Ask anyone about where to find the best beaches in NSW and they’ll tell you Jervis Bay. And we agree - the beaches are sublime, but there’s a lot more to Jervis Bay than just beaches.
Within a short drive you can find secret waterfalls to swim under, stunning rockpools, mountains hikes, cliff top infinity pools and even a tunnel you can crawl through to reach an amazing viewpoint.
We’ll be covering all that and more, as well as the gorgeous beaches of course. Our guide is focussed on the outdoors because that’s what Jervis Bay does best.
Here are our favourite things to do in Jervis Bay and the surrounds.
Things to do in Jervis Bay
1: Find the hidden sea cave at one of NSW’s best beaches
With white sand and calm clear water, Murrays Beach is the quintessential stunning beach you come to Jervis Bay hoping to find. It’s an idyllic place to swim, relax on the sand, or go for a little adventure.
At low tide you can follow the shoreline round to find hidden coves, a small sea cave and some shallow rock pools.
You can also walk up onto the headland for some gorgeous views out to the ocean, which has fabulous whale watching opportunities in season (May to October).
Here’s more on Murrays Beach, including how to find the sea cave, and note that a national park entry fee applies.
2: Crawl through a narrow tunnel to reach an amazing viewpoint
Crawling through the narrow passageway of Gosangs Tunnel feels like entering the dragons lair.
A wafer thin crack in the tunnel floor produces a sound not dissimilar to a blow hole and the effect as you make your way through the passage is nothing short of eerie.
It doesn’t get any less dramatic when you reach the rock ledge at the other side.
Giant waves crash against the rocks below creating a sea of cascades and white water.
The walk to reach the tunnel is 3.5km return and generally flat and easy. Directions for finding the tunnel are in this guide.
3: Catch a sunset from the Hole in the Wall
It’s easy to find good sunrise spots in Jervis Bay - as almost all beaches face east - however, if you’re not an early riser, it can be harder to find a great place to watch the sunset.
Happily, Hole in the Wall Beach offers just that: an incredible sunset spot, and you rarely have to share with anyone else.
It’s just a short walk to this magical calm bay and if you pick a windless evening at low tide, the water and sand mirror the sky.
Add to that the cool rock feature that is Hole in the Wall and you have one of the best short walks in Jervis Bay.
Here are more details on visiting for sunset.
4: Swim beneath the spectacular Hell Hole Falls
Hell Hole Falls is one of the most spectacular wild swimming spots on the South Coast. The falls flow into a stunning deep green pool, surrounded by dense bushland and high cliff walls.
It feels completely secluded and has the most wonderful serene atmosphere. There’s a second waterfall pool much earlier on in the trail, which is also stunning and has a shallow pool that is perfect for families.
The falls do need quite a bit of water to be running clean and clear, so save this adventure for after some decent rainfall.
The walk is just under 2km return and it’s not signposted, nor is there a formal path. All the details can be found in this post.
5: Feel like you’ve entered a lost world at the Grotto
Just a 20 minute drive from Huskisson, you can enter a secret world of boulder caves, overhangs and epic cliff walls with creeping tree roots that look like they could be part of the Tomb Raider film set.
It’s amazing to think all of this is hiding in plain sight just above a popular walking track.
Reaching the Grotto involves a rock scramble and it’s not signposted or marked in any way which all adds to that incredible lost world feel.
The walk to the Grotto is around 1km and we have you covered on the directions here.
6: Swim or snorkel at Jervis Bay’s best rockpool
The Currarong Rock Channel is an incredible rockpool with clear turquoise water and enough room to swim laps.
The pool is best visited on a mid to high tide if you want a proper swim as it does get quite shallow at low tide.
Accessing it couldn’t be easier with stairs down into the pool (though it’s otherwise completely natural, it’s not an ocean bath).
The closest parking area is 150m away, you can see it here on Google maps. Then you just need to follow the unnamed road that heads towards the water for 150m to the pool.
7: Take a stroll along Jervis Bay’s best easy walking track
The 2.5km White Sands Walk is a must do, taking you to several of the areas best white sand beaches. The path is well maintained with some stairs but nothing overly difficult.
Along the way you’ll get some glorious ocean views and we’ve been lucky enough to see dolphins at some of the rocky outcrops between the beaches - something which is happily not uncommon.
Pack your swimmers because it’s likely you won’t be able to resist a dip at one of those gorgeous beaches. You can extend the circuit walk slightly to visit Hyams Beach if you haven’t already.
I like looping back along the Scribbly Gum Track, but you don’t get the coastal views so if you’re all about the views then you should return the way you came.
8: Kick back and relax at Jervis Bay’s best secluded beaches
Everyone knows that Jervis Bay has some of the best beaches in NSW and come summer time and school holidays it can start to feel a little crowded.
That’s when it’s time to head for the untouched paradise that is Kittys and Whiting Beach. And as luck would have it, they are located on the same circuit walk, so you can visit both on the same day.
Beaches this quiet and secluded do of course come with a trade off, and that’s the length of the walk to reach them (a whopping 14km circuit if you want to see both).
However, if you’re up for a bit of a hike then you will be greatly rewarded with numerous beaches and swim spots, as well as great whale watching ops if in season (May to October)
Everything you need to know about the walk and both beaches as well as another great rock channel are in this guide.Note that the Booderee National Park fee applies.
9: Have a close encounter with friendly sting rays
There are plenty of places you can see sting rays in Jervis Bay itself, but the most reliable place to see lots of rays at once is at nearby Bendalong.
Getting up close and personal with the giant stingrays is one of the South Coast’s most unmissable experiences.
And while I know generally speaking getting up close and personal with animals in the wild is a no-no, it’s a little different at Boat Harbour Beach and that’s because the stingrays will be coming up to you!
In fact, they appeared to delight in crashing into you, swimming through your legs and generally flapping around you in the most endearing way.
Please respect them and allow them to come to you. All the details on visiting the rays can be found here.
10: Wait for rain and then marvel at the incredible Granite Falls
Granite Falls is the perfect rainy day excursion from Jervis Bay, the short walk to the falls is easy and holds up well even after torrential rain - which is the best time to visit.
At this time you will find thin ribbons of water cascading down a steep tiger striped granite cliff face. It feels dainty rather than roaring, even after flood conditions.
Most of the time it is bone dry which I think makes it extra special when you do see it in full flow.
The setting is also gorgeous, with densely forested mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see.
Here’s our detailed guide to visiting Granite Falls.
11: Climb the fun ladders to the top of Pigeon House Mountain, Didthul
This one is a little further from Jervis Bay at a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Huskisson, but it’s definitely worth it.
Your climb to the top of Pigeon House Mountain ends with a series of steep metal stairways straight up the sheer rock faces that would normally be the domain of rock climbers alone.
When you reach the top, one of the most magnificent views in NSW will be waiting for you.
The vista looks over the wild and rugged mountains and ridgelines of the Budawang Ranges and even as far as the coast on a clear day.
It’s a soul stirring view that gets even better if you head up for golden hour. The 7.6km return walk is steep so save this for a day when you’re feeling energetic!
Here are our track notes, including what it’s like to hike for sunset.
12: Check out the cool sea caves at Cave Beach
Cave Beach is far from being one of the best in Jervis Bay, with yellow sand quite unlike the powdery white beaches you associate with the area.
However, what makes it worth a visit is the two cool sea caves at the western end of the beach.
The caves are next to each other and a 400m walk from the car park. There are always roos along the walking trail which adds to the charm.
The caves shouldn’t be explored on a rough swell but are accessible even beyond a mid tide otherwise.
Note that the Booderee National Park fee applies.
13: Hike to one of Jervis Bay’s most wild beaches
If you’re looking for a great beach for swimming then skip this one, but if you’re after a wild and rugged beach you’ll likely get all to yourself then look no further than Steamers Beach.
The 700m long stretch of golden sand is backed by steep headlands, which offer incredible whale watching opportunities in season.
And as the beach is not really suitable for swimming, coming in the cooler months is ideal.
The walk is 4.6km return and has a bit of a climb on your way back up from the beach, but it’s all on a good track.
You’ll usually see kangaroos munching in the bushes! Here’s our detailed guide to Steamers Beach and note that the Booderee National Park fee applies.
14: Float in the blue waters of Mermaid Pool
The Mermaid Pool is gorgeous, a huge natural rockpool located at a stunning and quiet beach just over a 30 minute drive from Jervis Bay.
The water shimmers turquoise in the sunshine and the clarity allows you to spot all the little fish you’ll be sharing the pool with.
Though only a minute’s walk from the beach, it’s completely shielded from view due to the surrounding rocks, so it feels lovely and secluded.
The perfect place to relax on a warm sunny day.
The walk to the side of the beach the pool is located on is 1.6km each way and involves crossing a tidal lagoon.
All the details can be found in this guide.
15: Start your day at Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach might be famous but it’s famous for a reason, after all who can resist a visit to the beach with the whitest sand in the world?!
It’s a glorious place to watch the sunrise and the light for a couple of hours after is always beautiful too.
It’s the quietest time to visit the beach, though if early starts are not your thing just walk for a couple of hundred metres from the nearest car park and you’ll still get a slice of white sand paradise without the crowds.
The beach stretches for several kilometres and we like walking the full length of it in the cooler months.
The best place to park (if you can snag a spot) is at the Hyams Beach Car Park (just off Cyrus Street) from which it’s a one minute walk to the beach.
16: Watch the surfers at Bherwerre Beach
Bherwerre Beach is one of the lesser known beaches around Jervis Bay and is usually frequented by surfers. We love to come down for sunset which is best watched from the rocks at the eastern end of the beach.
It's really close to Cave Beach so you can easily combine the two and if you're lucky you might even get one of the local kangaroos come down onto the beach.
It's a 850m walk from the nearest car park (Cave Beach car park). There are a few routes, but we chose to walk down to the Cave Beach Campground where a trail takes you to Bherwerre Beach.
The Booderee National Park entry fee applies when visiting Bherwerre.
17: Have a picnic at a hidden waterfall
The pretty upper falls of Berrara Creek Waterfall is the perfect place to have a picnic in quiet seclusion.
The lower falls is located along a maintained walking track, but the upper falls is hidden away upstream and you would never know it was there if you didn’t go exploring.
If it’s a really hot day you can have a bit of a waterfall shower but it’s not a swimming spot. Bring a picnic or a book or both and spend some time relaxing in the picturesque surrounds. There are no benches, but there is room to spread out on the rocks.
We cover how to find the upper falls in this guide, note that a trip here is easily combined with a visit to nearby Mermaid Pool.
18: Explore the picturesque gorge at Bomaderry Creek
Bomaderry Creek is a beautiful gorge which you can explore on the relatively easy dog friendly walking track.
Walk beneath endless giant cliffs and alongside the picturesque creek, with plenty of interesting overhangs and rock formations to explore.
The trail remains quite shady even on the sunniest of days, though we think the best conditions for this walk are a damp cloudy day when the forest feels much more atmospheric.
The walk is quite easy, though the terrain is often uneven and there are a few little climbs. The full circuit is 4.3km and takes around 30 minutes to drive to from Jervis Bay. Here’s our full trail guide.
19: Camp at the spectacular Honeymoon Bay
The crescent of golden sand known as Honeymoon Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Jervis Bay and it’s easy to see why.
You can almost drive right up to it, it’s gorgeous, and the water is as still as a millpond. Whether you’re looking to swim, paddle board, or simply laze around, it’s perfect.
Several great walking tracks also leave from the same area taking you to yet more stunning beaches.
All that and you can camp right behind the beach among the mobs of kangaroos that call this area home.
Camping is very popular in the summer months and needs to be booked year round. Campsite and beach access is only available when the Beecroft Weapons Range is not in use, generally weekends and during the school holidays, you can find out the dates here.
20: Take a plunge in a cliff top infinity pool
It’s not just the Blue Mountains that have cliff top infinity pools. Venture from Jervis Bay into Morton National Park and you’ll find a stunning plunge pool atop a towering waterfall.
Accessing the pool is only possible when the flow of the falls is not too great. The walk to the pool is off-track for around half the 6.3km distance, but it’s not too difficult if you follow our instructions.
Alternatively go for an easy stroll to the spectacular lookout at the end of the maintained track. It’s a wonderful sunset spot if you’re happy to walk back under the stars.
21: Scramble down to a jaw-dropping creekside beach
While everyone knows Jervis Bay for its stunning beaches, fewer people realise it’s also home to some incredible waterfall swimming holes, and Sandy Creek Falls is one of the best.
The crystal clear water warms up very early in the season and swimming surrounded by soaring gum trees, giant boulders and of course the gorgeous waterfall itself is a very special experience.
The falls are best visited after a good downpour as they can reduce to a trickle during dry spells. The walk to the waterfall is short but requires two rope assisted down climbs.
There are no signposts, but we have you covered on the directions in this post.
22: Catch a sunrise at Plantation Point
To be honest there are so many gorgeous places to catch a sunrise around Jervis Bay, but Plantation Point is special. You're unlikely to share the stunning beach with anyone at all, or at most a couple of locals.
Walking along the soft sand with colourful reflections playing in the shallows is the perfect way to start your day.
The car park location can be found here and then it's just a 50m walk to the sand.
Where to stay in Jervis Bay
Erowal Bay Guesthouse
This gorgeous little one bedroom villa has everything you need for a self catering stay close to the heart of Jervis Bay.
There’s a small but well equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine and a large comfy bed. It’s attached to the main house but retains its privacy.
You can check out the prices and reviews on Booking.com
If you’re looking for a cost effective two bedroom option, a 15 minute drive from Huskisson, check out Serene Haven in Sanctuary Point.
Getting to Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is located on the NSW South Coast with the main towns of Huskisson and Vincentia being where most tourists will base themselves.
It’s just under 190km and a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney and just fractionally further from Canberra.
It’s a bit of a faff to get to Jervis Bay by public transport from Sydney but you can get the train to Bomaderry (changing trains at Kiama) and then take a bus to Huskisson.
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There’s a lot more to Jervis Bay than just beaches, within a short drive you can find secret waterfalls you can swim under, stunning rockpools, mountains hikes, cliff top infinity pools and even a tunnel you can crawl through to reach an amazing viewpoint. We’ve covering all of that and more, including the best beaches in this guide to the best things to do in Jervis Bay.