A couple of hours down the coast from Sydney, Jervis Bay delivers some of the most striking scenery in Australia. Most visit for the world-famous Hyams Beach, the scenic coastal walks, or the strikingly white sands, but one hidden gem that tends to slip under the radar is Booderee National Park — easily one of the most picturesque in all of Australia. Expect glassy lagoons, clear turquoise water, and stunning beaches, some with barely anyone around, plus a lush botanic garden that’s perfect for wandering. Whether you’re here for the hikes, the seafood, or just a break from the city, it’s an easy weekend escape that is perfect for long, summer evenings. Here’s everything to do at Booderee National Park.
Things to do in Booderee National Park
Spanning more than 6,000 hectares on the southern end of Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park is packed with beaches, walking trails, and underwater adventures that rival any along the NSW coast. With water so crystal-clear and turquoise, it feels like the Caribbean, you might be tempted to spend all day at the beach, but there’s a lot more to do around here.
One of its standout attractions is the Booderee Botanic Gardens — Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned botanic garden. The walking trails lead through shaded parts of the gardens, with plenty of spots to stop and take a break. Visitors can learn about the Koori people’s connection to the land and the traditional uses of native plants. On cooler days, Scribbly Lawn is a good place to pause, with sheltered picnic areas and heated barbecues.
Of course, it’s the beaches that steal the show. Murrays Beach looks out over Bowen Island and offers glass-clear water, soft white sand, and even a colony of little penguins. Steamers, Kittys, and Whiting beaches each have their own unique charm. Kittys is calm and easy for swimming and gentle snorkelling, Steamers is wild and untouched, while Whiting sits against a backdrop of forest with a small waterfall trickling nearby. Don’t skip a visit to Cave Beach, a local favourite for its rolling surf, sapphire blue waters, and natural sea caves that make it one of the park’s most photogenic spots.
If you’re keen to stay overnight, Green Patch and Bristol Point are both excellent campgrounds, surrounded by bushland and fully equipped with barbecues, showers, and plenty of space to unwind. Find more information about Booderee National Park here.
Key features
Where: Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay
Distance from Sydney: Around 2.5 or 3 hours by car
Parking: Available at main spots including Murrays Beach, Green Patch and the Botanic Gardens
Accessibility: Green Patch and the Botanic Gardens offer accessible paths, facilities and picnic areas
Entry fee: Park entry fee applies (per vehicle); walkers and cyclists can enter for free. Apply for your pass here.
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling, coastal walks, camping and wildlife spotting
Seasonal notes: Best explored in spring and summer for warm water and blooming native plants, but scenic throughout the year
Planning your trip
Booderee National Park is around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Sydney via the scenic Grand Pacific Drive. The route passes through coastal towns like Wollongong and Kiama, perfect for a road trip. If you’re travelling without a car, you can take a train from Sydney to Bomaderry (Nowra) and connect with a local bus service to Huskisson or Vincentia, both just a short drive from the park. Plan your trip through Transport for NSW.