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When you think of winter holiday spots, Jervis Bay is probably not the kind of place that springs to mind.
But as someone who visited Jervis Bay during winter, I can 100% say with confidence that this is an incredibly beautiful spot to visit during winter.
Jervis Bay in winter is quiet, secluded, and peaceful. You won’t be on the beach sunbathing in winter here. But you can still enjoy the beach on a sunny winter day (much like we did during our visit!)
Introduction to Jervis Bay
For those who aren’t familiar with Jervis Bay, this Oceanic Bay is a 4hr drive south of Sydney.
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!
How to get to Jervis Bay?
The best way to get to Jervis Bay is via car.
Jervis Bay is a 4 hr drive south of Sydney. The drive is mainly coastal, and takes you along the Grand Pacific Drive.
If you’re traveling from Canberra, Jervis bay is a shorter (mainly inland) drive of 3 hrs.
There are a couple of public transport options (there is a bus from Canberra) and another bus that takes you down the coast from Sydney (but doesn’t quite reach Jervis Bay) so car is the best way to get to Jervis Bay
What’s the weather like in Jervis Bay during Winter?
Like all things weather, things can vary.
Visiting Jervis Bay during winter can be a mixed bag. I’d recommend checking the weather forecast before you visit, and expect a mixture of sunny winter days, overcast days, and rainy days.
When we visited during winter, we got a mixed bag of overcast and sunny weather. But the colder (wet) days made the sunny days even more magical!
Where to stay in Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is home to endless holiday homes, so there are endless options to choose from! I recommend choosing somewhere that has its own kitchen so that you can prepare your own food (especially important if you are trying to minimize contact with people outside of your travel group!)
Perfect for couples: Studio By the Bay
Studio by the Bay is perfect for couples who want a quiet, romantic holiday. The house is stand-alone (so you don’t need to interact with people unnecessarily!) and the property has its own kitchen and even self-check-in.
This property 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 reviews + book on Airbnb
Perfect for families: Benny’s Cottage
If you’re traveling as a family, this is a great place to stay. The cottage has 2-bedrooms (6 people can stay) and is a beautifully renovated beach house. You can prepare your own meals in the kitchen, and relax on the outdoor patio (or walk to the nearby beaches 500 m away!)
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.
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!
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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