaderry (Nowra), then connect with a local bus service to Huskisson or Vincentia before taking a taxi or rideshare into the park. Plan your journey on the Transport for NSW.
