The best accommodation in Jervis Bay

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If you’re heading to the South Coast of NSW, make Jervis Bay your base.

There’s a reason why Jervis Bay gets a lot of love on Instagram: it’s paradise. If powder-soft sand, snorkelling in clear water, secluded coves, killer surf and peace and quiet are some of the ingredients that meet your criteria for the perfect vacation, then the 102 sq. km bay and village should be on your radar. Here are some of the best places to stay in Jervis Bay.

Paperbark Camp

It’s all about privacy and rustic luxury at Paperbark Camp, which is four kilometres from Huskisson and the walking trails of Jervis Bay National Park. The premium tented eco accommodation comprises 13 deluxe African safari-style tents flanked by bushland and linked by star-lit pathways back to The Gunyah (‘meeting place’), which serves as the restaurant, reception, bar and communal lounge area. Spend your days exploring Jervis Bay by kayak, snorkel, paddle-board or surfboard or kick on your private verandah and count the kangaroos. 

Paperbark Camp.
It’s all about privacy and rustic luxury at Paperbark Camp.

Worrowing Estate

Worrowing Estate is an historic 100-hectare coastal farm property located on the NSW South Coast. Choose between a farm-style house and cottages, all restored to their former glory using traditional materials and reclaimed timbers, a wilderness hut flanked by the bushland of Jervis Bay National Park, a dinky little boat shed and contemporary space that was once the horse stables. There’s also a traditional beach shack 50 metres from Nelson’s Beach. 

Worrowing Estate
Worrowing Estate is an historic 100-hectare coastal farm.

Parma House

This beautifully appointed 250-hectare heritage-listed cattle property, Parma House, is a great example of sensitive agro-tourism. A stay at the renovated heritage home, built in 1874, involves slipping into a slower rhythm: pull on your gumboots and amble down to the belted Galloway cows, feed the chooks and collect their eggs and try your hand at fishing in the farm lake. If you do feel like exploring further afield, the beaches of Jervis Bay are just 15 minutes away.

Parma house
Parma House, is a great example of sensitive agro-tourism.

Beachstone Vincentia

This recently restored cottage retains much of the charm of the original beach shack and builds on it. Supercalla Private’s newest property, Beachstone, is the kind of contemporary beach cottage that is designed to make visitors unwind. There are nooks for books, an expansive verandah for sipping G+Ts, an outdoor tub, fireplace and lounge area that makes the space extremely comfortable.  Beachstone is a short walk from Orion Beach in Vincentia.

Unwind at Beachstone.
Unwind at Beachstone.

The Cove Jervis Bay

The Cove is a secluded private escape that is perfect for those seeking a bit of peace and quiet. The eco-certified property offers self-catering accommodation against the backdrop of Booderee National Park. While the Fun House can sleep 23 people in seven bedrooms, the cute-as-hell Surf Cabins, Ocean Cabins, Salt Cabins and Boat Cabins are a bit more compact, accommodating between two and six people. Glamping is also an option. 

The Cove
The Cove is a secluded private escape.

Bangalay Luxury Villas

Jervis Bay is located an hour’s south of Shoalhaven Heads, where Bangalay Villas is located. But it’s worth a bit of extra time on the asphalt to get to the luxury accommodation, which is a magnet for everyone from golfers to surfers, foodies and families. Arrive in your Tesla (there’s a charging station onsite) to the discreet getaway, which is flanked by a golf course and a short walk from Seven Mile Beach. The restaurant at the seaside retreat is world-class, making it a popular place to eat, play and stay on the South Coast.

Bangalay Villas
Bangalay Villas is worth the extra commute.

Jervis Bay Holiday Park

Jervis Bay Holiday Park is so close to the water it has its own boat ramp. Here, at the absolute river-frontage property, you can take advantage of stunning locations by hiring a kayak or SUP and paddling along Currambene Creek, which leads all the way to Jervis Bay. The family-friendly holiday park has powered and unpowered sites, glampsites, bushman’s cabins and premium waterfront sites to enjoy under canvas or from the comfort of your caravan.

Jervis Bay Holiday Park
Jervis Bay Holiday Park is so close to the water it has its own boat ramp.

Green Patch

Families who like to combine surf with travel on a budget should head to the old-school Green Patch campsite in Jervis Bay , which is a short stroll away from Green Patch Beach and a protected, picturesque lagoon set within Booderee National Park. The discrete campsite has limited spots and is ideal for families and small groups who appreciate nature and the daily cameos from kangaroos. 

Green Patch campsite in Jervis Bay.
Head to the old-school Green Patch campsite in Jervis Bay.

Atra Jervis Bay Beach Front Family Holiday Home

Atra has much to offer: the coastal getaway is toes-in-the-sand waterfront in Callala Beach, Jervis Bay and has a beach-chic ambience that makes it feel like your own mini seaside resort. The layout of the home is sympathetic with the seaside location: there are balconies, an outdoor bath, multiple living areas and an outdoor fire pit around which guests become fixtures after dark, listening to the waves crash onto the sand.

Atra
Atra has much to offer.

For more great travel tips and itineraries read the Ultimate guide to Jervis Bay holidays here.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

Slip, slop, slap.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant
Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

Husk Farm Distillery
Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed
Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Tweed Holiday Parks
Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .