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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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .