Things to do in Jervis Bay in winter

I’m not gonna lie, when I visited Jervis Bay I didn’t really know what I was in for.

I’d seen a photo online, and proposed a weekend trip to a friend who lives in Sydney. Next thing I knew, we were planning an extended weekend in Jervis Bay during winter.

Which sounds nuts if you’re a fan of beaches or warm weather. But as a Melbournian who’s used to rain, wind and overcast skies during winter I wasn’t too fussed.

Which turned out for this best, because Jervis Bay during winter was actually beautiful. Sure there was the odd overcast day, but there were also days brimming with sun too. Not to mention the lack of crowds, and it was 100% worth visiting during winter.

Introduction to Jervis Bay

For those aren’t familiar with Jervis Bay, this Oceanic Bay is located a 4hr drive south of Sydney. The area isn’t accessible via public transport (you can’t take a train from Sydney to Jervis Bay), so you will need a car to visit this part of Australia.

Psst: are you planning on visiting Sydney? Make sure you check out my ultimate 4-day Sydney itinerary! 

Jervis Bay is famous for having what is known as the whitest sand in the world. The entire bay is filled with white sand, but the beach which is named as the beach with the whitest sand in the world in Hyams beach. All the beaches around here are beautiful though, so if you thought you’d be driving 4 hrs for one beach, you’d be wrong!

Since I visited during winter, I’ve put together a list of things to do in Jervis Bay during winter.

Things to do in Jervis Bay in Winter…

1. Go for a walk in Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is filled with endless walks (many of them along the beach or coastal walks). Many of the walks are exposed to the elements (including the sun) so during winter you won’t be fighting to stay cool like you would during summer!

We went on a coastal walk and loved it. It wasn’t super sunny, but it was still fun to see the dramatic coastline. You can find out more about the walks in Booderee National Park here.

Psst: Make sure you pay for a pass when you visit. At the time of visiting, this was $13 AUD per vehicle, valid for 48 hrs.

Some wildlife we saw on our coastal walk at Booderee National Park!

2. Visit one of Jervis Bay’s many beaches

I’ve never seen so many incredible beaches in one region before I visited Jervis Bay. This area has beaches galore.

While you probably won’t be sunbathing during winter (unless that’s your thing, then you do you my friend!) the beaches can still be incredible during winter.

We visited Hyams beach on a sunny day, and gosh it was beautiful. The water was cold and the wind made it too cold to go for a swim, but we spent a couple of hours enjoying the sun (just with some warm layers!)

3. Visit the Botanical Gardens in Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park also has a Botanical Garden, filled with local plants, walks, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to spend some time if you’re beached-out and want to learn more about how the local Koori people use the plants. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit on a Tuesday, but there is a ranger-led tour available on Tuesdays. You’ll need to book in advance (the advice is 2-weeks in advance).

4. Go for a whale watching cruise in Jervis Bay

Whale watching season in Jervis Bay is between mid-May and late November. If you visit during winter, you’ll be able to spot whales who are in the middle of their migration. Whales stop in Jervis Bay to rest and play with their calves, making it a great place to see whales!

5. Go dolphin spotting from the beaches

You can also go on a dolphin spotting cruise (similar to Whale watching) but if you’re on a budget, this might not be a great option. A budget friendly option for dolphin spotting is to visit any one of the Jervis Bay beaches!

Just keep a lookout when visiting and you might spot them from the beach. We saw a couple of dolphins in the distance from the shores of Murray’s beach!

Where to stay in Jervis Bay

Budget-friendly: Jervis Bay Dolphin Shores

We stayed here when in Jervis Bay, and it was a great budget-friendly option. The staff was super friendly, and we got an in-depth introduction to the area when checking in. Our room was clean, recently renovated, and had everything we needed. You can choose between rooms without a kitchen (which is a cheaper nightly rate) or with a kitchen.

The motel is located in Vincentia, a Jervis Bay town and is only a 5 minutes drive from Jervis Bay National Park, and 10 minutes drive from the Jervis Bay Town Centre. Read TripAdvisor Reviews here | Book on Booking.com

If you want to treat yo’ self: The Cove Jervis Bay

The Cove Jervis Bay is an adorably decorated property and is perfect for the stylish traveler who doesn’t want to sacrifice amenities. Each of the cottages comes with bed linen, bath towels, and kitchenware. The property has direct access to Bherwerre Beach and is a 20-minute drive from Jervis Bay Town Centre. Read TripAdvisor Reviews here | Book on Booking.com

I hope my guide to things to do in Jervis Bay in winter was helpful!

Despite it being the dead of winter, I loved our time in Jervis Bay and would recommend visiting during this time of year. It was on the colder side, but it was magical visiting without the crowds of my fellow travelers.

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