Located 200 km south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is a captivating coastal gem known for its pristine white sands and crystal blue waters. This picturesque destination attracts a multitude of tourists not only from Sydney but also from other cities in NSW. Whether you're on a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne via Princess Highway or simply seeking a relaxing weekend getaway or a family holiday, Jervis Bay offers easy access, beachside campgrounds, and endless opportunities for fun in the sun. Explore the Shoalhaven region's charming beaches, tranquil water inlets, serene lakes, and lush tropical rainforests for a truly unforgettable experience.
Explore South Coast NSW
How to travel to Jervis Bay NSW from Sydney?
The journey from Sydney to Jervis Bay spans about 3.5 hours due to varying speed limits on the South Coast Highway, ranging from 60 to 100 km/hour. Be prepared to slow down as you pass through small towns with speed restrictions as low as 50 km/hour. Keep in mind that your travel time may exceed your initial expectations.
Unfortunately, there are no direct train services from Sydney to Jervis Bay Area. The final train stop on the South Coast is Bombaderry near Kiama, requiring a local bus transfer to reach Jervis Bay. Given the expansive nature of Jervis Bay and the need to access different beaches, public transportation may not be the most convenient option for exploring the area.
Alternatively, travelers can opt for a bus journey from Sydney to Ulladulla, utilizing local buses for beach access in the Jervis Bay region.
Ulladulla, the closest city to Jervis Bay, is renowned for its fishing and water sports opportunities. Riverside cabins offer a serene setting for waterfront relaxation, boating, and fishing. If driving to Jervis Bay is not an option, consider staying in Ulladulla and venturing out to explore the beauty of the Jervis Bay area.
Where to stay in Jervis Bay NSW?
Accommodation can be hard to find at Jervis Bay as the camping spots are quite busy during summer. If you are planning to look for accommodation online better option to find affordable accommodation in Ulladulla or Nowra . To get to Jervis Bay, you turn left from Princess Highway once you go past Nowra. There is a $10 entry fee to get to the beaches. Camping grounds are available in the area. Enquire in advance for availability.
Explore the stunning beaches of Jervis, including the tranquil Murray Beach and the picturesque Hyams Beach. Parking is available at both locations, with a short walk to the sandy shores. While these beaches are unsupervised, it's important to exercise caution when swimming. Murray Beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, or simply relaxing in the sun. Don't forget to try your hand at fishing, as these beaches are popular spots for anglers.
Some of the recommended places to stay include:
Note: Make sure you are well equipped with your supplies for the Beach. Carry plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, beach towel, food and sunshades (canopy).
Swimming at Murray Beach Jervis Bay
There are secure parking lots available near the beaches and you have to take walking tracks to get to Murray Beach. Hyams Beach is very close to residential streets and easily accessible from the streets.
Beautiful Lighthouse at Kiama Bay on the way to Jervis Bay Area
What are the best things to do in Jervis Bay NSW?
Looking for the most popular activities in the Jervis Bay area? Being a coastal region surrounded by national parks, the Jervis Bay area is a great location for several outdoor activities including:
- Camping at Bristol Point Camping Ground, Green Patch Camping Ground, or Honeymoon Bay Camping Ground
- Bushwalking at White Sands Beach and Murramong Aboriginal Walking Track (2.2 km), Telegraph Creek Nature Trail & Mount Bushwalker Trail in Morton National Park
- Drive inland through Berry to Kangaroo Valley to enjoy some scenic landscapes, kayaking in Kangaroo Valley, or get a spa treatment and one of many amazing retreats.
- Enjoy Illwarea Flying Zipline Tour (a fun-packed adventure for kids, advanced booking is required online) and Minnimurra Rainforest Center are some great locations for kids
- Hire a boat at Sussex Inlet ( no license required), fishing rods, a bike, or a kayak
- Try to stand-up paddle (SUP) in the calm waters of Swan Lake
- Enjoy great food including local oysters at Culburra and Pumbulla
- Enjoy local produce at local markets and unique dining experiences at the wineries in the hinterland area and Kangaroo Valley
Best things to do in Jervis
At Murray Beach, the water flows in ripples and as you step into the water the sand is white and the water is clear and refreshing. You can sit in your beach floats and enjoy and nice cool beer while drifting over the water. You will spot occasional fishing boats and tour boats pass by you.
Another 200 km from Jervis takes you across beautiful Morton National Park. The drive is uphill and you can see beautiful mountain ranges stretching westward. The region is very scarcely populated and you come across lazy towns with buildings dating back to the 1880s.
For more adventurous travellers several interesting activities include:
- Book a Fishing Charter
- Book a Dolphin-Watching Tour
- Simply enjoy a Walk along the beach area
- Enjoy a 1.4 km boardwalk near the Huskisson Beach area. Access from Dent Street & Wollamia Street, Huskisson NSW 2540
Driving from Jervis Bay to Canberra
If you have a couple of days to spare, embarking on a journey to explore the charming central NSW towns and venturing up to the Capital Territory promises an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of NSW. Bateman's Bay, situated 141 km away, beckons with a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive along the Princess Highway to reach this enchanting destination. Known for its fishing, seafood, and watersports, the Batemans Bay area boasts water inlets that are teeming with a diverse array of freshwater fish.
For those seeking a thrilling deep-water escapade, consider chartering a boat with a local operator for an exhilarating deep-sea adventure. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters through kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling.
The B52 freeway conveniently links Batemans Bay to the Capital Territory. Following an early checkout from Jervis, indulge in a day of exploration in Batemans Bay before venturing to Canberra in the late afternoon for a night's stay and a full day of discovery. Finally, journey back to Sydney via the Hume Highway, cherishing the memories made along this unforgettable route.
Driving from Batemans Bay to Canberra
Canberra exudes a relaxed atmosphere with a vibrant student community from local universities. The city comes to life during Parliament sessions, buzzing with activity. Weekends are bustling with excitement in the downtown area, boasting expansive shopping malls, fantastic restaurants, and even a casino.
Don't miss the Floride Flower Festival, a spectacular event held from September to October, drawing in crowds of half a million visitors from across the country.
A personal favorite attraction in Canberra is the Telstra Tower, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding region. A visit to the Parliament House and local museums is essential to delve into the rich cultural history of Australia.
Exploring Canberra
The drive back from Canberra to Sydney along Hume Highway takes around 3 hours. Stop over at Goulburn to take some pictures with the Big Marino. I stopped over for lunch at the famous Paragon Cafe located on the main street in the town of Goulburn.
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