17 things to do in Jervis Bay with kids

Just a three-hour drive from Sydney, Jervis Bay sparkles with squeaky-clean white sand, crystal-clear water equal to that of the South Pacific and, most important of all, plenty of beaches and parks for unlimited family fun. Read on for the absolute best things to do in Jervis Bay with kids.

When you leave Jervis Bay towards Sydney take the Grand Pacific Drive for a stunning drive that hugs the coast. It will take you across the jaw-droppingly beautiful Sea Cliff Bridge before heading through the Royal National Park.

Hyams beach

Jervis Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. And a visit to Hyams Beach – recorded in the Guinness Book of Record as having the whitest sand in the world – is not to be missed.

The bone white sand and crystal clear turquoise water attracts many visitors to Jervis Bay. Kids will get a kick out of making the fine sand squeak underfoot and the calm water is fantastic for SUPing.

Cave Beach

Cave Beach is only reachable by foot through the Booderee National Park and is fantastic for little adventures. It is one of Jervis Bay’s only beaches with waves so your little grommet can hit the surf too. The surf is beginner friendly or just great for jumping around in. Culburra Beach is also a famous surf beach in Jervis Bay.

If you fall in love with Cave Beach you can pitch a tent on the grassy area among coastal tea trees and sleep steps from the beach. You’ll find fresh water, toilets, cold-water showers and a sheltered barbecue area on-site.

Dolphin watching

Jervis Bay Marine Park is famous for whales and dolphins and Jervis Bay Wild has a number of tours that let you get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. 

Go whale watching

This is an absolute MUST during whale season from May to November. The whales always stop for a rest in the calm waters of Jervis Bay during their annual migration, so you are almost 100% likely to see them. There are lots of boats and tours leaving Huskisson harbour and they are pretty easy to book. I was worried that my kids might be a little bit small to go on the boat but we went anyway and they LOVED it. The whales… well, what can I say, they were mind-blowingly beautiful. It was such an incredible experience and one the kids and I will never forget.

Go to the movies

The Huskisson Pictures is the dearest little cinema you could ever imagine. It was built in the 1950s and has totally kept its old-fashioned charm. It’s the perfect place to have a sneaky nap while the kids enjoy some popcorn and a movie, especially on rainy days too. It’s very reasonably priced too.

Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park has some amazing bush walks that cater for all ages and abilities. You will need to pay a day rate to enter the national park, but once you’re in you can do as many walks as you fancy. The bush is so peaceful and the views are simply stunning. There’s also lots of friendly wildlife to spot along the way.

The park is also home to Booderee Botanic Gardens, the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia.

Stop by Murrays Beach for one of the prettiest beaches in Jervis Bay. Its calm waters are unbelievably clear and turquoise. The beach looks towards Bowen Island, home to a little penguin colony. Go for a walk at low tide to find rock pools and the sea cave.

Jervis Bay National Park

The White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay National Park is great for young kids. It is a 2.5-kilometre loop that crosses Greenfield Beach, Chinamans Beach and returns inland through the Scribbly Gum track. The walk is popular as it extends to Hyams Beach and allows plenty of opportunities for rock-hopping and splish-splashing along the way. From May to November keep one eye on the bay for whales, as humpbacks may be breaching out of the water.

Biking and scootering

There are a number of bike and scooter friendly tracks throughout Jervis Bay, so don’t forget to pack your wheels. My six-year spent so much time riding up and down the track outside our cottage that she perfected her balance on two wheels and was very proud of herself. We also all rode into Huskisson and checked out the local markets before stopping for fish and chips.

Playgrounds

Dotted along the cycle tracks are several parks and playgrounds. They all have fabulous views too. I was very happy sitting on the grass with a coffee while the kids ran around and played on all the equipment.

Walk to a shipwreck

Take the Wreck Walk, starting at Abrahams Bosom Reserve in Currarong to spy the SS Merimbula shipwreck. This walk takes about 20 minutes one way and is stroller friendly too.

You’ll need to visit the beach at low tide to be able to walk across the rocky headland to see the shipwreck. Make sure you explore all the interesting rock pools along the way too.

Huskisson Pub

The famous “Huski Pub” sits on the waterfront in Huskisson and serves up excellent pub grub. There is a great grassy area right below the dining deck which is great for kicking a ball after fueling up.

Dog-friendly beaches

There are several dog-friendly beaches around Jervis Bay. So no two days need to be the same if your travelling with your pup. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on Hyams Beach but adjacent Little Hyams Beach is equally beautiful and dogs are permitted year-round on leash. For a chilled-out barbecue location, head to the shady park behind Chinaman’s Beach, which boasts barbecue facilities and picnic tables with a gorgeous sea view.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Jervis Bay’s calm water and abundant marine life consequently make for fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling. There are over 65 dive sites in the area. Visit soft coral walls, caves and swim-throughs, see shipwrecks and meet the marine creatures.

Dive Jervis Bay offers a range of diving tours for certified children over 12 years old. There also have a beginners bubble maker program for children from eight to 12. This is a pool session where kids can learn the basics and have fun at the same time.

See a seal colony

Jervis Bay Marine Park is home to two fur seal colonies. Around 120 of the playful sea puppies live at Drum & Drumsticks Island.

Hire a boat

Shoalhaven sheltered bays make for easy waters to navigate by boat, plus there are some fabulous secret beaches to discover. Drive to fur seal colonies, cruise with dolphins and see migrating humpbacks and southern right whales during whale season. Pack a picnic, bring your fishing rods and swimmers, and get ready for an awesome adventure in Jervis Bay.

Jervis Bay Boat Hire has U-Skipper hire boats that do not require a boat licence. The hire boats are launched from Huskisson Boat Ramp.

Boab Boats Jervis Bay hires runabout and tinny boats for a great family day out. Rates start from $295 to $545 per day. The hire boats are launched from Woollamia Boat Ramp.

SUP with George

Head over Huskisson to SUP with George’s store on Owen Street. You can book a stand up paddle lesson, tour or hire equipment for the family to enjoy. The tour will take you to Currambene Creek which has white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning marine life.

Honeymoon Bay

This secluded beach is fantastic for young kids because it is protected from waves by its narrow opening to the sea. It is stunningly beautiful and a great spot for pictures. There are shady picnic spots and toilets too.

It is located on the Beecroft Peninsula which is Navy land and only open to the public on weekends and public holidays.

Some exciting sea creatures can be seen when snorkelling around the bay. There is also a campground here.

Find it at: Corner of Lighthouse Road and Curraong Road.

Look out for bioluminescent plankton

Head to the beach at night at you might be treated to the phenomenon of bioluminescence. Algae blooms of plankton create this glowing blue effect in the ocean. It’s always best to catch the sea sparkles in total darkness.

Shoalhaven Zoo

Head a little further out of Jervis Bay to Nowra to meet the wildlife at Shoalhaven Zoo. It is home to 100 species of animals including big cats and monkeys, and native wildlife including koalas and wombats.

Shoalhaven Zoo is open 9am – 5pm every day of the year except for Christmas day.  A family pass for two adults and two children is $85. They have a number of hands-on experiences like lion, meerkat and money feeding. Or cuddling up to a koala, kangaroo and dingo.

Jervis Bay Accommodation

JB Caravan Park

Jervis Bay Caravan Park at Huskisson is a great place for having fun on the water. This popular little, pet-friendly holiday park is just outside ‘Huski’ as everyone affectionately calls the town. Currambene Creek which fronts the holiday park is a great spot for kayaking and SUPing.

Riverside camping at Jervis Bay Caravan Park is a delight. The park is very relaxed and quiet with lots of adjacent bushland and the river right on your doorstep. You can light campfires, which the kids really love (remember those marshmallows for toasting) and there are barbecues, toilets, power points and hot showers a few feet away – so everything you need for a fun weekend camping. And when you hit the sack in your tent, you are serenaded to sleep by the gentle roar of the waves on Jervis Bay not far away.

There’s a solar-heated pool and spa, playground and a private jetty that’s perfect for fishing or just sitting on, feet dangling over the water. The Caravan Park also offers a range of cabins for hire, including some fabulous, luxury spa cabins with two or three bedrooms, overlooking the river.

Holiday Haven Currarong

With aquatic play equipment and a tipping bucket, the splash pad at Holiday Haven Currarong is boatloads of fun. It’s fenced in, so parents with little ones can feel at ease. Between that and the jumping pillow, we don’t think the kids will ever want to leave the park, but on the off chance you do decide to head out, Currarong Beach and Currarong Creek are only a short stroll, with kayaks available to hire at reception if you’re keen on more water adventures.

Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach

Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach is the best dog friendly accommodation in Huskisson. Barbecues can be found inside the park and along the beachfront. The park has a swimming pool, small playground and tennis court to keep the family active. If you’re looking to be even more energetic, you can hire bikes, paddleboards and kayaks from the front office. At the beachfront, there’s a coffee cart to satisfy your caffeine fix.

Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach is directly behind Huskisson Beach. The bright white sand is easily accessible, dog friendly year-round and leash-free between 4pm and 8am in summer.

Paperbark Camp

Tucked among eucalyptus and paperbark trees, the safari-style tents at Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay are ideal for getting cosy in the NSW bush. Catering for kids over six, each private tent features timber floors, wraparound decks, quality bed linen, ensuites and solar-powered lighting. As well as quality bed linen and insect screens.

Camping at Green Patch

Green Patch is one of three campgrounds in Booderee National Park. It’s a peaceful site frequented by colourful king parrots and rainbow lorikeets.

The Woods Farm, Jervis Bay

The Woods Farm is an authentic farm stay with luxury country cottages dotted around  40 acres of woodlands. Each has its own living area, kitchen and fire pit.

If you want to glamp it up, book a bell tent, which is furnished with a king-sized bed and has a luxe but chill vibe. You don’t even need to leave the farm to satisfy your inner explorer. There are bikes on the property, an outdoor swimming pool and a game yard.