Every holiday destination around Australia has something special to offer but there is something particularly enticing about a place with waters so clear you can see what’s swimming beneath the surface, sand as white as snow, and verdant coastal scenery at every turn. If the Whitsundays spring to mind, you’ll be pleased to know that an NSW destination offers a similar experience. With an abundance of glass-like waters, colourful marine life, stunning beaches, and under-the-radar national parks, Jervis Bay offers a laidback but equally exciting alternative, just a stone’s throw from Sydney. While it may not boast the same luxury island resorts and the expansive reef system, it offers world-famous white sand beaches, and nature’s untamed bounty on full display, and best of all, if you’re in NSW or ACT you can explore it without the cost of a flight. Here’s everything you need to see and do in this coastal gem.
Jervis Bay, South Coast
If you’re pinching pennies but still dreaming of an exotic summer escape, you don’t have to abandon the dream — you just need to stick a little closer to home. With sand so white it could easily give the Whitsundays a run for its money, Jervis Bay offers a convenient and low-cost escape that is every bit as photogenic. Its proximity to Sydney and other major cities makes it an ideal getaway for those seeking a similar experience without the cost or hassle of travel. Here’s your guide to a memorable trip to Jervis Bay.
1. Dive into the Jervis Bay Marine Park
It’s impossible to talk about the Whitsundays without mentioning its prime location in the heart of the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world — the Great Barrier Reef. There is nothing quite like a dip in its calm, almost glacial waters, and seeing the stunning coral formations up close — it just can’t be beaten when it comes to underwater exploration. Closer to home, the Jervis Bay Marine Park offers its own underwater world where tropical and temperate species thrive in equally translucent waters. With over 220 fish species and plentiful marine life such as sharks and rays to penguins, dolphins, migrating whales, and much more, it’s a haven for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers and a must-visit on any trip to the area.
Jervis Bay is also home to the beautiful Booderee National Park that offers waterfront camping, unspoiled botanic gardens and serene walking trails.
Please note, that the marine park prohibits certain recreational activities such as fishing and feeding. Find more info here.
2. Discover the sublime beaches
A walk along Hyams Beach might just have you wondering, who needs Whitehaven? After all, it’s famous for having some of the whitest sands and clearest waters in the world. As lovely as Hyams is, if you take a little time to explore the area further, you’ll find some lesser-known white sand beaches that are also equal to none. Notable spots include the wonderfully secluded and pristine Murrays Beach with its own colony of penguins and lush tropical scenery, Long Beach with fewer crowds but similar vibes and the one next doors to Hyams — the lowkey but every bit as picturesque Chinamans Beach.
3. Go on the dreamy White Sands Walk
The White Sands walk and Scribbly Gum track may only be a 90-minute trail but it certainly packs a punch. Offering sweeping ocean views and meandering through coastal forests along the shores of Jervis Bay, the walk highlights some of the most impressive features of the area in a short and sweet route that is perfect for a quick weekend adventure. Along the way, you’ll find some lesser-known but undeniably beautiful beaches like Nelsons and Bleinhem Beach. Stop by for a refreshing swim, play hide and seek with the dolphins, pack a picnic, and soak in the bluest waters along this dreamy track. Find more information here.
4. Discover the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery
Once you’ve had your fill of the glorious beaches, make a beeline to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery for a fascinating look into the region’s maritime history. Located in the charming town of Huskisson — recently crowned Australia’s Best Tiny Town in 2024, this family-friendly spot is home to a collection of maritime artefacts, nautical equipment, paintings, historic vessels, art exhibitions, and local Indigenous stories. It also offers a tranquil 1.4km Mangrove Boardwalk, gardens, a pond, and even a lighthouse. The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm and is a must-visit in the area. Find out what’s on and book your tickets on the website.
5. Be dazzled by bioluminescence
The Whitsundays also offer unforgettable nighttime experiences and visitors have often been delighted with glowing waters and breathtaking night skies but Jervis Bay might just have the edge here. Famous for being one of the best places in the world to see bioluminescence, summer is the peak season to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder with your own eyes. Bubbling with natural beauty, photographers clamour to beaches around the region to get the perfect shot. One of our favourite spots is the secluded Barfleur Beach near Vincentina, just a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney.
What is the best time to visit Jervis Bay?
Summer is the perfect time to visit Jervis Bay especially if you’re craving a beach holiday with endless options to swim, surf and snorkel. However, it’s a popular season so expect crowds and book ahead. If you’re keen to spot whales, plan your visit from mid-May to late November. Autumn and spring are also good seasons for hiking in the Booderee National Park while winter offers fewer crowds and cool temperatures. Read more about Jervis Bay and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
The beauty of Jervis Bay is waiting within a few hours of Sydney. The final stop on the stunning Grand Pacific Drive, it is approximately a 3-hour journey south of the city and the same distance from Canberra. It’s also just an hour from Berry if you want to extend your holiday. You can catch a train to Bombaderry and then hop on a bus to Huskisson or Vincentia but be prepared for a longer journey.