A Canberra Girl’s Guide to Huskisson
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When Canberra’s winter rolls around and you find yourself constantly choosing between your electric blanket and… well, your electric blanket, it’s time to start thinking about a sea change. Even if it’s just a temporary one.
Welcome to Huskisson – or “Husky” as the locals call it. Tucked away on the edge of the breathtaking Jervis Bay in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, this coastal gem boasts water so impossibly clear it defies belief, and the beaches here look like they’ve been pulled straight off a luxury travel mood board. The absolute toughest decision you’ll have to make all weekend is whether you should opt for the local mussels at lunch or a plate of fresh pasta for dinner. (And between you and me? You can absolutely do both.)
At only two and a half to three hours’ drive from Canberra, Husky punches way above its weight for a small town – it was actually named Australia’s Top Tiny Town in 2024. This is the gateway to the protected Jervis Bay Marine Park, a pristine paradise where resident bottlenose dolphins play daily and majestic humpback whales migrate through from May to November.
So, pack your weekend bag. Here is your ultimate Canberra Girl’s Guide to making the absolute most of this coastal slice of heaven.
EAT
Pasta Buoy
Pasta Buoy. Image: Amanda Whitley.
If your idea of heaven is fresh pasta and rich sugo handcrafted daily, Pasta Buoy delivers in spades. The concept here is simple but delicious: choose your favorite pasta shape, pick your sauce, and watch it get whipped up to order.
The slow-cooked beef cheek ragu has rightfully earned legendary local status, and the Vodka Rigatoni has a total cult following.
The vibe gives breezy Mediterranean courtyard and is as perfect for a relaxed weekday lunch as a lively Saturday night out. It’s vibrant, unpretentious, and completely social – just order at the bar, find a seat in the courtyard, and prepare to linger.
60 Owen Street, Huskisson | pastabuoy.com
Peter Eva
Owners Peter and Eva famously ran a pizzeria in Tuscany before making the move to Huskisson, and that rich Italian heritage shines through in absolutely every single bite. The wood-fired oven takes centre stage here, churning out pizzas with perfectly light, airy dough and incredible flavour profiles.
The crowd favourites are undoubtedly the seafood pizza infused with garlic and white wine, the linguini marinara loaded with fresh catch, and the crisp Sicilian cannoli. Make sure you finish the evening with an affogato – poured with Frangelico over silky smooth espresso – and you’ll instantly see why Canberrans make a point of coming back every single trip.
Pro tip: it gets packed even on a weeknight, so definitely book ahead.
2/52 Owen Street, Huskisson | petereva.com.au
Jervis Bay Mussels
Farmed right in the crystal-clear, protected waters of the bay, Huskisson’s local mussels are easily some of the finest in the country – incredibly sweet, plump, and tasting like the ocean.
Operated out of the Jervis Bay Shellfish Market on Bolten Road, this spot serves them up fresh alongside premium oysters and locally sourced seafood. Grab a seat at one of their shady outdoor picnic tables and indulge in seafood pulled straight from the water.
6 Bolten Road, Huskisson | @jervisbaymussels
World Famous Fish and Chips
Look, some classic coastal experiences simply do not need reinventing. Grab yourself a hot, wrapped bundle of fresh local fish – battered or crumbed to perfection – with juicy prawns, calamari, oysters, and a generous helping of chunky chips.
You can wander just 100 metres down to the Huskisson Wharf to eat them by the water, or take a quick drive to the lovely, shaded parklands sitting right beside Moona Moona Creek to enjoy them with a side of stunning views.
2/54 Owen Street, Huskisson | worldfamousfishandchips.com.au
Kraken Sourdough
Kraken Sourdough. Image: Husky Co.
Tucked away in Husky’s industrial backstreets, this hidden gem is easy to miss if you aren’t in the know – but trust me, it is worth the detective work.
Kraken brings proper, big-city artisan baking to this relaxed coastal town. Absolutely everything is made entirely from scratch, from their long-ferment wild culture sourdough loaves to their breathtaking croissants laminated with Pepe Saya butter (a recipe they spent an entire decade perfecting). They even make their own house kimchi.
If you drop by on the weekend, you’ll find sourdough pizzas and decadent doughnuts added to the menu. Their dine-in breakfast menu is a celebration of their artisanal baking, featuring outstanding waffles, fresh bagels, and savoury pastries built on a bread base that is simply unmatched in the region. Be sure to stock up for the trip home.
10 Duranbah Drive, Huskisson | krakensourdough.square.site
Salty Joe’s
Salty Joe’s has firmly cemented itself as a Saturday morning hotspot, and it’s all thanks to the stellar views and the diverse menu.
Overlooking the shimmering bay with an all-day breakfast running until 2:30 pm, the kitchen dishes up everything from a rich shakshuka with house-made labne and dukkah, to classic eggs on sourdough with a delicious house tomato relish and hollandaise.
Their Seven Mile coffee blend is smooth, the fruit smoothies dangerously addictive, and their vibrant acai bowls topped with coconut-soaked oats, fresh banana, and passionfruit are the perfect way to kickstart a coastal weekend.
1/54 Owen Street, Huskisson | saltyjoes.com.au
5 Little Pigs
5 Little Pigs. Image: Tim Bean Photography.
Perched proudly on Owen Street with gorgeous views out over the bustling wharf, 5 Little Pigs has been a beloved Huskisson institution since 2012.
Their breakfast menu takes all your beloved café classics and gives them a creative spin – think crispy zucchini fritters, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, tender pepper squid, and a big breakfast that lives up to its name. Their creamy scrambled eggs have their own dedicated fan club, the pulled pork burger is legendary, and the coffee is consistently top-tier.
It’s dog-friendly, buzzing, and absolutely chockers by 9 am on a weekend. Pro tip: Get there around 8 am and you should be able to grab a table straight away. Any later? Well, you may just have to soak in the water views while you wait.
66 Owen Street, Huskisson | 5littlepigs.com.au
Wild Ginger
For Chin Chin vibes, you shouldn’t look past Wild Ginger. This bar/restaurant hybrid serves up exceptional, modern South East Asian cuisine that is packed with vibrant, punchy flavours.
The fusion menu is designed to share – think sticky pork belly, fragrant massaman curry, and local seafood bursting with fresh herbs and spice. Combined with a killer cocktail list and a beautifully moody, intimate atmosphere, it’s a great place to settle in for a long, indulgent Saturday night dinner.
42 Owen Street, Huskisson | wildgingerhuskisson.com.au
DRINK
Jervis Bay Brewing Co
Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Image: Grainger Films
As Huskisson’s very first craft brewery, Jervis Bay Brewing Co is an absolute must-visit.
Their excellent range of brews pays homage to local coastal history and landmarks. Try the crisp Point Perp Pilsner, cool-fermented with European yeast for a beautifully dry finish; the award-winning Cow & Calf Tropical Pale Ale, absolutely bursting with bright notes of peach and lychee; or the Bright Idea XPA – playfully named after a quirky 1960s proposal to build a nuclear reactor at nearby Murray’s Beach (which, thankfully, passionate locals managed to block). For something richer, the Rainbird Dark Lager delivers fantastic depth and roasted character without being overly heavy.
The sun-drenched beer garden is incredibly relaxed and family-friendly, there are 5 Little Pigs food trucks on site, a mini gallery to browse, and regular events. It’s a true local.
3 Duranbah Drive, Huskisson | jervisbaybrewing.co
Huskisson Hotel
Let’s be honest: wrapping up a sunny Friday afternoon at a great waterfront pub is almost compulsory.
The iconic Huskisson Hotel sits right on the main drag of Owen Street, offering sweeping, uninterrupted views across the sparkling waters of Jervis Bay. It’s the perfect spot for relaxed drinks, a bit of upbeat live music energy, and a classic, breezy coastal night out.
75 Owen Street, Huskisson | pubgroup.com.au/huskisson-hotel
Flamin Galah Brewing Co
Flamin Galah Brewing Co. Image: Destination NSW
For a completely different brewery vibe that is absolute pink-hued perfection, make tracks to the industrial estate to visit Flamin Galah Brewing Co.
Created by local husband-and-wife duo Sam and Nest, this spot is a glorious celebration of great craft beer and exceptionally fun design (yes, there is a literal pink caravan inside). The beers here are fantastic and creative, from their crisp, easy-drinking Alibi Pale Ale to their incredibly popular Pink Guava Sour.
It’s family-friendly and has a fantastic local food truck parked outside to keep you well-fed while you sample the taps.
5 Erina Road, Huskisson | flamingalahbrewingco.com
PLAY
Cruise with Jervis Bay Wild
Jervis Bay Wild. Image: Destination NSW.
While the resident wild dolphin pods that call Jervis Bay home are famous for a reason, the real magic happens when the cool weather rolls around. May marks the official kickoff of the spectacular whale migration season, making it the absolute perfect time to get out on the water.
Jervis Bay Wild hosts incredible whale-watching eco-cruises alongside their classic dolphin tours, giving you a front-row seat to watch majestic humpback whales journey along the coast. Plus, you’ll get a spectacular view of the bay’s iconic, blindingly white-sand beaches from a completely unique perspective.
15 Field Street, Huskisson | jervisbaywild.com.au
Experience Gadhungal Marring
Without a doubt, one of the most profound and meaningful things you can experience while visiting this beautiful region is spending a morning connecting with the team at Gadhungal Marring. This immersive cultural experience is led by passionate local Aboriginal guides who share powerful stories, traditional language, and a much deeper understanding of Country.
It completely reframes the spectacular landscape you’ll be exploring all weekend. Go in with an open heart and an open mind, and give this experience the time and presence it truly deserves.
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, 11 Dent Street, Huskisson | gadhungalmarring.com.au
Huskisson Pictures
Huskisson Pictures: Image: Tim Bean Photography.
If you want to experience a total slice of local living, booking a movie night at Huskisson Pictures is an absolute must. Housed in a wonderfully charming, historic weatherboard hall that dates all the way back to 1913, this beloved local icon has been screening movies to the community since the early 1950s.
It offers a nostalgic, intimate cinema experience that is packed with character. They screen a fantastic, curated mix of the latest blockbusters and quality new releases, making it the perfect, cozy rainy-day backup plan or a relaxed post-dinner treat after a long day of coastal exploring.
19 Sydney St, Huskisson | huskipics.com.au
Jervis Bay Stargazing
If the weather is on your side, prepare for an absolute treat on Saturday evening. Jervis Bay Stargazing runs an immersive, 90-minute guided astronomy session at Moona Moona Beach that is pure magic. You’ll settle into cozy camping chairs with warm blankets and picnic rugs for a sea-breeze experience under rare, velvet darkness that city lights usually erase completely.
A passionate astronomer leads a laser-guided naked-eye tour of the sky, sharing tips for spotting satellites or the ISS alongside fascinating cross-cultural constellation storytelling before letting you peek through state-of-the-art telescopes and astronomy binoculars at deep space galaxies, star clusters, or Saturn’s rings.
You’ll even walk away with a complimentary digital night photography souvenir to keep forever (and if you’re lucky, you might just catch shooting stars or a glimpse of the bay’s famous glowing bioluminescence!).
Moona Moona Beach Playground carpark, Huskisson | jervisbaystargazing.com.au
Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay. Image: Filippo Rivetti
Before you reluctantly point the car back towards Canberra on Sunday, take a short drive down the road to Hyams Beach. The sand here is so astonishingly white it looks almost artificial, and the turquoise water is so brilliant and clear it looks like it can’t possibly be real.
Take a long stroll along the shore, sit in the sun for a moment, and just breathe. It’s absolutely stunning.
Hyams Beach | visitnsw.com
Retail therapy
The boutique shopping scene thriving on and around Owen Street is absolutely worth setting aside time for.
It offers a beautifully curated mix of independent designers, coastal lifestyle stores, and lovely locally owned small businesses – including the gorgeous Few & Far, White Earth Huskisson, Indigo Love, Beyond the Beach Lifestyle, and the creative collective spaces at The Collective Beat. Try walking out without buying anything (we failed).
Owen Street, Huskisson | visithuskisson.com.au
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery. Image: Destination NSW.
Round out your coastal escape with a relaxed visit to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. It’s home to fascinating historical exhibitions, beautifully preserved historic vessels, and rich local stories that detail the region’s deep, enduring connection to the sea.
Would you believe there’s even an entire boat inside the museum? You can literally go inside the historic Lady Denman, the last wooden Sydney Harbour ferry.
11 Dent Street, Huskisson | jervisbaymaritimemuseum.asn.au
STAY
Bay and Bush Cottages
Bay & Busy Cottages. Image: Tim Bean Photography.
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
Huskisson Beach Motel
If you’re looking for something practical, beautifully located, and sitting right in the beating heart of town, the Huskisson Beach Motel is a fantastic choice. It puts you just a literal stone’s throw from the shoreline and an easy, breezy walk away from all the gorgeous eateries and boutiques on Owen Street.
Consider it your perfect, fuss-free base camp for a weekend of indulgence, coastal exploring, and doing blissful, absolute nothing. You can even check in via the contactless check-in kiosk that automatically deposits your key (don’t worry, there’s a human nearby for emotional support if you need it!).
9 Hawke Street, Huskisson | huskissonbeachmotel.com.au
Latitude
If your idea of a coastal escape involves waking up to panoramic ocean views and checking the surf conditions without even getting out of bed, Latitude is exactly where you need to check in.
Perched right on the beach, these luxurious, beautifully designed apartments offer a flawless blend of high-end comfort and effortless, breezy style. Think sun-drenched balconies, stunning contemporary finishes, and relaxed waterfront luxury.
4 Hawke St, Huskisson | latitudesouthcoast.com.au
Paperbark Camp
For a stay that is truly unforgettable, take a tiny 10-minute drive just outside of Husky to experience the absolute pioneer of Australian luxury glamping.
Tucked away beautifully among the soaring paperbarks and eucalyptus trees, Paperbark Camp pairs a sustainable, eco-friendly ethos with pure, unadulterated indulgence. You’ll stay in magnificent safari-style tents elevated above the bushland, complete with gorgeous wrap-around verandas and open-air private en suites that let you soak in a freestanding bath right under the stars.
Combined with their treehouse-style dining at The Gunyah, canoeing along the peaceful creek, and resident kangaroos wandering past, it is a truly magical nature escape that feeds the soul.
571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia | paperbarkcamp.com.au
Getting there
Main Road 92 is the shortest route to the white sand beaches of Jervis Bay as well as Canberra’s closest surf breaks.
Recently upgraded and fully sealed, it’s the road less travelled from Canberra to the coast.
The 2.5 hour drive will take you through quaint country towns, Morton National Park’s breathtaking sandstone escarpments and convict history.
The author travelled to Huskisson courtesy of Husky Co.
