Things to Do in Jervis Bay for the Ultimate Weekend Escape

Bordered by coast and bushland, Jervis Bay is one of the most picturesque spots on the South Coast of New South Wales. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, this part of the world is renowned for the pristine Jervis Bay beaches, some of the world's whitest sand, turquoise water, and lush wilderness that's teeming with wildlife, both on and off the land.

It's all about the great outdoors here, from the eateries that celebrate locally grown produce to tourism operators that venture to far-flung places to explore the wild at its purest and walks that meander down the coastline. Read on for our round-up of things to do in Jervis Bay that will have you coming back time and time again.

The Butter Factory

A 30-minute drive from Huskisson but well worth the effort, The Butter Factory in Pyree is set in the middle of dairy country.

This gem of a place dates back to 1889 when it was, in fact, a butter factory, now a must-book restaurant where a husband and wife duo source produce from their garden and local growers to deliver rustic, seasonal country-style dishes. It's open for lunch and dinner and fully licensed, too.

739 Greenwell Point Road, Pyree

The Gunyah Restaurant

In a beautiful bush setting among the treetops in the Jervis Bay area, The Gunyah Restaurant (Aboriginal for meeting place), is a must-book restaurant with a seasonal menu. Start with pre-dinner drinks at the Sundowner Deck before moving on to the restaurant for a three-course set menu.

Expect locally sourced produce, fresh ocean seafood and a paddock-to-plate ethos. It's an experience not to be missed on any list of best things to do in Jervis Bay. 

571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia

Huskisson Hotel

Along the water's edge and a stone's throw from the white sand beaches, Huskisson Hotel has been the local go-to pub for almost 100 years. Serving pub classics and icy cold beers, this upscale pub is the perfect place for sundowners, a good feed and live music, making this a popular thing to do in Jervis Bay.

If you are looking to visit for dinner, come in a bit earlier to experience the gorgeous sunset. Nab a seat on the deck, and you'll have front-row seats to watch the pastel colours streak the sky.

75 Owen Street, Huskisson

Jervis Bay Brewing Co.

This relaxed hangout lets you taste all the flavours of Jervis Bay in one spot. Be it in their taproom or beer garden, sit back with an icy beer - some brewed especially for the season - and a delicious meal from their ever-changing food truck offering.

A local, laidback activity in Jervis Bay, check the website for what food truck will be pulling up that day, but expect local favourites, such as Nomad Kitchen & BBQ (woodfired smokey barbeque) and Mama Kim’s Kitchen (BBQ and Korean dishes). 

3 Duranbah Drive, Huskisson

Flamin Galah 

Flamin Galah is a family-run brewery located in Jervis Bay's industrial estate. Sit back in the gorgeous beer garden after a long day out and about and enjoy one of the brewery's 14 tap beers.

Masters of flavour, you'll find everything from an easy-drinking German Kölsch to a Vanilla Pudding Stout. The Nest, a resident food truck, serves up the likes of nachos and cheeseburgers from Wednesday to Sunday. 

Unit 8, 5 Erina Road, Huskisson 

Hyams Beach

You could spend your entire weekend at Hyams Beach and still not have had your fill. Straight from a postcard, this idyllic beach boasts fine, white sand, crystal clear water and a tree-lined beach.

Famous for having the whitest sand in the world, this is one you want to pop on your bucket list. Take a stroll down towards Chinamans Beach along the White Sands Walk, snorkel, relax and swim to your heart's content.

Explore the Crystal Clear Waters 

Jervis Bay is renowned for its azure waters and white sand. A great way to take in the beauty of the plentiful beaches is by sea. Sea Kayak Jervis Bay provide half-day tours with morning tea as well as straight-up kayak hire. Either way, you'll be thrilled with the amount of marine life you're able to see. 

If you are keen to head further out, jump aboard a dolphin or whale watching cruise with Dolphin Watch Cruises, and spot the mammals swimming wild and free. 

Booderee National Park

A lush wilderness rich in wildlife, in Booderee National Park you’ll feel like you’re in absolute paradise... and you are! Sitting to the south of Jervis Bay, this natural playground is overflowing with pristine beaches with white sandy beaches, walking trails that lead to stunning lookouts - don't miss Cape St George Lighthouse - and campgrounds shrouded in bushland.

Pack your swimwear, because you’ll be spending a whole lot of time at Cave Beach, Iluka Beach and Captains Beach.  

Step Back in Time

While Jervis Bay may be best known for its beaches and laidback lifestyle, there is a rich, coastal history to explore.

Step into the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and admire the world-renowned collection of artefacts and a rotating collection of historic and contemporary art exhibitions.

Need a little more? Take a drive along the coast to the southern point of the Beecroft Peninsula and take in the breathtaking views from the historic Point Perpendicular Lighthouse.

Jervis Bay Stargazing 

Away from the city lights, Jervis Bay is the perfect place to do a spot of stargazing with resident astrophysicist Dimitri Douchin.

This incredible 90-minute experience includes laser-guided naked-eye stargazing at sunset on Nelson's Beach, constellation storytelling, use of a state-of-the-art telescope and a Q&A session with Dimitri. It's even a dog-friendly tour! 

Mandala Beach House

A comfortably stylish Aussie beach house filled with organic and natural textures, this six-bedroom, five-bathroom holiday house on Callala Bay is the perfect getaway for families and groups.

One of the best places to stay in Jervis Bay, a spacious open-plan living area flows onto a balcony with uninterrupted views of Jervis Bay, while the backyard features a saltwater pool and an alfresco dining area. 

Marine Parade, Callala Bay

Paperbark Camp (Image Credit: Elise Hassey) 

Paperbark Camp

Glamping at its most luxurious, this safari-style retreat is in the heart of the bush, featuring 12 canvas tents each with a bed, ensuite (and in the deluxe rooms, a bath), hardwood deck and wrap-around verandah.

The tents feature roll-up walls, so you can decide how much you want to bring mother nature in. Paperbark is where you will find The Gunyah Restaurant - which, as previously mentioned, is an absolute must.

571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia

The Woods Farm

Set on 40 acres of farmland and only 10 minutes from Hyams Beach, this farm stay is the real deal; horses, cows, alpacas, chickens, and goats can all be spotted here, as well as wild kangaroos.

Choose from one of the ten glamping tents, decked out with a king-size bed, Turkish rugs, daybed or lounges. Or, opt for a three-bedroom self-contained cottage, all with the same layout but uniquely styled.  

2 Bayly Road, Tomerong

If you loved our edit of the best things to do in Jervis Bay and are looking for more ideas on what to explore and where to stay in NSW, check out the best tiny cabins in NSW, or hit the open road on one of these epic road trips.

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