Jervis Bay and South Coast

Jervis Bay

A stunning coastal region south of Sydney featuring pristine beaches, marine reserves, and excellent opportunities for whale watching and dolphin spotting. The white sand beaches and turquoise waters make it one of Australia's most scenic coastal destinations.

Things to do

• Whale Watching Tours — Join seasonal whale watching expeditions (May to November) to spot humpback and southern right whales migrating along the coast from dedicated operators in Jervis Bay.
• Dolphin Spotting at Tangara Beach — Visit this secluded beach within the Jervis Bay National Park to observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, especially during calmer morning conditions.
• Hyams Beach Swimming and Sunbathing — Relax on one of Australia's whitest sand beaches with pristine turquoise water, located just south of Jervis Bay village.
• Booderee National Park Coastal Walk — Explore scenic walking trails through native bushland with ocean views and Aboriginal cultural sites within this protected marine park.
• Snorkeling at Chinamans Beach — Discover shallow reefs and marine life in calm protected waters suitable for snorkeling near Jervis Bay village.
• Visiting Booderee Botanic Gardens — Walk through gardens showcasing native Australian plants set on headland with panoramic coastal views.
• Sea Kayaking in the Bay — Paddle through protected waters to explore coves, spot marine wildlife, and access beaches accessible only by water.

Food to try

• Fresh Local Fish and Chips — Enjoy freshly caught fish from Jervis Bay's rich fishing grounds prepared with crispy batter and hand-cut chips from waterfront takeaway shops.
• Morsel Jervis Bay Restaurant Experience — Dine at award-winning local restaurants serving contemporary Australian cuisine featuring fresh seafood caught in local waters.
• Oysters and Fresh Seafood — Sample locally harvested oysters and other shellfish at waterfront venues showcasing the bay's abundant marine produce.
• Scallops from Jervis Bay — Taste sweet, tender scallops caught fresh in the bay, commonly featured on menus at local seafood restaurants.
• Barista Coffee Culture — Experience quality specialty coffee at local cafes in the village, reflecting the region's growing foodie destination status.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Booderee Aboriginal Heritage — Acknowledge the Dhurga Aboriginal people's connection to the land by visiting cultural sites respectfully and considering guided Aboriginal cultural tours.
• Plan Around Whale Season — Visit between May and November for optimal whale watching, as this is peak migration season and defines much of the region's tourism calendar.
• Book Accommodation Early — Jervis Bay is a popular destination with limited lodging; book accommodations well in advance, especially during school holidays and whale season.
• Bring Sun and Wind Protection — The coastal location means intense UV exposure and strong ocean breezes, so bring high SPF sunscreen and windproof layers regardless of season.

Nearby

• Australian National Botanic Gardens (Australian Capital Territory) — 144 km
• Sydney — 146 km
• Mount Ainslie (Australian Capital Territory) — 147 km
• Australian War Memorial (Australian Capital Territory) — 148 km