Things to do in Jervis Bay: from wineries to bioluminescence

Discover the best things to do in Jervis Bay by land or sea.

The best things to do in Jervis Bay often revolve around the region’s white-sand bays and beaches. But this 102 square-kilometre pocket of paradise between Sydney and Canberra also has endless opportunities for adventure beyond the aquamarine waters and grey-green bushland. Book an extended stay on NSW’s South Coast so you can check off your list, one by one, the top things to do in Jervis Bay.

In short

If you only do one thing in Jervis Bay, visit Target Beach, where a mysterious military shipwreck was discovered in October 2025. History buffs will find the wreck in the southwest corner of the secluded beach in Jervis Bay.

Enjoy a night under the stars

Bioluminescent algae seen at Plantation Point, Vincentia in Jervis Bay — A dazzling display of bioluminescence. Image: Destination NSW)

Jervis Bay Stargazing offers a magical night under a velvet sky studded with stars. Listen and learn as a passionate local astronomer joins the dots in the night sky, mapping out the constellations and pointing out the Milky Way and planets visible through a high-powered telescope. The stars will shine as bright as diamonds in the dark skies of Jervis Bay which has very little light pollution.

Explore the Jervis Bay art trail

artworks along the Jervis Bay Art Trail — Admire artworks on display along the Jervis Bay Art Trail.

Step inside the artists’ studios and galleries dotted along the Jervis Bay Art Trail . The artists along the trail fling open the doors of their studios on the last Saturday of each month between 11am and 2pm. Meet the artists, learn about their unique processes and buy direct to bring home a colourful souvenir. The mediums range from oils to watercolours, photography, textiles, collage, sculpture and more.

Go to Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery

maritime artefacts inside Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery — Marvel at maritime artefacts in the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery. (Image: Destination NSW)

This Huskisson museum is in a beautiful bush setting on Wandi Wandian Country. See the historic Lady Denman ferry and discover maritime artefacts, nautical equipment and navigational instruments. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery also has photographs and paintings on display. The 1.4-kilometre-long mangrove boardwalk is a must for seeing a regular cast of creatures such as native birds and crabs.

Visit one of the local wineries

The Shoalhaven sits on the shoulder of Jervis Bay on NSW’s South Coast. And it’s worth a day trip to visit some of the local wineries such as Coolangatta Estate, Silos Estate and Two Figs Winery. Cupitt’s Estate also has a destination diner overlooking the vines embroidered all around. Check the website as the winery hosts weekly live music sessions and tutored tastings with winemaker Wally Cupitt.

Explore Cave Beach in Booderee National Park

a family exploring Caves Beach, Jervis Bay — The dramatic coastal cave is a sight to behold. (Image: Dee Kramer)

Booderee National Park is co-managed by the local Wreck Bay Community and Parks Australia and Cave Beach is considered one of its prized gems. The popular surfing spot takes its name from the stunning rock formations shaped by nature that run alongside the beach, which is surrounded by beautiful Booderee bushland. Check the surf forecast as the break works best with a NE wind and SE swell.

Take an Indigenous tour of Jervis Bay

Djungga Kultural Tours helps visitors to Jervis Bay piece together a picture of Jervis Bay through the eyes of the Traditional Custodians of the Land. The Indigenous-owned business offers immersive tours of Booderree National Park that include beach walks and cultural workshops that explain the connection to Country and encourage an appreciation of Yuin/Dharwal culture. Book in for a half-day or full-day tour.

Visit Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens

enjoying a day out at Booderee National Park and Botanic Gardens, Jervis Bay — Take your kids to a fun-filled nature escape at Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens. (Image: Dee Kramer)

Learn about the medicinal use of plants, changing of the seasons and nature’s indicators –  which signal certain foods are ready to be foraged – during a visit to Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens . I downloaded the Botanic Gardens podcast ahead of my recent visit to listen and learn about Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens while following the 3.7-kilometre loop walk around the park.

Spot whales from Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

Point Perpendicular Lighthouse on the Beecroft Peninsula at the northern entrance to Jervis Bay — The majestic Point Perpendicular Lighthouse on the Beecroft Peninsula. (Image: Dee Kramer)

In my experience, the best place to spot whales in Jervis Bay is at Point Perpendicular, where there’s a pretty white lighthouse with a navy-blue trim. While you can’t climb the worn steps of the lighthouse – it has been decommissioned – you can head to the lookout 90 metres above sea level. It’s the perfect vantage point for spotting migrating whales. Note: it’s only open on weekends and holidays.

Wander along White Sands

sunrise on Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay — The 2.4-kilometre-long White Sands Walk leads to the stunning Hyams Beach. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick/Destination NSW)

I love the fact the wilderness is always close in Jervis Bay. During our last visit, we set off at daybreak along White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach picnic area where the only other traffic we encountered were fishermen and surfers. We pressed on along the 2.4-kilometre-long White Sands Walk all the way to Hyams Beach and returned via the Scribbly Gum Forest track where we had a swim at Greenfield Beach.

Hire a kayak and paddle through the pristine seas

kayaking in Jervis Bay — Kayak through the clear waters of Jervis Bay. (Image: Dee Kramer)

There’s an entire Dulux colour chart of blues and greens on show when you’re paddling around pristine Jervis Bay. I recommend hiring a sea kayak from Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports in Huskisson and launching it at the beach across the road. The waters off Jervis Bay are perfect for a gentle cruise around the bay, where there are 16 white-sand beaches to explore.

Visit Murray’s Beach for sunrise snaps

sunset over Bowen Island and Murrays Beach in Jervis Bay — Murray’s Beach delivers more than just sunset views. (Image: Filippo Rivetti)

A visit to Murray’s Beach is a must. Arrive at Murray’s early in the day so you better your chances of catching a glimpse of the colony of fairy penguins that dwell on nearby Bowen Island. Set off along the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan (loop walk) and follow the trail to Governor Head Lookout, where you can read about the local penguin population. Entry fees apply to all areas of Booderee National Park.

Snorkel in the waters off Jervis Bay

a woman snorkelling in the clear waters of Greenpatch, Jervis Bay — Go snorkelling through the crystal-clear waters off the beach. (Image: Dee Kramer)

It’s when you’re in the waterways off Jervis Bay Marine Park that you really begin to get a sense of place. As well as seeing all manner of marine creatures gliding past, you can rise to the surface, remove your goggles and take in the vast sweep of land and sand stretched out before you. Not far from the beach, just offshore, you will find rocky reefs, kelp beds, sand flats as well as black rays, cuttlefish and fur seals.

Enjoy a self-drive brewery tour

friends enjoying a board game and drinks at Jervis Bay Brewing Co. — Play board games over drinks at Jervis Bay Brewing Co. (Image: Grainger Films)

The Australian craft beer scene is booming, and it’s a prerequisite for pubs in close proximity to local breweries to serve the artisan ales. Get a taste of a few sought-after local selections on the NSW Shoalhaven Coast by following a self-guided trail that will take you from Flamin’ Galah Brewing Company to Jervis Bay Brewing Co. wwhere hop heads can pick up a six-pack of ale or lager to take home.

See a movie at Huskisson Pictures

Huskisson Pictures, Jervis Bay — The iconic cinema is situated in the seaside town of Huskisson. (Image: Shoalhaven City Council)

Cute-as-a-button Huskisson Pictures was built on the shores of Jervis Bay in 1913 as a community hall. It has also been used as a church, school, library and concert venue before it became a cinema in the early 1950s. Thankfully, when the movie theatre was renovated in 1990, there was a deliberate effort to keep the dinky facade of the cinema , which adds to the postcard-pretty charm of Jervis Bay.

Enjoy an amber ale at the Husky

seafood platter at Huskisson Hotel, Jervis Bay — Dine on the freshest of seafood at the Huskisson Hotel. (Image: Dee Kramer)

Have you even been to Jervis Bay if you haven’t had a beer at the Huskisson Hotel ? Sit on the sun-splashed deck for the very best views of the ocean, which gleams like mercury in the midday sun. The vibe at the pub, fondly known as the Husky, is emblematic of the laid-back vibes in Jervis Bay. Enjoy a schooey of locally brewed beer on tap paired with a rack of pork ribs pulled from the onsite smoker.

Explore Wreck Walk

Every breath of wind carries with it the taste of salt along the Wreck Walk in Jervis Bay. Walk past Whale Point and Wilsons Beach to find the rusted hull of the 1928 shipwreck SS Merimbula jutting out of the sand, its broken ribs protruding and corroded from decades of being eaten away by the elements. Remnants of another shipwreck believed to be more than a century old were recently exposed at Target Beach on the other side of the Beecroft Peninsula.

Embark on a dolphin-watching tour

dolphin watching with Jervis Bay Wild Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises — See dolphins playing in the waves. (Image: Jervis Bay Wild)

Watch the water rush against the hull of Dolphin Watch Cruises as it slices through the milky seas and you’re more than likely to see dolphins playing in the waves. The company, which has been offering cruises in the region since 1990, also leads sustainable whale-watching cruises during the migratory season for humpbacks. You can also join Jervis Bay Wild for a Whale-watching and Dolphin cruise.

Enjoy a sunrise yoga class

Sign up for a sunrise yoga session by the sea with South Coast Soul and you will be rewarded with the sound of tumbling water and birds singing soprano. Open one eye during your morning meditation and you might even spot resident dolphins slicing through the waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park. The local yoga school offers everything from 1:1 sessions to tailored classes for families and friends.

Take the kids for a swim at Moona Moona Park

Moona Moona Creek, Jervis Bay, South Coast — Splash around Moona Moona Creek with your little ones. (Image: Destination NSW)

My husband hails from Canberra and he enjoyed many jaunts to Jervis Bay during his childhood.  When our own children were little, he would take us to the little inlet off Moona Moona Park , which was perfect for them to safely splash about. There’s much to entertain at Moona Moona Park: from watching the locals yahoo off the bridge at high tide to spotting giant sea birds and dolphins.

Go camping in Jervis Bay

a couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia — Book a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the best things to do in Jervis Bay is go camping. The campgrounds in Jervis Bay provide access to some of Australia’s best surf breaks, including Aussie Pipe at Black Rock. But they are also known for being some of the best places in Australia to see kangaroos in the wild. Peg out your tent at Green Patch campsite or Cave Beach or go glamping in premium tented accommodation at Paperbark Camp.

Relax on Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay from above — The stunning white sands and clear blue waters at Hyams Beach. (Image: Jordan Robins)

Hyams Beach has long been hailed as one of Australia’s best beaches with its sugar-white sands said to be the whitest in the world. This idyllic stretch of sand is just three hours from Sydney, so popular with day-trippers.  Bring your paddleboard to ply through the turquoise seas. Or simply squeak over the sand with your camp chair to find the perfect spot to set up and chill.

Go scuba diving in Jervis Bay

a freediver diving with Dive Jervis Bay — Discover the majestic underwater world with Dive Jervis Bay. (Image: Jordan Robins)

You will be directed with a flurry of animated waving when on an underwater excursion with Jervis Bay Sea Sports or Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Adventures . Your guide might be pointing out weedy sea dragons, blue groupers or stingrays. Snorkelling and scuba diving is one of the most popular things to do in Jervis Bay as it’s a designated marine park is protected from fishing. On my bucket list is swimming with whales or seals with Dive Jervis Bay .

Discover the best restaurants in Jervis Bay

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

This coastal village has bioluminescence, white-sand beaches and wineries