Jervis Bay, South Coast NSW — New South Wales

Jervis Bay is located on the southern coast of New South Wales, comprising of an inlet and most of the Booderee National Park. The Bay itself is considered one of the deepest natural harbors in the country, and is a popular tourist destination in the state. The harbor was named after Sir John Jervis, admiral of the British Fleet during the turn of the 19th century.

Booderee National Park is known for its wide diversity of flora and fauna. Bushwalking along its numerous tracks will surely yield spectacular views and glimpses of birds and various animals. Camping facilities are provided, through advanced bookings are usually required.

Ample camping grounds can also be found at Bristol Point, located along Jervis Bay Road. Walking trails within this attraction lead visitors through woodland and heath land, as well as to nearby rocky shores.

The beaches facing the harbor are beautiful and pristine, with powdery white sand and sparkling blue waters. The village of Hyams Beach, in fact, professes to have the whitest sand in the whole world. The area is a popular swimming destination as well as ideal settings for picnics and barbecues.

Another destination worth visiting is HMAS Creswell, a naval college that features the Royal Australian Naval College Historical Collection. The collection contains artifacts related to the area as well as models of ships. There are also several buildings within the complex that are listed under the National Trust, such as the Clock Tower and the Dining Hall.

Across Governors Head is Bowen Island, which contains shell and bone middens, as well as World War II gun emplacement sites.

Dolphins are known to visit the harbor several times of the year and cruises are offered to get close to these marine creatures. During the months of June to November, whale watching cruises are also offered to allow visitors to catch glimpses of these magnificent creatures are they pass by the bay.

Boats and kayaks can be rented for exploring some of the area’s secluded beaches and coves. The crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay make these activities particularly enjoyable.

The whole family will surely enjoy a trip to the Marayong Park Emu Farm, located on Jervis Bay Road. Visitors get to meet these native species up close and personal. Different emu products are also sold, including leather belts and wallets.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens Annexe, accessed via the Cave Beach Road, is particularly notable for its extensive cover of native trees and shrubs, as well as being the location of swamps and wet gullies. Visitors can take nature walks and have picnics in several designated areas.

After spending days exploring the natural attractions of Jervis Bay, visitors should head out to Vincentia, a beautiful resort town where all the needed amenities are present. The town also boasts of a 9-hole golf course that provides a relaxing round or two of golf, with the bay and the Pigeon House Mountain as scenic backdrops.

Most of the restaurants in Jervis Bay use only the freshest catch in the meals they offer. Those hankering for seafood will surely get their fill in this beautiful coastal part of Australia.