A Canberra Girl’s Guide to Jervis Bay
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Jervis Bay’s appeal is obvious—crystal clear waters meet the softest white sand, surrounded by stunning bushland. But there’s a lot more to this Shoalhaven destination than meets the eye.
EAT
5 Little Pigs. All images: Tim Bean Photography.
5 Little Pigs
Located in the hustle and bustle of the main strip of Huskisson’s Owen Street, and overlooking Currambene Creek inlet, 5 Little Pigs serves up a delicious and everchanging menu of local and seasonal produce.
5 Little Pigs’ fare is a cut above your average coastal café.
It may look like the perfect spot for a casual coffee (and it is), but don’t be fooled—the menu is a cut above what you might expect from your average coastal café. The menu is inventive, and the meals restaurant quality. Caffeinds will appreciate the local Swell coffee on offer.
64-66 Owen Street, Huskisson | 5littlepigs.com.au
Pelican Rocks Fish & Chips
While many waterside spots may claim they have the best fish and chips, Pelican Rocks Café has the gongs to back it up, winning both the Judges and People’s Choice Awards in the 2019 Australian Fish and Chips Awards—the third year in a row they’ve been recognised.
Located right across from where the boats land, they pride themselves on fresh fish—but that’s not all. They also do a cracking breakfast, stunning desserts, and the seafood platters have to be seen to be believed. Oh, and they’re licensed, so you can enjoy a wine or beer with your meal.
115 Greenwell Point Road, Greenwell Point | facebook.com/PelicanRocksCafe
The Gunyah
Designed by Sydney architects Nettleton Tribe, the Gunyah is a unique space, built high off the ground to enjoy the sea breeze and a wonderful position amongst the treetops.
In the warmer months, the sliding doors open up for outdoor dining on the verandah, providing a bushy backdrop to candlelit meals and to observe the goings-on of our resident possums, sugar gliders and colourful birdlife.
In winter, an open fire with cosy lounges is the perfect place to curl up on after dinner with a nightcap, perhaps swap a few travelling tales with other guests, or enjoy a game of cards.
The Gunyah Restaurant, Paperbark Camp, 571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia | paperbarkcamp.com.au
Pilgrims
Pilgrims may be a vegetarian café, but we reckon the menu will win over even the most dedicated carnivore. From burgers and pies to salads, toasties and wraps, Pilgrims is a must-visit for delicious, fresh and healthy food.
Every Friday and Saturday night, Pilgrims goes south of the border, serving up Mexican nights from 5:30 pm until close.
Pilgrims Vegetarian Café | 5-6/57 Owen Street, Huskisson | pilgrims.cafe
The Quarters Huskisson
Located in a 100-year-old coastal cottage, just off the main strip, you’ll find The Quarters Huskisson—an all-day eatery and bar serving up locally-sourced produce, specialty coffee, and an extensive drinks list.
Fresher-than-fresh seafood from The Quarters Huskisson.
The Mod Oz menu takes inspiration from the Mediterranean and Asia, with fresher-than-fresh seafood sitting along Italian favourites, and intriguing dishes showing Spanish and Thai influences.
The Quarters Eatery & Bar | 13 Currambene Street, Huskisson | thequartershuskisson.com.au
The Huskisson Hotel
The Huskisson Hotel is as much a part of Jervis Bay as the famous white sand beaches. Boasting unparalleled views overlooking the bay, the iconic hotel opened its doors in 1932 and has been a landmark destination for almost 100 years.
The “Husky Pub”, as it’s perhaps better known, oozes style and is the perfect location for a relaxed catch-up, cold beer with friends, a delicious meal overlooking the bay, or alfresco cocktails at sunset.
75 Owen Street, Huskisson | huskissonhotel.com.au
PLAY
Jervis Bay Wild
Jervis Bay Wild offers a range of breathtaking Whale Watching and Dolphin cruise options all year-round. A fantastic way to experience the excitement of pure nature, seeing these amazing creatures in their habitat is truly special.
Not so sure how your stomach will fare in open seas? Jervis Bay Wild’s Sunset River Cruise is a relaxing alternative. During the sunset hours, you will be treated to an evening of relaxation and indulgence, enjoying wine and cheese as you cruise the calm waters of Currambene Creek.
If you’re up for a little action, Jervis Bay Wild also offers kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboard hire, where you might meet local giant stingrays, or catch a glimpse of a kangaroo.
58 Owen Street, Huskisson | jervisbaywild.com.au
Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and Lookout
While you’re exploring, head to Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and the spectacular escarpment at Jervis Bay—it’s a little over a half-hour drive from Greenwell Point and 1hr 10 minutes from Huskisson.
There’s no access to the inside of the lighthouse, but the view from the grounds of the lighthouse alone makes this drive worthwhile.
Just time your visit wisely—the gravel road to the lighthouse may deteriorate during bad weather and at times the road is closed because of Naval gunnery training exercises.
Lighthouse Road, Currarong | visitnsw.com
100 Beach Challenge
Hyams Beach may be the area’s most famous stretch of sand, but there are actually 16 White Sands Beaches of Jervis Bay. Head to the secluded Barfleur beach, which backs onto Plantation Point Reserve, Callala beach and bay with its sand forests, or Murrays in Booderee National Park—all share the same crystal-blue waters and white sands as Hyams, sans crowds.
shoalhaven.com/100-beach-challenge
Jervis Bay Bike Hire
Jervis Bay and its surrounding suburbs offer magnificent views of white sands, clear blue waters, and bushland, and one of the best ways to take them in is on a bicycle. The area has an excellent network of shared cycleways and footpaths, providing cyclists with easy access to the natural environment and beauty of the region.
Hop aboard and explore one of the many cycle paths around the shores of Jervis Bay—including Huskisson, Vincentia and Hyams Beach.
If you’re an experienced rider, you can even leave the cycleway and explore Booderee National Park, Bherwerre Beach, Caves Beach, and the Botanical Gardens.
Booderee National Park
For those after a little more adventure, head into the Booderee National Park—just 15 minutes from Huskisson—and explore the bush tracks and botanical gardens and see incredible wildlife.
Home to one of Australia’s most stunning national parks, Booderee is home to crystal-clear waters which meet beautiful white sand beaches, while high cliffs and historic relics overlook the Pacific Ocean.
parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee
Huskisson Pictures
If you like your cinema with a hint of nostalgia, Huskisson Pictures may be what you’re looking for. Housed in a building constructed in 1913 by the Dent family (local ship builders) as a community hall for their employees, the hall has been used as a church, school, library, hall, dance and concert venue, and theatre. Movies have been screened there since the early fifties.
Renovations undertaken in 1990 saw the hall transformed into a permanent cinema, with the exterior left as original as possible, and the interior completely refurbished.
Huskisson Pictures opens weekends and selected weekdays during the school term and every day during New South Wales school holidays (except Good Friday and Christmas Day) showing the latest releases at a great price.
Owen Street, Huskisson | huskipics.com.au
Greenwell Point
There’s more to the area than Huskisson. Around a half-hour drive away you’ll find Greenwell Point—a charming fishing village offering great seafood, fishing, boating and world famous oysters.
The small fleet of trawlers bring in their catch daily, some of which is sold locally in the town’s seafood outlets. The local oyster farms here provide an indulgent oyster feast—shucked while you wait or freshly packed and chilled.
shoalhaven.com/greenwell-point-shoalhaven-south-coast-nsw
Greenfields Beach and Picnic Area
Set amongst the picturesque setting of the Jervis Bay National Park, Greenfield Beach offers much more than crystal clear waters and the softest white sands.
Its grassy foreshore and surrounding walking tracks are the perfect location for a beachside barbecue, bird watching and spotting wildflowers. It’s named after Colin Greenfield who lived in the area from 1942 until the 1970s.
The picnic area has a free electric barbecue, clean drinking water, cold showers, flush toilets, sheltered eating areas, and wheelchair access. Take a walk along one of the two walking tracks and discover an abundance of wildlife.
This family-friendly beach is the perfect location to explore for the day and is part of the Jervis Bay Marine Park.
Sutton Street, Vincentia | nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
STAY
Bay and Bush Cottages.
Bay and Bush Cottages
Surrounded by coastal and marine national parks and white sand beaches, Bay and Bush Cottages gives you the chance to stay in the heart of Jervis Bay.
Just minutes from Huskisson, the cottages are a stone’s throw from beaches, whale watching, fishing, surfing as well as museums, galleries, food and wine—you’re perfectly situated, no matter the season.
Special occasion? Ask the friendly staff to prepare a breakfast hamper and local bottle of wine to be left in your cottage before arrival. That way you can have a leisurely start to your Saturday morning.
21 Pritchard Avenue, Woollamia, NSW | bayandbush.com.au
Worrowing Estate
Worrowing Estate is a historic 250-acre coastal farm property offering self-contained holiday accommodation and on-site wedding venue locations, just minutes from Jervis Bay.
From cottages to studios, a beachfront house and even Glamping tents, Worrowing Estate’s charming range of accommodation is suitable for everyone from couples to large groups.
The Worrowing Stables is particularly gorgeous, sitting on the ridge of the Worrowing hillside and offering wide-open views of pastoral land, bush and distant mountain ranges. A restored stable complex, the Stables has a rustic feel and features a large horse arena with farm-style wooden gates
81 The Wool Road, Worrowing Heights | worrowing.com.au
Paperbark Camp
Want to get (really) close to nature? Paperbark Camp’s 13 canvas safari-style tents are nestled amongst the trees, built above the ground to give privacy and to capture the sea breeze.
All tents have wrap-around decking with outdoor furniture, polished hardwood floors, full insect screening, solar-powered lighting as well as high-quality linen and all the hotel amenities you would expect for a luxe camping experience.
For a camping experience like no other, spoil yourself in the Deluxe or King Deluxe tents with freestanding bath and contemporary furnishings to create a romantic candlelit oasis amongst the gum trees—you’ll never pitch your own tent again!
Paperbark Camp, 571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia | paperbarkcamp.com.au
Jervis Bay is a three-hour drive from Canberra. HerCanberra travelled as a guest of Destination NSW.
Photography: Tim Bean
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