Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven
In the central Shoalhaven district along the South NSW coast, around 200Kms south of Sydney is Jervis Bay which is actually part of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). We veered off the Pacific Highway at Nowra to check out this protected marine park which is famous for its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters.
In fact Jervis Bay’s waters are amongst the safest and most beautiful in the world with large number of dolphins, seals and little penguins. During the winter months the humpback whales come to visit and frolic in the bay. Plus there are great protected swimming spots and rock pools, ideal for snorkelling.
We found a nature-based camping ground on the shores of the tranquil Currumbene River at Huskisson.
In Huskisson, we visited the Lady Denman Maritime Museum which consists of a number of buildings housing the Lady Denman Ferry, permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions, surrounded by diverse natural and man-made environments.
We also took a stroll around town checking out landmarks such as the historical Huskisson Pictures and Huskisson Trading Post. During our stay in Huskisson the Hobie 16 World Championships were being held in the Bay and hosted by the Jervis Bay Yacht Club. Quiet a spectacle with their colourful sails out to sea.
Further around the Bay you come to the pretty little village of Vincentia which is home to some of the best, and most accessible, beaches in Jervis Bay; Blenheim, Greenfields, Collingwood and Orion beaches fill the 6.5 Km strip along the Vincentia foreshore.
A must see is Hyams Beach. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this pristine environment that claims to have some of the whitest sand beaches in the world. Diving and snorkelling are very popular, with Jervis Bay dive sites widely regarded as being second only to the Great Barrier Reef. Surfing, sailing, windsurfing and sea kayaking are also popular in this idyllic marine park.
St George’s Basin, a large shallow lagoon is one of the largest villages around the basin, just south of Jervis Bay. It is an ideal location for water activities such as boating, fishing and swimming.
This unspoiled coastal area also features country villages which have local produce markets, boutique shops, art galleries and more. The area also boasts world-class cafes, restaurants, pubs, wine bars and a burgeoning music scene. Such a lovely little part of Australia!
I keep on hearing good things about Jervis Bay, and your post does it great justice. Ohhh I just hope it doesn’t get too busy before we finally get over to spend time there ;) Loving your daily A to Z – apologies if I don’t get to comment on everyone.
We had heard heaps of good things about Jervis Bay and the South Coast of NSW in particular. It really is a beautiful area in Australia and is reasonably uncrowded compared to other parts of NSW. It think I’ve really taken on more that I can chew with this A to Z challenge! I don’t blame anyone for not being able to comment daily!
It always surprises me how many unspoiled places we still have in Australia, Kathy. Thanks for educating me on them :)
The South Coast of NSW, (or in this case the ACT) is an absolutely stunning location. There is so much unspoiled coastline. It was surprising to me as well. :)
So pretty!
Still staring at snow so this is a breathe of fresh air. Can’t wait for spring to catch up with itself…then summer!
Thanks for sharing (and warming up my day), Kathy.
At this point in time I would love to see some snow and have some lovely cool weather. We have experienced a very long hot summer here in Queensland and we are looking forward to Autumn (or Fall)! I’m glad I warmed up your day! :)
There are so many beautiful spots in Australia. We really need to explore more. Thanks for sharing Jervis Bay
I know I’m biased but I think we have some of the most beautiful coastline out of anywhere in the world. Jervis Bay was a wonderful discovery!