The Top Things to do in Jervis Bay
Things to do in Jervis Bay, NSW: dolphin cruises, whale watching from Huskisson and beach stargazing at Vincentia, all bookable online.
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Jervis Bay Dolphin Watching Cruise
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Jervis Bay Beach Stargazing with Astronomer - 90 Minutes
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay Boom Net Dolphin Cruise – 90 Minutes
Other things to do in Jervis Bay
Explore the best of Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is known for the white sand of Hyams Beach, a marine park home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, and humpback whales passing from mid-May to mid-November. Get out on the bay with the Jervis Bay Dolphin Watching Cruise or the Jervis Bay Boom Net Dolphin Cruise, browse all Jervis Bay cruises and whale watching, or stay out after dark on a beach stargazing session at Vincentia.
Top 10 Things to do Jervis Bay
Things to do in Jervis Bay mostly happen on the water. Dolphin cruises and whale watching trips leave from Huskisson, and after dark there is beach stargazing at Vincentia. It is all on the New South Wales South Coast, a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, so it works as a long day out or a weekend away.
Things to do in Jervis Bay on the water: dolphin cruises and boom nets
The Jervis Bay Marine Park is home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, little penguins and sea dragons, and the Jervis Bay Dolphin Watching Cruise is the straightforward way to see them. It is a 90-minute trip with history commentary, unspoilt white beaches and clear water on show, and a chance to spot fur seals and sea turtles as well as dolphins. Spray jackets are provided, which helps on a cool morning.
The Jervis Bay Boom Net Dolphin Cruise gets you lower to the water. A boom net extends from the boat so you can sit and skim just above the surface while wild dolphins swim past, with marine experts on board and a tea or coffee included. The bring list has swimmers and a change of clothes on it, so pack accordingly. Browse the full range of Jervis Bay cruises to see what is running.
Whale watching in Jervis Bay from mid-May to mid-November
Humpback whales travel past Jervis Bay on their annual migration, heading north through winter and back south in spring, and the bay sits right on what locals call the Humpback Highway. The Whale Watching Jervis Bay cruise runs from mid-May to mid-November, seven days a week including public holidays, with departures at 10am and 1pm.
It is a 2-hour trip with viewing areas designed for spotting whales and underwater viewing windows, and dolphins and other marine life often show up on the way. Seasickness tablets are worth taking before you board if you are prone to it. More detail is on the Jervis Bay whale watching page.
Beach stargazing at Vincentia after dark
The Jervis Bay Beach Stargazing with Astronomer experience is a 90-minute session on the beach at Vincentia. An astronomer leads it with laser-guided, naked-eye astronomy and telescope viewing, pointing out the Milky Way and satellites while the waves roll in. Camping chairs, blankets and picnic rugs are included, and you head home with a night-sky photograph.
Sessions run Friday to Sunday between 6pm and 9.30pm depending on the season, with extra midweek dates during specific constellation events. The exact location is emailed the day before the session.
Jervis Bay beaches, marine park and national parks
Jervis Bay is known for Hyams Beach, whose sand is said to be among the whitest in the world, and for the Jervis Bay Marine Park offshore. Booderee National Park is Aboriginal-owned and has secluded beaches and bush, and the towns around the bay, including Huskisson, Vincentia and Callala Bay, make good bases for a weekend.
The cruises and stargazing sit around beach time easily: a cruise from Huskisson, then the sand, then stars after dark.
Planning a day or weekend in Jervis Bay
The dolphin and whale cruises all meet at 15 Field Street in Huskisson, beside the public wharf near Fishermen's Wharf Restaurant. Check-in is half an hour before departure on the whale and boom net cruises, and boarding starts a quarter of an hour before. Dolphin watching departure times shift with the season and tide, so the operator asks you to call and confirm once you have your voucher.
None of these include transfers, so you drive yourself to Huskisson or Vincentia. Child tickets are available on the cruises and the stargazing session.
Start with the dolphin and whale cruises if you want to be on the bay, check the season dates if you are visiting between May and November, and book a night of stargazing if the evening is free. All good days are waiting.
1. Booderee National Park
Location: Booderee National Park, Village Road, Jervis Bay Territory
Jervis Bay’s Booderee National Park is filled with outstanding natural beauty and is home to around 200 different bird species and 30 native mammal species. This national park is a significant place for the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and Koori people.
This national park is a significant place for the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and Koori people; Booderee is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘bay of plenty’ and visitors to the area are asked to take care and respect the grounds.
There is a free smartphone app for visitors to download to help them navigate the national park and learn all of the interesting facts and stories about it.
There is a range of activities in Booderee National Park including taking part in Booderee’s Aboriginal interpretive program to learn about Koori culture and their traditional foods, follow one of the multiple walking trails, catch a wave at Cave Beach or swim with schools of fish at Green Patch Beach.
Cape St George Lighthouse is also a popular destination for whale watching during migration season.
There is a free smartphone app for visitors to download to help them navigate the national park and learn all of the interesting facts and stories about it.
2. Whale Watching
Location: 58 Owen Street, Huskisson NSW
Embark on the ultimate whale-watching journey in Jervis Bay – a popular hotspot for migrating humpback whales.
Aboard a luxurious vessel, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of these amazing creatures as they play and frolic in the water in close proximity to the boat.
The sheltered waters of the area are an ideal location for the migrating whales from September to November.
Embark on the ultimate whale-watching journey in Jervis Bay – a popular hotspot for migrating humpback whales. Aboard a luxurious vessel, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of these amazing creatures as they play and frolic in the water in close proximity to the boat.
The best way to catch a glimpse of these creatures and their curious calves is aboard an organised tour – the experienced guides know where to go for the best views and can tell you all there is to know about these creatures that frequent the area.
If you book a tour with Jervis Bay’s Eco Adventure Tours, you will get a seat aboard one of their modern, purpose-built boats – one vessel has a submersible camera and another has awesome underwater viewing windows.
3. Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach draws crowds from far and wide due to its pristine, powdery white sands that are so soft they are known to squeak. You'll feel like you have stepped inside a postcard here.
4. Dolphin Watching Cruise
While this is a dolphin-watching cruise, there is a chance that you'll be joined by fur seals, sea turtles and humpback whales depending on the time of the year.
5. Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Jervis Bay
The calm stretches of water make stand up paddleboarding a viable activity to enjoy the scenery. It's great fun and you'll even sneak in a bit of exercise as you paddle away.
6. Sea Kayaking
Hire a sea kayak and paddle away through the scenic waterways. There's plenty to explore and the local wildlife will likely come to say hello to you too.
7. White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track
The White Sand Walk is an easy short walk leading you to a pristine beach through the famous Chinamans Beach, Hyams Beach and Seamans Beach. Wander through woodlands and forest or detour and take a dip.
8. Cape St George Lighthouse
Location: Booderee National Park, Village Road, Jervis Bay Territory
A significant European site located in Booderee National Park, the Cape St. George Lighthouse ruins hold a fascinating, grim history.
With many unfortunate and accidental deaths taking place at the site, the stories (dating back to 1867) have come to be known to visits over the years.
The ruins have been listed on the National Estate Register since 1981 for its important setting, stonework and as a relic of early European occupation.
The site is now a popular viewing platform for whale watching during the migrating season towards the end of the year. The Cape St. George Lighthouse is a must-see for visitors to the Jervis Bay region for both its rich history and spectacular views.
9. Moona Moona Creek
Location: Beach Street, Huskisson NSW
Moona Moona Creek is the perfect place to set up camp for a few days and relax on the soft sand overlooking the clear blue water.
An ideal spot for the whole family, the younger kids will love splashing around in the safe, shallow waters around the shore.
You could spend hours just lazing on the beach or wading in the waters – it will most likely be a feat getting the troop back in the car to leave.
Low tide uncovers large sand dunes, which are great platforms to explore the area.
If you’re visiting at high tide you won’t be disappointed, kayaking is a popular past time in the creek as well as swimming so prepare yourself for a day in or on the water.
The area is surrounded by great facilities for the public to use, including a playground for the kids, toilets and change rooms.
10. Jervis Bay Botanic Gardens
The Jervis Bay Botanic Gardens are a refreshing change of pace from the coastal experiences on offer. Learn about the local Indigenous community or simply relax on the grass lawns and roll out the picnic blanket.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.