A sheltered inlet of the Pacific Ocean 16.1 km long and 9.7 km wide, Jervis Bay is an expansive coastal bay area surrounded by charming seaside villages and towns, with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Where is it?: New South Wales South Coast

Bounded by Jervis Bay Marine Park and national parks, the bay has outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving conditions. Jervis Bay offers some of the best whale watching experiences in Australia. The Bay is fortunately placed so, that the migration, both north and south can be observed as they pass the entrance to Jervis Bay. Seals and dolphins are regular visitors year round.

Jervis Bay is named after the British Admiral John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent.

Localities

Beecroft Peninsula: the northern arm of land that separates Jervis Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Excellent rock fishing is to be found all around the peninsula but like most rock fishing sites can be dangerous in big seas. If fishing or walking in isolated areas around the cliffs tell someone where you are going and please bring your rubbish out with you. Honeymoon Bay, a small heart-shaped beach on the Beecroft Peninsula is another popular visitor destination. A number of walks and sheltered swimming areas can be accessed from the road to Point Perpendicular. The lookout allows spectacular views of Jervis Bay.

Much of the peninsula is controlled by the Department of Defence (Navy) as a gunnery range. All access to the southern cliffs is through the boom gate beside the Ranger's office at the beginning of Lighthouse Road. Access is not allowed during bombing, otherwise you can roam the peninsular at any time. It is almost guarantied to be open on the weekends.

Culburra Beach: a the regional centre for the coastal villages east of Nowra. Originally designed by Walter Burley Griffin, the architect who designed Canberra, its shops and businesses provide a range of services and places to eat for residents and visitors to the region.

Callala: the townships of Callala Bay, Callala Beach and Myola are located on the northern side of beautiful Jervis Bay and are accessed from the Culburra Beach Road. Both towns have a variety of food and other shops. Rental cottages, B&Bs;, and caravan parks provide tourist accommodation. The sheltered white sandy beaches of northern Jervis Bay provide safe swimming and excellent fishing. They are especially popular for families with young children or people who prefer still water swimming.

Currarong: a quiet coastal village at the northern end of the rugged Beecroft Peninsula. The town boasts almost as many tractors as permanent residents. These are the preferred vehicle to launch boats for fishing or SCUBA diving though a conventional 4WD will do the same job. Abrahams Bosom is a safe sheltered beach which has picnic grounds with wood BBQs at either end. A variety of walks start at from this sheltered cove ranging from the 500-meter stroll to the wreck of the SS Merimbula to the half-day Coomb's walk.

Point Perpendicular: the perfectly formed sandstone cliffs of Point Perpendicular protect the entrance to Jervis Bay on the northern side. Point Perpendicular was named by Lieut. James Cook during his famous voyage to Australia in 1770 in search of new trading routes for Britain. The 75 metre high cliffs of Point Perpendicular have become a magnet for rock climbers and abseilers. Some of the best cliffs for climbers are at the end of Lighthouse Road.

The lighthouse is a photographer's delight. Whales, dolphins and seals can often be spotted from the top of the cliffs. The original lighthouse for Jervis Bay was built at Cape St George on the southern side of the bay and commenced operation in 1860. The lighthouse had been incorrectly sited by the contractor who had chosen the site for convenience, with a quarry near-by. Cape St George lighthouse was destroyed in the early 1900's. Cape St George lighthouse was destroyed in the early 1900's.

Huskisson: 24 km south-east of Nowra, Huskisson a major town of the Jervis Bay region, and the major tourist centre for it. Huskisson is a very much a typical, under-developed, sleepy holiday resort and fishing port. Situated alongside Currambene Creek which serves also as an anchorage and fishing port, Huskisson is close to white beaches and crystal blue waters. Fishing and tourism are Huskisson's main industries. Popular activities include fishing, diving, sailing and surfing as well as hire and charter boats.