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

Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

A stay at Park Hyatt

couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room — Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool — Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

The festive stay package

Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

The Summer Kit

branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background — Take home a branded tote bag.

Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

The details

The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

Christmas dining

christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney — Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

Exploring Sydney

woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney — The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.

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