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Sydney to Jervis Bay Weekend Road Trip + Free Map

Chris and BecByChris and Bec Updated on
Turquoise water and a white sand beach seen through dense coastal bush in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. A lone person stands near the shoreline beneath a bright blue sky.
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After spending 10 days exploring this stretch of coast, we finally understood why Jervis Bay is so hyped. Completely deserved!

It’s the perfect spot for a weekend in nature, with spots like Hyams Beach and its world-famous white sand, and the iconic Booderee National Park.

Plus excellent snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, and even swimming with whales from June to October!

You can easily spend 1 week there. But if we only had a weekend, this is the itinerary we’d do. Plus a bonus Monday in the underrated town of Berry for anyone who can squeeze in an extra day off work:

Screenshot of a map with coloured pins and a route showing all the different things to do on a road trip from sydney to jervis bay
Click to open the full interactive map in Google Maps

Road trip snapshot

  • Distance: ~450km return
  • Drive time: ~6 hours total
  • Areas covered: Kiama, Huskisson, Jervis Bay beaches, Booderee National Park. Optional: Berry.
  • Best time: December to March for beach weather, June to October for swimming with whales.
  • Vehicle: 2WD is fine for the whole route
  • Pet-friendly: Dogs allowed at some beaches and campgrounds in Huskisson and nearby areas, but they’re not allowed in Booderee National Park.
  • Good for: Beach lovers, couples after a nature escape, and anyone keen to swim with marine life.
  • Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia, stretches between green coastal forest and vivid turquoise water. A lone beachgoer stands on the bright white sand.
    Where the forest meets the ocean – Hyams Beach
  • Stargazers gather on the beach beneath the Milky Way in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. A bright blue laser points into the star filled night sky during a guided astronomy tour.
    Stargazing at Jervis Bay

Day 1: Sydney to Huskisson via Kiama (Friday)

  • Distance: ~190km
  • Drive time: ~3 hours

Leave Sydney after work and take the scenic coastal route down to Jervis Bay, stopping in Kiama for sunset and dinner before arriving at your accommodation in Huskisson.

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The drive down from Sydney is genuinely stunning, especially if you time it for late afternoon light hitting the cliffs!

  • Aerial view of the coastal town of Kiama in NSW, Australia, as the sun sets.
    Sunsets at Kiama
  • Aerial view of the sea cliff bridge in new south wales, near sydney. The view shows the highway, with the ocean on the right and mountain on the left.
    Sea Cliff Bridge

Things to do on the way down to Jervis Bay

  • Sea Cliff Bridge. We strongly recommend pulling over on the southern side and walking across the bridge! The views are absolutely epic.
  • Kiama Blowhole. Stop briefly at one of the most famous natural rock formations on the south coast, which shoots water high into the air! Epic sunset spot too.
  • Dinner options. There are some pubs in Kiama for dinner, but if you want something more special, we recommend Bangalay Dining or The Gunyah which are on the way! Bookings essential on both.

Huskisson

Huskisson is the main town in Jervis Bay and the perfect base for the weekend.

Most people stay here for the convenience, but there are also stunning glamping options in the bush and beachfront campgrounds in Booderee National Park if you want something more special.

  • A warmly lit safari tent stands on a raised deck beneath tall trees at Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. Stars shine through the forest canopy above the glamping accommodation.
    Paperbark Camp, glamping under the stars.
  • Two people paddle red kayaks along a calm river surrounded by dense forest near Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. Golden evening light falls across the trees and reflective water.
    Kayaking out front of Paperbark Camp

Where to stay in Huskisson?

We stayed at Paperbark Camp, we absolutely LOVED it, but to be fair it’s not for everyone.

It’s a short drive from the bay, in a wooded area next to the river. They have kayaks and free bikes for those who want to wander around. The whole thing stay is incredible, but it’s a bit pricey.

Also, you might want to stay closer to the beach for the weekend. If that’s you, here are some excellent alternatives:

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Day 2: Booderee National Park (Saturday)

  • Distance: ~30km
  • Drive time: ~1 hour

Booderee National Park is the jewel of Jervis Bay, and there’s heapsss to do so we recommend spending the full day here.

  • A person in a red top walks across the rocky shoreline at Summercloud Bay in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. Sunlight sparkles through coastal trees onto the water beside the walking track.
    Summercloud Bay. Stunning walk to surf point
  • A woman in a pink bikini stands waist deep in the clear turquoise water at Murrays Beach in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. Forested cliffs and a cloudless blue sky surround the sheltered cove.
    Murray Beach

Things to do in Booderee National Park

  • Murrays Beach: Just as stunning as Hyams Beach and usually quieter, with crystal clear water, white sand, picnic tables, and a protected cove that’s perfect for families.
  • Green Patch Beach: The most famous beach here because of the kangaroos that hang out on the sand, but there’s also incredible snorkelling, surf watching, and kayaking!
  • Summercloud Bay and Black Rock surf spot: Walk to the cliffs above Black Rock (known as the Aussie Pipeline) to watch surfers tackle this famous break when the surf is on.
  • Currambene Creek kayaking: Paddle the calm, quiet creek at sunset for one of the most serene sunset experiences in the entire Jervis Bay area.
  • Snorkelling with Woebegone Dive: Join a beginner-friendly intro to free diving tour with all equipment provided and professional guides! Check the tour here.

You need a park pass to access Booderee NP. It’s cheaper to pay for the one-day pass and spend a full day there.

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Dinner and optional stargazing tour

If you didn’t have dinner at The Gunyah on Friday night, we strongly recommend it for today!

It’s a treetop restaurant just outside of town, with a focus on local produce, regional wines, and native Australian flavours. It’ll be a very memorable dinner.

But if you want something more laid-back, head to Flamin Galah Brewing Co. Excellent option for a casual dinner and craft beers.

And if you can, definitely finish the night with a stargazing tour at Moona Moona Beach!

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  • Stargazers gather on the beach beneath the Milky Way in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. A bright blue laser points into the star filled night sky during a guided astronomy tour.
    Stargazing at Jervis Bay
  • A softly lit safari tent sits on a raised wooden platform in the forest at Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. Stars appear between the tall trees above the secluded glamping retreat.
    Paperbark Camp

This was one of the coolest things we did! You go with an astronomer as they tell you all about the galaxies, stars, and planets, while chilling on the beach.

This is the stargazing tour we did, strongly recommend it!

Day 3: Hyams Beach / Swim with whales > Return to Sydney (Sunday)

  • Distance: ~190km
  • Drive time: ~2.5 hours

Start your day early, today is all about the beaches and marine life!

Hyams Beach

Hyams is a long, bright beach with some of the whitest sand in the world, and the most turquoise water you’ll ever see! Parking is limited though, so try to get there early.

  • Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia, stretches between green coastal forest and vivid turquoise water. A lone beachgoer stands on the bright white sand.
    Where the forest meets the ocean – Hyams Beach
  • Aerial view of Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia. The turqouise water breaks on the white sandy shore surrounded by forest.
    Little Hyams Beach

And if you’re keen on a nice hike, don’t miss the White Sands walk.

It’s an easy loop that takes 60-90 mins, taking you along the coast for stunning bay views and quiet coves where you can spot marine life from the cliffs.

But if you visit from June to October, definitely consider doing a tour to swim with humpback whales! It’s genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Lunch at Huskisson Town

Huskisson has some excellent food options, which we found a bit surprising as it’s such a small tourist town.

A couple share lunch at an outdoor table beneath large umbrellas at the Huskisson Hotel in Huskisson, NSW, Australia. The sunny terrace overlooks waterfront buildings and Jervis Bay.

Here are our favourite lunch spots in Huskisson:

  • Wildginger Huskisson: Enjoy Asian fusion cuisine with great cocktails in a polished but affordable setting with lovely owners and delicious food.
  • Jervis Bay Brewing Co: Casual brewery with shared plates and local beers, perfect after a beach morning, and the pale ale is excellent.
  • Stonegrill Huskisson: Fun place if you’re after something different, you can cook your own selection of meat or seafood on a hot stone!

Then, head back to Sydney via the same stunning coastal route.

  • The Sea Cliff Bridge curves between steep green cliffs and the turquoise ocean along the New South Wales coast. Waves break against the rocky shoreline beside the elevated road on this scenic NSW road trip route.
    Sea Cliff Bridge
  • The white Kiama Lighthouse stands beside the ocean beneath pink and orange sunset clouds. This iconic landmark is a great stop on a road trip along the South Coast of NSW.
    Kiama Lighthouse

Jervis Bay is one of many epic stops along NSW’s south coast! Here’s the road trip we did (10 days) with advice and a free map.

Bonus: Berry (Monday)

  • Distance: ~42km from Huskisson
  • Drive time: ~30 mins

Berry is a beautiful small town with old-school vibes, perfect for a full-day trip before heading back to Sydney!

  • A customer collects an order from the black roadside food trailer marked "The Famous Berry Donut Van" beneath a bright blue sky. This popular Berry food stop is a fun place to visit on a road trip along the South Coast of NSW.
    Famous Berry Donut
  • A woman in a pink dress enjoys tea and cake beside a sunny window in a dark green tea shop. Shelves of teapots and decorative plates make this a cosy food stop while exploring Berry.
    The Berrt T

Things to do in Berry

  • Breakfast/brunch in one of these spots: Berry General Store, the Garden Berry, and the Milkwood Bakery. Can’t go wrong with either one.
  • Queen Street: Explore Berry’s main street, full of boutique shops, galleries, and cafes.
  • Berry Donut Van: Grab a famous donut at this iconic roadside van, it’s a legendary local institution.
  • Seven Mile Beach: If you want one last dip, stop at this long, stunning beach near Berry for a final swim before heading home.

Berry is another epic weekend road trip if you’re after good food and wine! Here’s the Sydney to Berry itinerary we recommend if you’re keen.

Planning your weekend road trip

Best time to go

Jervis Bay is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to do.

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For purely beach weather, December to March is the best time. But keep in mind it’s peak season, so book everything well ahead of time.

If you want to avoid crowds, visit in April-May. You’ll still get decent weather, but the beaches will be much quieter.

If you’re keen to swim with humpback whales, plan your trip between June and October.

Here are our top winter road trips south of Sydney for more inspo!

What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, of course
  • Snorkel gear if you’ve got your own, otherwise you can hire it in Huskisson
  • A wetsuit or rash vest if you’re planning to swim with whales or do any longer snorkelling
  • Binoculars for dolphin and whale spotting from the cliffs
  • A picnic blanket and esky for beach days because some of the best beaches don’t have cafes nearby
  • Bug spray for sunset walks and stargazing tours
  • A national parks pass if you’re going to Booderee, you can purchase it online
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FREE Map Sydney to Jervis Bay road trip

Open the free Google map

Top tips

Book your whale swimming tour or dolphin cruise as soon as you lock in your dates. These tours fill up fast during peak season and you don’t want to miss out.

If you’re camping at Green Patch, arrive early on Friday night or book ahead online. It’s one of the most popular campgrounds in NSW and sites go quickly on weekends.

The Gunyah restaurant books out weeks in advance for Saturday nights. If you want to eat there, book as soon as you’ve sorted your accommodation.

Download the Booderee National Park map before you go because phone reception is patchy inside the park.

FAQs

Is Jervis Bay worth visiting for a weekend?

Absolutely. Jervis Bay has some of the best beaches in Australia, incredible marine life, and enough activities to fill a solid weekend without feeling rushed.

Can you see dolphins at Jervis Bay?

Yes, Jervis Bay has over 100 resident bottlenose dolphins and the sighting rate on dolphin watching cruises is incredibly high. You can also spot them from the shore if you’re lucky.

Do you need 4WD for Jervis Bay?

No, the entire route from Sydney to Jervis Bay and all the beaches and attractions are accessible in a 2WD. The roads inside Booderee National Park are sealed and well maintained, too.

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What’s the best beach in Jervis Bay?

Hyams Beach is the most famous, but we think Murrays Beach is just as beautiful and usually quieter.

Sort these out before going to Jervis Bay!

Now that you’ve got your route sorted, it’s time to lock in the practical stuff! 

Don’t leave this to the last minute, car hires, hotels, and some campsites book out fast, especially in peak season.

Here are our go-to tools and essentials to make your road trip easy and affordable:

Our Essential Travel Toolkit

🤩 Wise Card – Online bank to hold money in different currencies worldwide and lowest fees in the market! (FREE debit card here)

🤩 Trip.com – Consistently great accommodation and hotel deals.

🤩 Hostelworld – Looking for the cheapest accommodation? We especially love the “book now, pay later” feature.

🤩 Discovercars.com – Best range, super easy to compare prices rental car and motorhome prices.

🤩 Viator.com – Easily book tours and experiences at the lowest rate. Great selection all over Australia.

🤩 Tripadvisor.com – Other than our website…😉 the best place to find things to do

🤩 Airalo – eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).

🤩 Caravan RV Camping – Traveling Australia in a van, caravan or bus? This is the best place to get all your gear.

Hi! We’re Chris and Bec, the two adventure-lovers behind Salt and Charcoal. We quit our jobs in 2020, to pursue the lifestyle of travelling and working remotely. We chose to dive into the unknown and prioritise experiences over material things… and it was the best decision we ever made! Now, we support others to road trip Australia and get the most out of their bucket list trips. Come say hi on our socials :)

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