With some of the whitest sand beaches in the world and gentle aqua waters, Jervis Bay is one of Australia's most popular seaside destinations.

By Jennifer Ennion

It's hard to resist the powder-fine sand and clear turquoise waters of Jervis Bay, on the New South Wales South Coast. The beaches are among the safest and most beautiful in the country. Add amazing scuba diving opportunities, whale and dolphin watching cruises, fantastic bush campsites and quaint coastal villages, and Jervis Bay oozes summer charm.

Don't miss

• Throw down a towel on Hyams Beach
• Scuba dive Jervis Bay Marine Park
• Camp in Booderee National Park

Top things to do in Jervis Bay

Go swimming at Hyams Beach

The white sand beaches of Jervis Bay make it a popular summer destination. Hyams Beach, named by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the whitest sand in the world, is the star attraction. It's a safe, family beach that gets little swell. Go snorkelling around the rock platform at the north end. The calm water is also ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, while keen birders should follow the two kilometre (1.2 mile) return Hyams Beach Trail and keep an eye out for eastern and crimson rosellas.

Dine at the Husky Pub

Considered an institution, the Huskisson Hotel (also known as the Husky Pub) is a top spot to eat. Admire uninterrupted views across the bay as you dine on modern pub fare, such as a bucket of tiger prawns, beer-battered flathead or roasted duck salad. Call in on a Friday and Saturday night for live entertainment. If you're having too much of a good time, stay the night in one of eight suites.

Scuba dive Jervis Bay Marine Park

Scuba divers and snorkellers love the clear waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park. Dive Jervis Bay runs dive and snorkel trips, as well as dive certification courses, out of Huskisson, and you can expect to see octopus, cuttlefish and sea dragons. Various boat and shore dives cater to all levels of experience. You can also hire your equipment here. 

Go whale and dolphin watching

Watch humpbacks and southern right whales frolic in the waters off the sleepy town of Huskisson. You can try your luck spotting whales from the shore, as they'll sometimes swim into the bay with their young. But the best way to see them is on a boat tour. Dolphin Watch Cruises and Jervis Bay Wild offer whale and dolphin watching tours, as well as cruises to seal colonies. Another place to look for whales is from the ruins of Cape St George Lighthouse in Booderee National Park. The lighthouse is at the end of Stony Creek Road, the last section of which is gravel. There is a car park less than 500 metres (0.3 miles) from the lighthouse, and there is a wheelchair accessible path. 

Explore Booderee National Park

Be mesmerised by the beauty of Booderee National Park, where beaches are secluded and bays are calm and inviting. Camping is popular here and there are three locations to choose from: Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach. There is a range of walking trails around the campsites. Surfers like to camp at Cave Beach. Campsites in Booderee are limited and fill up fast, especially in summer, so it's best to book online in advance. You can do so with Parks Australia. 

Stay at Paperbark Camp

If you're interested in camping but don't want the hassle of carrying your own gear, book a couple of nights at Paperbark Camp, only four kilometres (2.5 miles) from Huskisson. On the shores of Currambene Creek, the camp offers luxury tented accommodation and is all about enjoying a tranquil bush experience in comfort. Enjoy treetop dining at The Gunyah Restaurant, where you can eat by candlelight while searching the trees for possums. 

Visit Booderee Botanic Gardens

Learn about bush tucker and the medicinal uses of plants at the Aboriginal-owned Booderee Botanic Gardens in Booderee National Park. Pack a picnic or cook a barbecue and enjoy lunch on the lawns. The gardens are open daily and admission is included in the entry fee for the national park.

Wander the White Sands Walk

Explore Jervis Bay's beautiful coastline on the White Sands walk and Scribbly Gum track. The interconnected trails create an easy 2.5 kilometre (1.6 mile) loop that starts and ends at the Greenfield Beach picnic area, and travels along Chinamans, Hyams and Seamans beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and don't forget to pack your swimmers for a dip along the way.

How to get there

Jervis Bay is in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, about a three hour drive south of Sydney. A door to door shuttle service is available between Sydney Airport and the South Coast seven days a week. Trains from Sydney travel to Nowra and other South Coast destinations, and Nowra Coaches operates services throughout the region.