Jervis Bay & Huskisson: dolphins, white sand and Booderee National Park

There are those places you mostly see in photos, with turquoise water and white beaches, where you wonder if it is really that beautiful. Well, in Jervis Bay it is. We stayed in Huskisson, the coziest coastal town in the bay in one of the most beautiful areas of New South Wales. It is not far from Sydney (by Australian standards). This is the perfect place to spot dolphins. In high season there is a boat trip every day (sometimes even twice), so make sure to book this during your road trip along the coast of South Australia!

Why Jervis Bay & Huskisson?

Jervis Bay is about 2.5 to 3 hours drive south of Sydney. It is known for its snow-white beaches (some even claim the whitest sand in the world, but how often do you see that claim come back?), crystal-clear blue water and a lot of wildlife. Dolphins live permanently in the bay here, and in the right season (May–November) whales also swim by. We were there ourselves in March, so only dolphins for us.

Huskisson is also a nice base: a small center with cafes, terraces and shops, right on the water. From here most boat trips also depart into the bay. There are several campgrounds and plenty of hotels to plan a nice stopover on your road trip!

Our experience in Jervis Bay

Day 1 – Booderee National Park & first evening in Huskisson

We started with a visit to Booderee National Park, a special area that is partly managed by the local indigenous Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. You also pay an entrance fee to get in.

We did a walk that was maybe not the most beautiful ever, but two nice viewpoints, the sunny weather and a kangaroo along the way made for a successful afternoon. Drive your car towards Murrays Beach (parking lot on Google Maps) and do a short walk to see Bowen Island. Do not do the whole loop (like we did), because you do not see much. Optionally you can continue to Ocean Cave Lookout (Google Maps). Then just walk back nicely, because the loop does not get much prettier.

Want all the highlights of Jervis Bay directly in Google Maps? We have a handy map for that which you can download right away!

After that we spread out our towel on one of the beaches. And believe me: a whole afternoon on an almost empty beach… that is very chill about this place! There is a very clear sign that swimming is at your own risk (and that you can even die from sharks). Well, we have said it too.

Our campsite for the next two nights was at Holiday Haven White Sands in Huskisson. What a top location: we had a view over the bay, and the center was within walking distance. In the evening we joined Peter Eva, an Italian restaurant where we enjoyed a three-course dinner. You sat half in the aisle, but the charm totally fit. Definitely a nice dining tip!

In the evening we also saw an Australian possum (voskoesoe) scurrying by. Such a marsupial that watches everything curiously with its beady eyes.

Day 2 – Dolphin spotting & exploring Huskisson

The day started a bit gray, but soon the sun broke through. Perfect timing, because we went on a dolphin cruise that morning. From Huskisson you sail straight into the bay and it did not take long before we saw the first fins. Dozens of dolphins swam around the boat, playful and curious. Really super fun and comfortable to spot dolphins like this (and suitable for the whole family).

Along the way we also got views of several beaches of Booderee NP. One beach had such deep green water that it almost looked fake. Unfortunately difficult to capture on photo, but typically Australia.

After the cruise we had a nice lunch in the center of Huskisson and went to some shops. I even decided to step into a barber, because hey, you are in Australia and even there your hair has to look good.

We ended the afternoon relaxed in the sun, although the rain messed up our evening plans. We had booked a stargazing experience, but because of the clouds it did not happen. Well, that is part of nature too.

Day 3 – Beaches, White Sands Walk & relaxing

If you have an extra day, take the time for the beaches of Jervis Bay. Hyams Beach is the most famous (and indeed beautiful), but we actually found the smaller beaches often more fun because you are almost alone there.

Another recommendation is the White Sands Walk, a short and easy walk that takes you along multiple beaches and viewpoints. Along the way you hear the crickets, see colorful birds and end up again and again at an azure bay.

We went on to the Blue Mountains in the afternoon, so we only had a third day here.

Three days in Jervis Bay – this is how you could plan it

• Day 1: arrival Huskisson, walk in Booderee NP, beach time, dinner in Huskisson.
• Day 2: dolphin cruise in the morning, Huskisson center, relaxing on the beach.
• Day 3: White Sands Walk + beach hopping (Hyams Beach and smaller beaches).

This way you have a nice mix of nature, wildlife and relaxed beach moments.

Hotels in Jervis Bay & Huskisson

Although we camped ourselves at Holiday Haven White Sands, there are also plenty of nice hotels and lodges in Huskisson and the rest of Jervis Bay. Especially in Huskisson you are well off: there you have restaurants, the harbor for your dolphin cruise and the beaches all nearby.

Tip: especially in the summer months and during Australian holidays Jervis Bay is very popular, especially because it is close to Sydney.

Jervis Bay should not be missing from your Australia route

Whether you come for the dolphins, the snow-white beaches, the Aboriginal culture or just to relax for a few days: Jervis Bay and Huskisson can offer it! Depending on your route it is fairly close to Sydney. And honestly… when you have a beach almost to yourself and eat pizza in the evening with a view of the bay, then you know you have ended up in a good place.