10 Of The Best Things To Do In Jervis Bay, NSW

Discover more about Jervis Bay by exploring it via land and sea.

To explore all 102 square kilometres of the bay and village, which is juxtaposed with aquamarine waters and emerald-green forest, you will need to book an extended stay. Until then, here are the top 10 things to do in Jervis Bay, which you can check off your list, one by one.

Go to Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery

Historic vessels such as the Lady Denman ferry, a collection of maritime artefacts, a range of nautical equipment and navigational instruments, photographs, paintings and drawings are on show at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery. The Huskisson museum is located in a beautiful bush setting on Wandi Wandian Country that includes a mangrove boardwalk that is an absolute must. You will see a regular cast of creatures – such as native birds and crabs – while plodding along the 1.4-kilometre-long path.

Tour the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery.

Explore Cave Beach in Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is co-managed by the local Wreck Bay Community and Parks Australia and Cave Beach is considered one of its trophies. The popular surfing spot takes its name from the stunning rock formations shaped by nature that run alongside the beach, which is surrounded by Booderee bushland.

Cave Beach is considered a local trophy.

Visit Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens

Learn about native Australian ingredients, the medicinal use of plants, the changing of the seasons and nature’s indicators – subtle changes that signal certain foods are ready to be foraged – during a visit to Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens. Download the Botanic Gardens podcast to learn more about the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia ahead of your visit and listen to it as you follow the 3.7-kilometre loop walk around the park.

Learn about native Australia in Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens.

Spot whales from Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

If you’re going to spot whales, a good place to do so is at the top of Point Perpendicular, where you will find a pretty lighthouse painted white 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 located 90 metres above sea level, which is the perfect vantage point for spotting migrating whales as they make their way south.

Note: it’s only open on weekends and holidays.

Spot whales from Point Perpendicular Lighthouse.

Wander along White Sands and Scribbly Gum Walk

The wilderness is always close in Jervis Bay. Set off at daybreak along the White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach picnic area and along the coast where the only other people you tend to see are fisherman and surfers. Return via the scribbly gum forest track before stopping for a swim at Greenfield Beach where you can spot giant sea birds, dolphins and – fingers crossed – echidnas. You could also continue your walk to Chinamans and Hyams beaches.

Set off at daybreak along the White Sands Walk.

Hire a kayak and paddle through the pristine seas

There’s an entire Dulux colour chart of blues on show when you’re paddling through the pristine Jervis Bay Waterway. Hire a sea kayak from Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports in Huskisson and launch it at the beach across the road for a gentle cruise around the bay, where you will find 16 white-sand beaches to explore. Bring a pair of binoculars just in case you spot dolphins or whales during the migration season.

Hire a sea kayak from Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports.

Visit Murray’s Beach for sunrise snaps

A visit to Murray’s Beach is a must regardless of the time of day. But arrive here in time for the sun to rise and you will find plenty of inspiration for Instagram. The best thing about making it to Murray’s at dawn is you might also catch 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.

A visit to Murray’s Beach is a must.

Snorkel in the waters off Jervis Bay

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 smooth black rays, giant cuttlefish and fur seals.

See all manner of marine creatures gliding past.

Enjoy a self-drive brewery tour

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. where hop heads can pick up a few different styles of ale and lager to take home.

Beer in the sun at Flamin’ Galah.

See a movie at Huskisson Pictures

The cute-as-a-button historic Huskisson Pictures building on the shores of Jervis Bay was built in 1913 as a community hall and was also used as a church, school, library and concert venue before it began screening movies in the early 1950s. Thankfully, when the movie theatre was renovated in 1990, there was a deliberate effort to keep the external façade of the dinky little cinema, which adds to the postcard-pretty charm of Jervis Bay.

The historic Huskisson pictures.

For more great travel tips and itineraries read our Ultimate guide to Jervis Bay holidays here.

Your job? Eat, sip, stroll, repeat.

The Shoalhaven region on NSW’s South Coast is a place of abundance. A sun-drenched haven where bush meets sea, local towns are abuzz and seasonal produce thrives. Bringing it altogether is Coastal Forage, a weekend celebration of food and wine that takes place at one of the region’s biggest drawcards – the beach.

The festival

Emerging as one of Jervis Bay’s best experiences, Coastal Forage is an annual festival that pairs the region’s natural beauty with its fresh produce and culinary excellence. Unfolding across just one weekend each year, the program is packed with mouth-watering events, inviting locals and tourists alike to get a true taste of the region. But while food is the star of the show, Coastal Forage is more than just a long lunch.

Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

Stroll between 10 beachfront degustation stations.

Beginning at Moona Moona Creek Reserve in Huskisson, groups of 20–25 guests make their way along six picturesque kilometres of coastline, where 10 different degustation stations await in intervals. Part gourmet trail, part beachside bushwalk, it’s an opportunity for people to take a breath, enjoy the moment and feel the sand between their toes – literally.

“Coastal Forage is about slowing down and savouring the connection between place, produce and people,” said Amanda Fry, founder of Experience Nature, the local tourism brand behind the event. “There’s nowhere else in Australia where you can enjoy a ten-course meal with your feet in the sand, whales offshore and a local chef plating up what was caught or harvested fresh locally. It’s pure Shoalhaven.”

Dine on fresh produce prepared by local producers.

Meander along the shore with friends and other festival-goers, paddle your feet in the cool ocean and devour delicious fare cooked up and served by local producers. Afterwards, sun-warmed and satisfied, guests will be transferred back to the start of the trail by boat with Jervis Bay Wild.

The local cruise company also offers wildlife tours, and with migration season peaking, you’re perfectly positioned to spot whales along the coast. There’s no better way to end an already magical day.

Moona Moona Creek on the South Coast, NSW

Guests will be dropped back at Moona Moona Creek Reserve by boat.

The program

This year marks six years of Coastal Forage, with a program that speaks to the festival’s steady growth and evolution. It’s part of a wider trend that has seen foodie festivals across NSW ranking among Australia’s top emerging experiences.

In 2025, the event holds fast to its primary goal – providing an immersive nature-based dining experience for guests while platforming local chefs and producers. While newcomers like Cupitt’s Estate will join the line-up this year, the cast remains mostly the same – much to the delight of attendees.

Coastal Forage brings foodies together on the NSW South Coast.

Returning favourites include Bangalay Dining, Paperbark Camp, Appellation Oysters & John Harley Seafood, Old Salt Distillery, Blackhen Kitchen, Caterina and Trolley’d. All are preparing to plate up everything from sea-foraged delicacies and fire-grilled native ingredients to cool-climate wines and artisan spirits. You know what they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The details

Occurring over the second weekend of spring, Coastal Forage is a wonderful way to welcome the new season. It will run for two days only, from 13 to 14 September, with start times staggered every 15 minutes between 10am–3pm.

With many guests travelling from interstate, Coastal Forage is the perfect excuse for a scenic Sydney to South Coast road trip. The drive takes around three hours, with onsite parking available at Moona Moona Creek Reserve.

Groups of up to 25 taste their way along the trail at intervals.

If you’re making the trek, why not turn it into a memorable weekend away? Jervis Bay is dotted with peaceful places to stay, from cosy farmer cottages to beachfront shacks. Or you can treat yourself to the exclusive Stay Package, which includes two nights at Bangalay Luxury Villas, breakfast and two Coastal Forage tickets, priced at $1680.

Bookings for Saturday are available now, but are selling fast. Reservations for Sunday are on sale from 8 August – with both days priced at $225 per person. Each ticket includes a 10-course degustation, paired beverages, tasting glass, event booklet and return boat transfer. Coastal Forage is an 18+ event and dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.

10 of the best things to do in Jervis Bay