Welcome to the breathtaking paradise of Jervis Bay, where pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning natural wonders converge to create a 2-day getaway you'll never forget. Nestled on the picturesque South Coast of New South Wales, Jervis Bay offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty and adventure, guaranteed to leave you spellbound. From exhilarating marine encounters to awe-inspiring landscapes, this hidden gem is a haven for nature enthusiasts, water lovers, and adventure seekers alike. So pack your sense of wanderlust and join us on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting wonders of Jervis Bay, where every moment promises to ignite your soul and leave you yearning for more.
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Getting there
Jervis Bay is around 3 hours’ drive south of Sydney. Take the Princess Highway (A1) south from Sydney, passing through picturesque coastal towns and enjoying scenic views along the way.
Day 1: Stop #1 - Booderee National Park Visitor Centre
We departed Sydney after breakfast and our first stop for the day was the Booderee National Park Visitor Centre.
The park entry fees are included in the camping booking so you don’t need to pay the park entry fees separately! Just tell the park staff at the park entrance boom gate that you have a camping booking and they will let you in to stop at the visitor centre for check-in. Check in for your overnight stay at the Visitor Centre and you’re good to proceed further!
Day 1: Stop #2 - Murrays Beach
We then headed to Murrays Beach carpark.
The carpark has well-maintained toilet facilities and picnic tables. Murrays Beach is accessible via a short easy walk (300m one-way) from the carpark.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Jervis Bay, Murrays Beach is a coastal paradise that offers visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling world. With its powdery white sands and sparkling azure waters, this hidden gem beckons beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. This beautiful beach looks out to Bowen Island, where our local little penguin colony lives and breeds!
Day 1: Stop #3 - Governors Head Lookout
We had our picnic lunch at the beach and had a relaxing swim afterwards. We then headed for a walk to Governors Head Lookout.
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The Governors Head Lookout is easily accessible via a well-marked, flat trail, suitable for most visitors. This trail is part of the 5.4km moderate grade Munyunga Waraga Dhugan loop walk that takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Perched high above the coastline, the panoramic view from the lookout will leave you breathless! Take your time to admire the beauty of Bowen Island.
Day 1: Stop #4 - Murrays Beach Boat Ramp
After enjoying the breathtaking view from the Governors Head Lookout, we took a leisurely stroll along Murrays Beach Boat Ramp, conveniently located on the other side of the carpark.
Murrays Beach Boat Ramp is famous for its outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving experiences, as evidenced by the numerous scuba divers we encountered on our way to the boat ramp. Additionally, it is a favored destination for fishing enthusiasts. And, let's not forget the awe-inspiring sunsets that grace the location, further enhancing its allure and natural beauty.
Do note that there is a tiny strip of beach next to Murrays Beach Boat Ramp that you could spend time on if the main beach is crowded. The tiny beach and the rock formation near the boat ramp were so pretty too!
Day 1: Stop #5 - Hole in the Wall
We then came back to the carpark and headed in our car to Hole in the Wall carpark.
Hole in the Wall is a distinctive hole or arch that has been eroded through a rock formation, creating a striking and picturesque sight. The attraction offers a captivating backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The archway provides a mesmerising frame through which you can view the surrounding landscape, including the pristine waters of the bay and the rugged coastline. The interplay of light and shadows adds to the allure, particularly during sunrise or sunset, when the colours of the sky and water blend harmoniously.
Hole in the Wall is accessible via a leisurely walk from the carpark, following the shoreline for approximately 1.5km. Do note that the accessibility to Hole in the Wall may be impacted by tides and weather conditions so always check for safety precautions or local guidance before heading to access this spot!
Day 1: Last Stop - Cave Beach Campground
Our next and the last stop for the day was the Cave Beach Campground.
The grassy Cave Beach Campground is set amongst coastal tee trees and is ideal for lightweight camping. The campsite is just steps away from the shoreline and you will soon immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of crashing waves and the gentle ocean breeze. Do note that the campground is around 300m from the carpark and all camping equipment will need to be carried from the carpark. Amenities in the campsite include fresh water, public toilets, cold water showers, a sheltered gas barbeque area and wood barbeques. Campsite bookings are essential and can be made via Booderee National Park’s website.
While the dad was setting up the tent, the mom and the kids visited the beach to enjoy an awesome sunset!
Cave Beach campground provides you with ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as Wallabies and possums and the campsite is also famous for stargazing! Overall, we had a comfortable sleep in our tent.
Note: If you're not used to setting up your tent in the dark, which will be the case if you're following this itinerary in winter, then visit the campsite during the daytime and set up the tent before heading to Murrays Beach. Adjust timings for the rest of the activities accordingly.
Day 2: Stop #1 - Cave Beach
Early in the morning, we walked to the gorgeous Cave Beach. With its mesmerizing sea caves, powdery white sand, and azure waters, Cave Beach is a true natural treasure that is a delight for beach enthusiasts and photographers alike. We spent a couple of hours exploring the sea caves and then taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, feeling the soft sand between our toes and revelling in the serenity of the surroundings.
We then came back to our campsite, had breakfast and packed up our tent. We then headed to the carpark and on the way, we spent a few minutes in the Cave Beach lookout, admiring the beauty of nature.
Day 2: Stop #2 - Jervis Bay Passage Tour
Afterwards, we headed to Huskisson for the 11AM Jervis Bay Passage Tour with Dolphin Watch Cruises. The cruise departs from the Huskisson Wharf and the boarding passes will need to be collected from the Service Desk at the cruise terminal inside Portside Café 30 minutes prior to departure. While we parked our car in Field St (limited street parking), we recommend you to park your car at Currambene St Carpark or the all-day free carpark between Owen St and Morton St and walk to Portside Café. These carparks have a lot of parking spaces so you don’t have to scramble for street parking availability.
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We then checked in at the service desk for the tour and subsequently boarded the vessel. The Jervis Bay Passage Tour goes on for approximately 2 hours and offers an incredible opportunity to explore the pristine waters and breathtaking scenery of Jervis Bay from a unique perspective. The tour takes you through a number of gorgeous beaches, the protected Bowen Island, the iconic Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and the majestic Jervis Bay Passage, along with the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we spotted lots of dolphins (yes, lots of!) swimming along & beneath our vessel and a few seals during the tour! Needless to say, the kids and the adults loved the tour alike!
Book your Jervis Passage Tour via the link below. Dolphin Watch Cruises also provide several other tours such as Dolphin Watching Tour, Boom Netting etc. which can also be booked via the link below. Boom netting provides an exhilarating and unique experience that involves being towed behind a boat in a large net as you glide through the water and will provide you with an opportunity to swim along dolphins! It's a fun-filled activity suitable for all ages, allowing you to create unforgettable memories of your time in Jervis Bay!
Day 2: Stop #3 - Huskisson Town Centre
We then had our lunch at one of the many restaurants in Huskisson and went on a shopping spree at Huskisson Treasure Chest, followed by lovely ice cream at Huskisson Ice Cream Parlour, the next door. The kids loved the ice cream!
Day 2: Last Stop - Hyams Beach
We then drove to the world-famous Hyams Beach.
Do note that Hyams Beach is quite small and if you’re looking at the beach in Google Maps with the long stretch of sand with the Jervis Bay Australian Navy Cadets at the end of it, this is Sailors Beach and not Hyams Beach (even though Google Maps says otherwise). Park your car on the street near the location provided in the map above and a flight of stairs near this spot will get you down to Hyams Beach.
Renowned for its incredible beauty, Hyams Beach captivates visitors with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. As most of us are aware, it holds the Guinness World Record for having the whitest sand in the world! We took a leisurely walk along the shoreline, enjoying the soft sand tickle our toes and marvelling at the breathtaking coastal views. Admittedly, Hyams Beach is a true slice of paradise! Sailors Beach, with the long stretch of sand next to Hyams Beach is a gorgeous beach as well and not to be missed.
It was then time for us to head back home so we departed for Sydney. Welcome back home!
Here’re few other famous attractions in the region for you to explore, if you have got more time:
- Booderee National Park also offers camping at Green Patch and Bristol Point campgrounds. Both these campgrounds offer a range of facilities, including showers, BBQ areas, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the serenity of nature. These campgrounds are also close to famous attractions in the region such as the Green Patch Beach and Scottish Rocks, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the pristine shores.
- Steamers Beach, located within Booderee National Park, offers a secluded and pristine coastal escape. Accessible via a 2.3km one-way scenic bushwalk, this unspoiled beach boasts dazzling white sand and crystal-clear waters, well away from the crowds. While it offers fantastic views, swimming at Steamers Beach is NOT recommended as there are severe tows and large sharks around!
- Another unique way to visit Hyams Beach is via the enchanting White Sands Walk. This scenic coastal trail stretches between Nelsons Beach in Vincentia and Hyams Beach, offering spectacular views of the pristine shoreline and crystal-clear waters. Start at Plantation Point and as you meander along the 10km return walk, you will have ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, including towering gum trees, coastal heath, and stunning rock formations and discover hidden coves, secluded bays, and idyllic picnic spots along the way.
- Lastly, perched on the dramatic cliffs overlooking Jervis Bay, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse stands as a historical landmark that offers awe-inspiring panoramic views. This iconic lighthouse, dating back to 1899, provides a glimpse into the area's maritime history, where you can take a leisurely walk along the cliffside trails, marvelling at the breathtaking vistas of the turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and surrounding landscapes. Point Perpendicular Lighthouse is a must-visit destination for those seeking stunning vistas and a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur.
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