Jervis Bay camping could involve anything from unpowered tent sites to glamping or cabin sites. There are facilities to suit all styles and budgets.
Introduction – Jervis Bay Camping
Jervis Bay is a popular tourist area, famous for its white-sand beaches and beautiful scenery. Close to Sydney, it is a great place for a holiday and perfect for people who love water sports and for nature lovers. The two national parks are popular places for a camping holiday or Jervis Bay with camping grounds for both tents and caravans. From budget camping grounds with basic facilities to upmarket glamping tents, there is something for everyone in Jervis Bay. Other than water sports, whale and dolphin watching, hiking and mountain biking are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in Jervis Bay.
Where is Jervis Bay?
Located about 200 km south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is an area of about 102 square km which is home to the Jervis Bay Marine Park, Booderee National Park and Jervis Bay National Park. It is part of the Shoalhaven region in the south coast of New South Wales and is located in the southeast of the state. Jervis Bay is about a 2-hour drive from Sydney. Jervis Bay is home to two picturesque national parks. Booderee National Park is located in the Jervis Bay Territory which is managed by the Commonwealth and is technically not part of NSW, unlike Jervis Bay National Park which is under the management of the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.
What are the options for Jervis Bay camping?
Jervis Bay offers campsites for all budgets and several accommodation options. Although there aren’t any free camping grounds in Jervis Bay itself, less than an hour away, you can camp for free with facilities for tents, caravans, and camper trailers. To find out more about free camping go to Top 10 free campsites near Jervis Bay, NSW.
For those who are staying in Jervis Bay, you will find everything from basic camping grounds without showers to deluxe tents with private ensuite bathrooms. Booderee National Park has 3 camping grounds that cater to people with tents, camper trailers, and caravans up to 4.5 m. None of the campsites are powered. Jervis Bay National Park also provides camping grounds for visitors. Both of the national parks are very popular with visitors, so it is important to make an advance booking, especially during school holidays.
Whether you are using a tent or a caravan, there are many options outside of the national parks, with a large number of caravan parks that will suit every budget. There are caravan parks and camping grounds located close to the national parks.
Huskisson is one of the towns located within Jervis Bay. For those who prefer restaurants to campfires, one of the caravan parks or camping grounds in the area will make finding your dinner a breeze. There is no shortage of caravan parks in the area and Huskisson is one of the best places to find luxury camping sites. The villages and towns in Jervis Bay all provide accommodations for campers and caravanners.
Holiday Haven Currarong have several accommodation options such as cabins, camping with an ensuite site or powered site camping. They also have BBQ facilities, a boat ramp, a playground, mini golf, amenities and a swimming pool. You can check out their website here.
“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently”
Bill Watterson
How many beaches are in Jervis Bay?
Jervis Bay is famous for its white-sand beaches which are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visit NSW: Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay mentions 16 white sand beaches in the area from Shoalhaven Heads to Bawley Point. However, these are just a few of the beaches in the area.
Why not take the 100 beach challenge? Register online or download a hard copy at this website 100 Beach Challenge which has 10 different categories of beaches, such as pet friendly, family, and adventure beaches.
How much is entry to Jervis Bay?
Some Jervis Bay beaches are inside Booderee National Park in the Jervis Bay Territory, which is Commonwealth Territory rather than NSW. Passes are required to enter the area, and it is easy to get one online. You do not need a pass if you are on foot or riding a bicycle. To see the cost of passes, go to Booderee National Park Passes and Permits. Some NSW national parks and reserves charge motor vehicle entry fees. You can buy a single-day entry pass or an annual pass if you plan to stay a while. Remember that NSW national park passes can’t be used in the Jervis Bay Territory, so you will need separate passes if you plan to go to both national parks. Book your campsite at Jervis Bay National Park and find out more about fees.
Do you need a pass for Jervis Bay?
Passes are only required for people traveling in vehicles to the beaches and camping grounds inside national parks. You can apply for a pass online or If you want to go fishing, remember to get a fishing license as these are required in NSW. To get more information go to NSW Fishing Regulations.
Why is Jervis Bay camping so popular?
The main attraction for Jervis Bay would have to be the beaches that regularly feature in lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With stunning white sand and gorgeous turquoise blue water, Jervis Bay is a great place for water sports. Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, sailing, and scuba diving are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Jervis Bay.
In addition to water sports, the national parks at Jervis Bay are great for bushwalking and mountain bikes. If you are walking or cycling, then entry to the parks is free. For mountain bikers, both of the national parks have trails that are good for all skill levels. Not only that but there are also a number of cycle paths around Jervis Bay, so you can bring your own bike or rent one while you are there.
Whale and dolphin watching is also a very popular activity. Jervis Bay is home to more than 100 Bottlenose dolphins, so there is a good chance that you will be able to see them if you take a dolphin cruise. During the whale watching season from May to November, humpbacks and southern right whales can be seen, and there have also been sightings of other species. Nature lovers may also be lucky enough to see seals, penguins, and seabirds in the Jervis Bay Marine Park.
Hyams Beach has the Guinness World Record for having the world’s whitest sand, formed from white quartz. Local people say that other beaches in the area have sand that is just as white, so avoid the crowds while enjoying the same beautiful white sand.
You can find the Jervis Bay Visitors Information Centre at Huskisson if you want to get information about all the local attractions and events which occur throughout the year. They also have maps and brochures and can give you advice about accommodation and any other services you might need. It is open every day except for Christmas Day.
Conclusion – Jervis Bay Camping
Jervis Bay is a popular scenic holiday spot that is just a stone’s throw from Sydney. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and the world can be found in Jervis Bay and dolphins, seals, and sea birds live in and around the marine park in the area.
Whether you’ve packed up the car or the van with your tent, sleeping bag and other camping gear or you’re looking to stay in one of the holiday parks, there are several campgrounds or other options for accommodation. Jervis Bay is a wonderful place to explore the great outdoors, with or without the children, but just make sure if it’s school holiday time or swimming season, plan your trip early enough as some places can get fully booked.
Have you visited Jervis Bay before? If not, it’s certainly worth considering for your next trip.
