Jervis Bay Cafes: Here Are 14 Of The Best

Our guide to the best Jervis Bay cafes includes a mix of chill places to work, top-notch spots for a caffeine fix and fantastic locations for brunch and lunch. Plug the following places into your satnav. Now go.

Those planning a South Coast stay will need to factor in a jaunt to these cracking Jervis Bay cafes. Be it coffee and gelato from an Airstream caravan, a family-friendly place for brunch or killer fish and chips enjoyed on the jetty, here are the best Jervis Bay cafes and casual eateries on the NSW South Coast.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: The Local
Best coffee: Jervis Bay Coffee Co.
Best pastries: Kraken Sourdough
Best for brunch: 5 Little Pigs

Harley’s at Husky

When it comes to coffee orders, I make mine a double. This is especially so when I see the beans are put to good use. Basically, the baristas toiling over the sky-blue La Marzocca coffee machine know their stuff. Furthermore, expect a matcha made in heaven at Harley’s at Husky , which is open for breakfast and lunch each day. Unquestionably, the Eat. Drink. Laugh logo is literally a good sign. In the meantime, check the cafe’s Instagram page for the next Bubs & Pubs meet-up. Lastly, Harley’s is an inviting hub with a nautical, beach-chic colour palette.

Cuisine: Burgers, acai, focaccia toasties and above-average cafe fare.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Sunny, bright, good vibes only.
Location: 51 Owen St, Huskisson

Fishermens Wharf Huskisson

The congenial Fishermens Wharf cafe is out to prove it’s the best place in Jervis Bay for coffee with a view. Never has a town had such a need to wake up early and stay alert. Why? Because there are so many great things to do during the course of a day in Jervis Bay. My love for coffee equals my husband’s love for craft beer and we can enjoy both here at lunchtime. Book in for a dolphin eco cruise or wildlife excursion and then retreat back to the wharf to enjoy the Whale of a Breakfast which is whopping as the name suggests.

Cuisine: Think smashed avo for breakfast; pulled pork tacos for lunch
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Fancy fisho meets Jervis jetty vibes.
Location: 15 Field St, Huskisson

Merciers Gelato & Coffee

A glossy salted butterscotch and chocolate gelato is best enjoyed amid groves of gums standing their ground in the open air. By all means, follow it up with a swim in the turquoise waters off Jervis Bay. Obviously, that’s the plan when the Merciers Gelato and Coffee  van rolls into town. Track the cool 1960s Airstream caravan , which has a pop-up store in Huskisson over summer. You’ll also find the food van festooned with bunting and fairy lights at festivals and markets in Jervis Bay. At any rate, reward the kids with a scoop of gelato for listening to dad jokes on the drive from Sydney.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average: price $$
Atmosphere: Refined
Location: Various locations around Huskisson over summer.

The Local

The Local has taken off where the much-loved Albert & Miso cafe left off. And anywhere that has Taco Tuesday on the agenda deserves a place on our guide to the very best Jervis Bay cafes. The homey corner cafe in Vincentia Shopping Village is aptly named as it’s somewhat of a hub for locals. So we recommend you converge here for everything from burrito bowls to brekkie burgers after a surf at Aussie Pipe. The mural of an octopus here is a conversation starter: ask about the local Jervis Bay site marine scientists have dubbed Octlantis.

Cuisine: Classic mod Oz cafe fare
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Casual and inclusive
Location: 12/5 Burton St, Vincentia

Salty Joes

Salty Joes  is so named as it embraces the essence of salty hair, sea breezes and NSW South Coast surf culture. At least treat yourself to a bacon and egg roll or dive straight into the smoothie bowl, which is the monkey’s nuts. No seriously, that’s what it’s called. In addition, this deliciously curated concoction comprises peanut butter, banana and coconut milk topped with maple pecan granola, toasted coconut and shaved milk chocolate. The walls of this popular cafe includes pops of colour that match with the mood-boosting turquoise seas.

Cuisine: Contemporary cafe fare with great coffee.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Refined
Location: 1/54 Owen St, Huskisson

5 Little Pigs

The only huffing and puffing happening at 5 Little Pigs is among hangry travellers who have arrived here in the post-surf peak hour and have to queue for a table. Chill. Why? Because it’s Jervis Bay brah. In no time at all, you’ll be digging into the ‘Big Pig’ breakfast with bacon, eggs, tomato, spinach and tomato on sourdough. This rustic Huskisson cafe is regarded as one of the best Jervis Bay cafes for coffee, too. Arrive barefoot wearing a flanno and balled-up beanie: it might help you unlock some insider tips about the best surf beaches in Jervis Bay.

Cuisine: Mod Oz
Average: $$
Atmosphere: Laid-back and beachy
Location: 64-66 Owen Street, Huskisson

Cooked Goose on Hyams

Hyams Beach is certainly no secret spot. In fact, it’s named as one of the best beaches in the world. My personal tip is to visit outside the peak scene-y season of summer, when the beach is a more mellow place to hang. Dust the crumbs of sand off your feet and build your own breakfast at the  Cooked Goose on Hyams , which has one of the best outlooks in Jervis Bay. Order pesto butter beans or a burger with the lot for lunch and then have a gander at the goodies you can take away from the cafe.

Cuisine: Everything at the Cooked Goose is made in-house and the menu is Mod Oz.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Think busy, bustling Hyams Beach hub
Location: 76 Cyrus St, Hyams Beach

Tuna Tail Husky

Poke is a staple in Hawaii and it’s great to see it popping up at dedicated poke bars like Tuna Tail in Huskisson, just a block and a bit back from the beach. Lunching at the light, bright, poke bar is an insanely good experience as the healthful creations are made fresh to order. Pick a base (rice, noodles or cabbage), choose a bowl (fins, feathers, or flowers), or build your own with add-ons that include avocado, seaweed and sesame seeds.

Cuisine: Soul food. Bowl food.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: It’s serving Hanalei Bay
Location: 2/12 Currambene Street, Huskisson

Milk HAUS Milton

Don’t @ me. I know Woodstock is an hour’s drive from Husky. However, a mere 60 minutes on the clock is nothing when you’re road-tripping around Australia. Above all, make the detour to Woodstock to meet your mates from Milton for bowl food such as pasture-raised poached eggs, asparagus, peas, herbs, chives and sourdough. Correspondingly, you’ll find the garden-to-plate menu has a plethora of pluses and positives.

Cuisine: Nourishing garden-to-plate dishes that will ensure you eat your greens
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: The vibe is one of unstoppable optimism.
Location: 170 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock

World Famous Fish and Chips

It’s a huge call to name your eatery World Famous Fish and Chips . But that’s been this fish and chipper’s claim for more than two decades and if they believe they can fry, then so do we. Certainly, it’s impossible to go past old-school prawn cutlets. But it’s the fish and chips that are on high rotation here. At least dine in at the relaxed chipper or get a side order of fresh air and picnic with your feet dangling over the jetty. Afterwards, pick up some fresh Jervis Bay mussels  for dinner.

Average: price $$
Location: 2/54 Owen St, Huskisson NSW 2540

Kraken Sourdough

Kraken Sourdough is one of Huskisson’s hippie HQs. All in all, it’s also one of the best Jervis Bay cafes and bakeries for a latte. Vanlifers road-tripping around the NSW South Coast should follow the enticing aroma of fresh-baked croissants to this Jervis Bay cafe and bakery for viennoiseries such as fruit crumble, and berry brioche. Another recommendation is the pillow-soft potato pizza. Meanwhile, the kimchi and peanut toasties are manna from heaven for vegos.

Cuisine: Savoury and sweet bakery treats
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Industrial-chic production line for pastries
Location: 10 Duranbah Drive, Huskisson

Jervis Bay Coffee Co.

You will feel an immediate bond forming with locals when you converge on this Jervis Bay cafe. Jervis Bay Coffee Co . takes great care air-roasting small-batch high-grade Arabica beans to give Jervis Bay locals the jolt of java they need. Evidently, you’ll find a rag tag group of road-trippers at the cafe, which is worth the journey to Jervis Bay for its avocado and ricotta bagels. Likewise, the toasted ham-and-cheese croissants are choice.

Cuisine: Killer air-roasted cafe and bagels
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Rustic and real
Location: Princes Highway, Wandandian, Jervis Bay Territory

Huskisson Bakery & Cafe

Enjoy a pie crawl up the NSW coast from Sydney stopping off at Huskisson Bakery & Cafe outlets along the way. Sit solo and eavesdrop on the surfers who gather in the bakery to shoot the breeze over a Brekky Pie. Why? Because you might overhear where the waves will be firing when the next swell hits. Evidently, the absolute best brunch spots in Jervis Bay are all-day affairs where the goal is getting something down your pie-hole when the craving hits.

Cuisine: Brekkie pies, toasties, croissants and protein shakes
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Old-school and laid-back
Location: 11 Currambene St, Huskisson

Angels Bayside

It doesn’t matter if you roll out of bed at noon – you’re on holiday, babes. Besides, stumble into Angels Bayside Cafe unshowered and with your sunnies on and nobody bats an eyelid. Indeed, the folks in Jervis Bay aren’t judgey. In fact, the more artfully dishevelled you look, the better. Angels does an all-day breakfast menu that includes fluffy pancakes, eggs on sourdough and smashed avo. Direct that devil-may-care attitude toward your diet and suck back a Southern fried chicken burger. The cafe is fully licensed and has a regular line-up of live music.

Cuisine: Classic home-style cafe fare
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Relaxed.
Location: 74 Owen St, Huskisson

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

The best cafes in Jervis Bay