Jervis Bay, the Gem of the New South Wales coast
Discover the Best Diving and Snorkeling after the Great Barrier Reef
Apr 4, 2009
Situated in the Shoalhaven district, Jervis Bay is a short (2 ½ to 3 hour) drive from Sydney or Canberra. It is easily accessible from Princes Highway, which runs down the eastern seaboard.
The first European to sail into Jervis Bay – then called Port Jervis – was Lieutenant Bowen in 1791. Jervis Bay even rivalled Sydney harbour as the favoured port on the east coast. It was an important ship-building centre and timber was a flourishing industry. Sydney’s Lady Denham ferry was commissioned and built in Huskisson, one of the two towns built on Jervis Bay. The Lady Denham Heritage Complex is now home to the ferry and showcases the history of this once-thriving seaport with its lighthouses, shipwrecks, whaling industry and more recent naval base, as well as its rich Aboriginal heritage.
What to See and Do in Jervis Bay
The scenery both above and underwater is spectacular so any trip should take in some diving or snorkeling as well as bushwalking or just scenic drives in the national park. Sea kayaking and surfing are also popular, and there are some great places for tidal and beach fishing, One of the most exhilarating sights is dolphins leaping alongside the boat travelling out to the dive site, and the close proximity of migrating humpback and Southern Right whales (in June/July and September to November).
Diving and Snorkelling in Jervis Bay
The diving in the Marine Park is excellent, offering rocky platforms, deep-water cliffs with caves, seagrass beds and reefs (over 30 sites). Visibility is good, usually around 20 metres. Common sights are the Port Jackson and wobbegong sharks, rays, weedy sea dragons, sponge gardens, and seals in the winter. The experienced diver, the novice or those who prefer to snorkel will not be disappointed in the range and diversity of the underwater life on offer.
The Beautiful Beaches of Jervis Bay
The small resort towns of Huskisson and Vincentia, as well as Hyams Beach (with supposedly the whitest sand in the world) have some easy bush and coastal walks and cycleways, with abundant wildlife (seals, sea eagles, penguins, pelicans, gannets, dolphins and whales in season), as well as sailing, fishing, and a chain of unspoiled beaches. A visit to the ill-fated Cape St George lighthouse with its history of misfortune and disaster, but now a good lookout for whales, is a must.
Within the Booderee National Park, Green Patch is a good bbq and picnic spot, Murrays Beach is good for swimming and snorkeling, Cave Beach is popular with surfers and Bherwerre Beach is a birdwatcher’s paradise. For nature-lovers, the Aboriginal-owned 80 hectare Botanic Gardens feature nature walks through the coastal flora, showcase bush tucker and medicinal use of plants, and provide picnic spots and other facilities. There is plenty of easy walking on marked footpaths ranging from a few hundred metres to several kilometres. Birdlife, wallabies and grey kangaroos are a common sight.
Accommodation Options in Jervis Bay
From a night under the stars in the excellent camping facilities at the Booderee National Park to 4 star motels and cosy bed and breakfast options, there is a range to suit every taste and budget.
 |
 |
 |
