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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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