The best wildlife experiences in Jervis Bay for nature enthusiasts

The NSW South Coast hotspot is brimming with wildlife.

Jervis Bay is home to a diverse range of animals that will delight any nature enthusiast and spotting its playful residents is one of the most enjoyable things to do in the region. From swimming with whales and seals, to spotting dolphins and fairy penguins or snorkelling with turtles, here are eight of the best Jervis Bay wildlife encounters to be had on the NSW South Coast.

See dolphins on a scenic cruise

dolphins at Jervis Bay — Watch bottlenose dolphins splash and play on a scenic cruise. (Image: Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay)

Dolphin Watch Cruises was one of the first to offer dolphin and whale watching tours in Australia. It has also been taking visitors on tours to see Jervis Bay wildlife for more than three decades. There’s a high probability you will see the resident bottlenose dolphins surfing the waves created by the boat carving through the seas. And, with the aid of binoculars, you might even be able to spot a whale (between May and November) or sea eagles soaring overhead. It’s one of the best things to do in Jervis Bay.

Swim with whales (and then drink wine)

whale breaching at Point Perpendicular, Jervis Bay — See Jervis Bay’s most majestic creatures. (Image: Jervis Bay Wild)

Did someone say wine and whales? Genius. The Shoalhaven City Council’s Wine & Whales campaign suggests: a whale-watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild or Dolphin Watch, a Swim with the Whales experience with Dive Jervis Bay and a visit to nearby vineyards such as Cupitt’s Estate and Centennial Vineyards. Top off your wine-soaked whale-watching weekender with a unique stay in Jervis Bay.

Swim with seals

the Woebegone Dive cruise in Jervis Bay — Woebegone Dive has a license to swim with both seals and whales in NSW waters. (Image: Supplied)

Cruise onboard Seascape with Woebegone Free Dive from Woollamia Boat Ramp to snorkel or free-dive with a colony of New Zealand and Australian fur seals. Woebegone is one of only a few operators with a license to swim with both seals and whales in NSW waters. And you can jump in the big blue and do just that during the migration season. Kudos to the eco-minded operator, which partners with Sea Shepherd, for organising monthly beach clean-ups, too.

Spot kangaroos at The Woods Farm

The Woods Farm of Jervis Bay from above — Commune with nature at The Woods Farm.

The emphasis around Jervis Bay is justifiably on its turquoise seas. But there’s also a chance to lose yourself in the surrounding forest and farmland. Families who stay at The Woods Farm of Jervis Bay are encouraged to feed the farm animals, which include a menagerie of cows, horses, and sheep. Give the tree-change a trial run by staying in a cute-as cottage or bell tent, collecting eggs for breakfast and watching Jervis Bay wildlife such as kangaroos hop by on cue.

Spot stingrays on the Husky Ferry

sunset over Currambene Creek Huskisson in Jervis Bay — Hop onboard the sunset cruise at Currambene Creek. (Image: Above Down Under by Kramer Photography)

Take a sunset cruise on Husky Ferry through the Jervis Bay Marine Reserve and it’s highly likely you’ll spy stingrays flying through the cerulean seas. The sunset cruise, which operates out of Huskisson and Myola, is touted by locals as one of the most underrated ways to see the area. Hop onboard the ferry as it makes its way up Currambene Creek in winter to see baby stingrays swimming with their mothers. It’s one of the best ways to encounter Jervis Bay wildlife.

Look for pelicans at Pelican Shores Cafe

Find a perch to sit and look out over St George’s Basin from Pelican Shores Cafe and you are bound to see the large water birds patrolling the shore in search of fish. Watch the pelicans wade into the water yawning open their bills to catch scraps of fish thrown their way by the local fisher folk. This form of feeding does not work at the cafe; form an orderly queue to arrange that seafood plate for two.

Find Fairy Penguins at Murrays Beach

an aerial view of Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay — Stroll down Murrays Beach to see several seabird species. (Image: Destination NSW)

From above, Jervis Bay Marine Park resembles a pretty turquoise necklace, with the sand stretching around the protected seas in a series of perfect crescents. One of the things that makes Jervis Bay so special is the fact it’s teeming with marine life. Secure front-row seats with Jervis Bay Wild to see nesting colonies of several different seabird species, such as the fairy penguin and sooty oystercatcher.

Head out on a kayak

friends kayaking in Jervis Bay — Go kayaking along the turquoise waters of Jervis Bay. (Image: Dee Kramer)

Jervis Bay Marine Park is a haven for marine life. Wait for a day when the skies are stretched tight like a blue tarpaulin before hiring a kayak from Jervis Bay Kayaks . Follow the birds skimming the surface of the water and head outside the marine park where you can appreciate the crystal-clear waterways and beaches. Catch glimpses of fish gliding beneath the water. You can fish here, too – just don’t forget to consult the zoning map for recreational fishing in Jervis Bay Marine Park before doing so.

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.