Why Honeymoon in Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is gentle and uncrowded outside summer holidays. The water is clear and calm in many spots, which makes swimming, snorkeling and kayaking easy for beginners.
The beaches are the main draw. Murrays Beach in Booderee National Park and Greenfield Beach near Vincentia are quieter alternatives to Hyams Beach. The sand is fine and white and the water turns turquoise on sunny days.
Nature is close at hand. Dolphins are often seen from boat tours and even from the shore. Kangaroos graze near Green Patch while birdlife fills the forests. Couples with different interests can split the day between beach time, short hikes, cycling, scuba diving or fishing, then meet for a relaxed dinner.
When to Go
Summer, December to March, is the warmest time for swimming, with water temperatures comfortable for long dips. It is also the busiest time, especially during Christmas, New Year and January school holidays, when accommodation books out months ahead.
Autumn, April and May, has fewer crowds and pleasant weather, though the water cools. Spring, September to November, is mild and fresh.
Winter, June to August, is cool, with daytime temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. It is too chilly for most people to swim, but it is a good time for whale watching and quiet walks. Humpback whales pass from about May to November, sometimes entering the bay to rest. Check weather before boat trips, as conditions can change quickly.
Where to Stay
Huskisson is the main village, with cafes, restaurants, a marina and boat tours. It is a convenient base for most activities. Vincentia, just south, has more holiday homes and easy beach access.
Paperbark Camp, near Woollamia just outside Huskisson, offers safari-style canvas tents raised among paperbark and gum trees, some with freestanding baths. It has an on-site restaurant and is a popular romantic stay.
Hyams Beach has holiday rentals and a few small guesthouses, but it gets very busy in summer, with parking restrictions and day-trippers. Staying there is lovely outside peak season. Further afield, the Shoalhaven region has luxury villas near Seven Mile Beach and boutique hotels in Berry, a village about 40 minutes north. Book early for summer and long weekends.
Romantic Things to Do
- Walk the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track loop between Greenfield Beach and Hyams Beach.
- Take a dolphin or whale watching cruise from Huskisson.
- Swim or snorkel at Murrays Beach in Booderee National Park.
- Visit Green Patch for kangaroos and a picnic by the water.
- Kayak or paddleboard on Currambene Creek or the bay at sunrise.
- Drive to Point Perpendicular on Beecroft Peninsula for cliff views and whale watching.
- Explore Booderee Botanic Gardens.
- Take a day trip to Berry for cafes, shops and wineries in the Shoalhaven area.
Getting There and Around
Jervis Bay is about 2.5 to 3 hours south of Sydney by car, via the Princes Highway. The drive passes the coastal cliffs near Wollongong and the dairy country around Berry.
Trains run from Sydney to Bomaderry near Nowra. Buses connect to Huskisson and Vincentia, though service is limited. A rental car is the easiest option for exploring beaches, national parks and nearby towns.
Booderee National Park charges a daily vehicle pass for park access, payable at the visitor center or online. Hyams Beach has paid parking and summer restrictions, so arrive early or walk in from Greenfield Beach. Drive slowly at dawn and dusk to avoid wildlife on the roads.
Food and Drink
Dining in Jervis Bay is relaxed, with cafes, seafood takeaways and a few upscale restaurants. Huskisson has the best choice, including spots with bay views. Fresh oysters from nearby estuaries and local fish are worth trying.
The wider Shoalhaven region has wineries, breweries and farm gates. Berry is known for its bakeries, cafes and boutiques. It makes a good lunch stop.
For picnics, pick up supplies in Huskisson or Vincentia and head to a quiet beach or Green Patch. Book dinner on weekends and in summer, when restaurants fill quickly.
Honeymoon Tips
Avoid peak summer holidays if you want quiet beaches. Late February to April and October to November are good windows with mild weather and fewer people.
Swim at patrolled beaches when possible and check conditions. The bay is generally calm, but ocean beaches outside the bay can have rips.
Pack sunscreen, hats and insect repellent. Sandflies and mosquitoes can be annoying near creeks at dusk.
Respect wildlife and Aboriginal sites in Booderee National Park. Do not feed kangaroos and take all rubbish with you. Combine Jervis Bay with Sydney, the Southern Highlands or the Blue Mountains for a New South Wales honeymoon.
