The Best Jervis Bay Camping Spots | Australian Traveller

One of the first things to know about that much-dreamed-of Jervis Bay camping trip is that it’s just two and a half hours south of Sydney.

From back-to-basics bush blocks to glamping luxury in front of a secluded beach, Jervis Bay camping puts the subject of sleeping under canvas back on the agenda. Here are the best Jervis Bay camping spots broken up into regions for your convenience.

In short

If you only stay at one campsite in Jervis Bay, make it Green Patch, in Booderee National Park. Enjoy a swim in the safe, scenic lagoon and peg out your tent on a private site surrounded by bush. There are drive-in and walk-in options along with fresh water, toilets, barbecue facilities and picnic areas.

Booderee National Park (Jervis Bay Territory)

Those staying overnight in Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay can choose between three different campsites, all of which offer great access to the ocean.

Green Patch Campground

Green Patch Beach along Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay — The campsite is a short stroll away from Green Patch Beach. (Image: Discover Jervis Bay)

Green Patch Campground has a series of private sites near a quiet beach on the inside of Jervis Bay. I camped here with family one rainy weekend, and we took full advantage of the BBQ facilities and undercover picnic tables. Booderee National Park is jointly managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and Parks Australia. You’ll need to book a month or more in advance as it’s one of the most popular campgrounds in Jervis Bay. There will be lots of native wildlife visiting your camp, so be sure to secure your food. A possum took off with our sourdough during the last visit!

Cost: $100 per night in peak season (up to five people), $70 shoulder, $35 off-peak
Location: Booderee National Park, Village Rd

Cave Beach Campground

exploring the Caves Beach, Jervis Bay — Check out the caves near the campground. (Image: Dee Kramer)

There is great surf and exciting beachfront caves to check out near Cave Beach Campground . Cars are restricted from entering the camping area so regulars in the know bring wheelbarrows or carts to transport their gear 300 metres down the hill to the sites. You are 99.9 per cent guaranteed to see kangaroos and wallabies. Facilities include fresh water, toilets, cold showers and both gas and wood-fired barbecues (Note: firewood is often provided). Nature lovers will find plenty to explore nearby such as Bherwerre Beach, a great surf spot, or Ryans Swamp, home to waterbirds, frogs, snakes and turtles.

Cost: $80 per night in peak season (up to five people), $55 shoulder, $30 off-peak
Location: Cave Beach Rd, Jervis Bay Village

Bristol Point Campground

If you have a big group to camp with and don’t mind a walk-in site, Bristol Point Campground is a top option. Surrounded by old-growth forest, and just up the road from Green Patch Beach, you’ll find amenities with solar hot water and handy washing-up sinks. There are wood BBQs and free firewood. Surfers can find the famous ‘Aussie Pipe’, regarded as one of Australia’s best surf breaks, at nearby Summercloud Bay. And those keen for more tranquil waters will find dreamy, quiet beaches inside Jervis Bay just a short walk from the campground.

Cost: Large sites are $180 per night in peak season (up to 10 people), $140 shoulder, $70 off peak. Less for standard sites (up to five people)
Location: Jervis Bay Road, Jervis Bay Territory

Beecroft Peninsula

Visitors will find camping near to Jervis Bay Marine Park on the northern headland of Jervis Bay a joy as it’s teeming with marine life.

Honeymoon Bay Campground

Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay from above — Set foot on the pearly white sand at Honeymoon Bay. (Image: Jordan Robins)

Without a doubt, Honeymoon Bay Campground is the ultimate school holiday bargain camping option at Jervis Bay. Positioned on Beecroft Peninsula, which is the northern headland of Jervis Bay, the campground is in a Defence-managed area known as Beecroft Weapons Range (Note: This area is often used for military activities). The campsite is available for school holidays only and there is a hotly contested online booking system with a ‘release date’ a fortnight prior to each holiday (except summer, which is released in September). For those lucky enough to secure a site, you get a beautiful setting, portaloos and bins. BYO water and gas cookers. Fires prohibited.

Cost: $15 per site per night for up to two adults. Additional $5 per person, per night. Children under 16 are free.
Location: Honeymoon Bay Rd, Beecroft Weapons Range, Jervis Bay

Huskisson/Woollamia (inside the bay)

There are also campgrounds closer to Huskisson, where you can balance your time ‘roughing it’ on the famous white-sand beaches with a sit-down pub meal at the Husky. Iconic.

Holiday Haven White Sands

Holiday Haven White Sands is one of the few campsites in the region where a one-kilometre coastal walk from your camp will deliver you to one of the best pubs around. Forget tinned baked beans. Think crunchy schnitzels and icy cold beers. Perched on the point with scenic bay views, your camp will be metres from legendary, white-sand beaches. It is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and sunset walks. You could use the barbecues or head into Huskisson for a meal. Huskisson is also the launch spot for dolphin and whale-watching cruises.

Price: $80 per night for two adults; $100 for families of four.
Location: 2 Beach St, Huskisson

Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach

Families looking for some camping fun with some resort-style extras should check out Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach . Campsites have power and water. Parents can relax by the pool while the kids splash around or play on the playground equipment. Bring scooters, skateboards or bikes so they can zip along the safe paths within the site or zoom ahead as you stroll on into Huskisson to check out the Jervis Bay cafe scene. Adventurous families might want to take a kayak tour and then return to the camp to take advantage of the undercover barbecues and entertainment area.

Price: $80 per night for two adults, $100 with two kids.
Location: Beach St, Huskisson Beach

Jervis Bay Holiday Park

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay — The campground is just steps away from Hyams Beach. (Image: Tasman Holiday Parks)

Tasman Holiday Parks is known for catering to everyone from campers to caravanners. And this Jervis Bay Holiday Park is in one of its most scenic locations, offering powered and unpowered sites on Currambene Creek. It also has glamping options if you want some more comfort and convenience. Coffee lovers can enjoy a barista-made brew onsite – just visit the vintage coffee van by the water. Also onsite at Tasman Holiday Parks – Jervis Bay is a pool, splash park and playground. There’s also a jetty which is a great place for fishing. The calm waters of Hyams Beach – world-famous for its sugar-white sands – are just a short walk away.

Price: Unpowered sites from $53 per night (6 people).
Location: 785 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia

Hidden Creek Campsite

It’s become unusual to find a campsite where you can sit under the stars and stare at your own log fire, but you can at Hidden Creek Campsite . It is a lovely bush camping ground where you can really reconnect with nature, but still have all the convenience of Huskisson only a five-minute drive up the road. Located on Currambene Creek, there are fish to catch, possums and bandicoots to spot and lots of family fun to be had. Self-catering is easy with the handy communal kitchen and picnic shelters available.

Price: Offpeak $45 per night for 2 adults; $65 per night for 2 adults
Location: 55 Goodland Rd, Woollamia

Callala/Myola/Currarong (North Shore of Jervis Bay)

Callala Bay is a safe haven for swimming, sailing and easy access to Jervis Bay.

Tasman Holiday Parks – Myola

Myola cabins at Tasman Holiday Parks — Settle into a seaside cabin at Tasman Holiday Parks Myola.

Bring your rackets. Tasman Holiday Parks – Myola comes complete with its own tennis court. Have a hit, then cool off in the pool. The Park is on the banks of Currambene Creek and Callala Beach is only five minutes’ walk away. For a bit of novelty fun, catch the Husky Ferry from Myola into Huskisson, stock up on provisions and then return for a BBQ near your camp. The campgrounds are adjacent to lovely bushland, so you have a good chance of spotting plenty of kangaroos and parrots.

Price: Powered sites start from $35 per night
Location: 123 Myola Rd, Myola

Holiday Haven Currarong

a family enjoying a picnic on Currarong Beach, Jervis Bay — Enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset over Currarong Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Holiday Haven Currarong is quite a large caravan park. But the unpowered campsites are right on Currarong Creek and have dress circle access to the beach. Also nearby are ‘en suite campsites’ where you have space for your tent adjacent to your own private shower, toilet and vanity. Currarong has a long wild beach that gets great surf on its day. There is a wonderful hike from the campground along the coast. Head past Abrahams Bosom, one of Australia’s prettiest beaches, to check out the S.S. Merimbula shipwreck. The Wreck Walk is one of the best things to do in Jervis Bay.

Price: UnPowered site from $45 per night; Powered Site from $55 per night. En suite campsites: $85 per night for two adults and up to four kids, for ‘en suite campsites.
Location: 8 Cambewarra Rd, Currarong

Glamping

Camping has had a makeover. And travellers who like a high-thread count while they’re sleeping under canvas couldn’t be happier. Here’s where to go glamping in Jervis Bay.

Paperbark Camp

If you like the idea of camping but want a more luxurious experience, then the beautifully appointed canvas safari tents at Paperbark Camp in Woollamia might just be your special place. You still get the delightful bush surrounds, but you also get cocktails and a four-course fine dining menu at onsite restaurant, The Gunyah. It’s one of the best places to eat in Jervis Bay. There are also plenty of activities for guests wanting some exercise: explore walking trails through the bush, borrow a bike for a ride to Flamin’ Galah Brewing Co. or take a canoe downriver to Huskisson.

Price: From $595 a night for a deluxe safari tent when booking a two-night midweek stay. This package includes a full gourmet breakfast and access to canoes, SUP boards and complimentary wifi in The Gunyah.
Location: 571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia

The Cove Jervis Bay

Your canvas tent will already be pitched and furnished for you when you arrive at The Cove Jervis Bay . Think soft linens on a king-size bed with cushions, deckchairs and luxe amenities. The glamping set-up also includes a communal kitchen with a commercial fridge to keep your beers crisp and cold. The kitchen also includes all the usual appliances and equipment you rely on in your home kitchen. The Cove is surrounded by water and bushland. Test out the complimentary kayaks and paddleboards on Sussex Inlet or go body surfing at Bherwerre Beach.

Price: $930 for a three-night minimum for two adults and two kids in a glamping tent.
Location: Ellmoos Rd via Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay

Discover the best things to do in Jervis Bay

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

A comprehensive guide to the best camping and glamping spots in Jervis Bay