11 Of The Best Jervis Bay Wildlife Exeperiences

There are wildlife experiences in Jervis Bay that also deliver creature comforts…

Did you know that Jervis Bay is a haven for wildlife? From swimming with whales and seals to spotting dolphins, looking for fairy penguins and feeding schools of fish, here are the best wildlife encounters in Jervis Bay.

See dolphins on a scenic cruise

Dolphin Watch Cruises was one of the first companies to offer dolphin and whale watching tours in Australia and has been cruising in and around Jervis Bay for more than three decades. There’s a high probability you will see the resident bottlenose dolphins surfing the waves created by the boat carving through the seas. And, with the aid of binoculars, you might even be able to spot a whale (between May and November) or sea eagle soaring overhead.

Watch bottlenose dolphins splash and play on a scenic cruise.

Swim with the Whales (and then drink wine)

Did someone say wine and whales? Genius. The Shoalhaven City Council recently launched the Wine & Whales campaign, which suggests: a whale-watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild or Dolphin Watch, a Swim with the Whales experience with Dive Jervis Bay and a visit to the region’s nearby vineyards. Top off your wine-soaked whale-watching weekender with a unique stay in Jervis Bay.

See Jervis’ most majestic creatures. (Image: Jordan Robins)

Swim with seals

Make the journey on Seascape with Woebegone Free Dive from Woollamia Boat Ramp to snorkel or free-dive with a colony of NZ and Australian fur seals. Woebegone is one of only a few operators with a license to swim with both seals and whales in NSW waters, which means you can jump in the big blue and do just that during the migration season. Kudos to the eco-minded operator, which partners with Sea Shepherd, for organising monthly beach clean-ups, too.

Seals in their playground.

Spot kangaroos at The Woods Farm

While the emphasis around Jervis Bay is often on the turquoise seas, there’s also a chance to lose yourself in the surrounding forest and farmland. Families who stay at The Woods Farm of Jervis Bay are encouraged to feed the farm animals, which includes a menagerie of cows, horses, and sheep. Give the tree-change a trial run by staying in a cute-as cottage or bell tent, collecting fresh eggs for breakfast and then watching kangaroos hop by on cue.

Watch the Kangaroos hop by at The Woods Farm.

Spot stingrays on the Husky Ferry

Take a sunset cruise on the Husky Ferry through the Jervis Bay Marine Reserve and it’s highly likely you’ll spy stingrays flying through the cerulean seas. The sunset cruise, which operates out of Huskisson and Myola, is touted by locals as one the most underrated ways to see the area. Hop onboard the ferry as it makes its way up Currambene Creek in winter and you’re likely to see baby stingrays swimming with their mothers.

Spot stingrays off the Husky Bay ferry.

Look for pelicans at the Pelican Waterfront Cafe & Restaurant

Find a perch to sit and look out over St George’s Basin from the Pelican Waterfront Café & Restaurant and you are bound to see the large water birds patrolling the shore in search of fish. Watch the pelicans wade into the water yawning open their bills and then stuffing themselves to the gills as scraps of fish are thrown their way by local fisherman. This kind of opportunistic form of feeding does not work for guests at the café, so get in line to order that seafood plate for two.

See the large water birds patrolling the shore in search of fish.

Find Fairy Penguins at Murrays Beach

From above, Jervis Bay Marine Park resembles a pretty turquoise necklace, with the sand stretching around Jervis Bay in a series of perfect crescents. One of the things that makes the place so special is the wildlife, and Jervis Bay Wild knows where to go to secure front-row seats to see nesting colonies of several different seabird species, such as the fairy penguin and sooty oystercatcher.

Jervis Bay Wild knows where to go.

Head out on a kayak

Jervis Bay Marine Park is a haven for marine. Wait for a day when the skies are stretched tight like a blue tarpaulin before hiring a kayak from Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports. Follow the birds swooping and skimming the water and head outside the marine park where you can appreciate the crystal-clear waterways and beaches. Catch glimpses of fish gliding beneath the water. You can fish here, too – just don’t forget to consult the zoning map for recreational fishing in Jervis Bay Marine Park before doing so.

Hire a fishing kayak from Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports.

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.

The best wildlife experiences in Jervis Bay