The best camping in Jervis Bay National Park, NSW

When it comes to natural beauty, Jervis Bay is hard to beat. Around three hours’ drive south of Sydney in the Shoalhaven region near Nowra, the bay stretches for 100km and is bordered by national parks and holiday townships, including Huskisson, Currarong and Callala Beach. The South Coast getaway's most famous attraction is without a doubt Hyams Beach, which is often said to have the whitest sand in the world. But it’s just one of many beautiful beaches that dot its shore. The bay is also one of the best whale-watching destinations in Australia, as whales stop to rest in the protected waters during their annual migration from June to October.

No trip to Jervis Bay is complete without a visit to Hyams Beach, which is known for its white sands. While it’s the main highlight of Jervis Bay National Park, this natural wonderland offers plenty of other delights. The White Sands Walk and interconnected Scribbly Gum Track loop through the park, taking you along the coast and through forest and woodland. Stop along the walking track to go snorkelling and enjoy a picnic lunch at a secluded beach, and look out for birdlife including new holland honey-eaters, eastern spinebills, eastern rosellas, and crimson rosellas, as well as native animals such as possums and sugar gliders. Bull Hole lookout offers fantastic views over the coast and surrounding dunes, which are covered in swamp oak, banksias and wattle trees, from an elevated viewing platform. Learn about the area’s history and culture on a tour with an Indigenous guide, in which you can also try your hand at weaving and taste damper and native tea.

See the ruins of the heritage-listed Cape St George Lighthouse, which is perched on the edge of a cliff in nearby Booderee National Park. The park has great camping areas and is home to Australia’s only Indigenous-owned and managed Botanic Gardens. Beautiful beaches also abound. They include family favourite Green Patch, Scottish Rocks, Bristol Point, Hole in the Wall and Murrays Beach, which is a great place to watch the sunrise over Bowen Island. Another highlight of Booderee National Park is Cave Beach, which is popular for surfing and the chance to see native Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos and wallabies.

Explore the tranquil Currambene Creek, its mangrove forests, and wildlife, including soldier crabs, sea eagles and stingrays, during a safari or sunset cruise aboard the iconic Husky Ferry. The ferry also operates between Myola and Huskisson on weekends.

Just north of Moona Moona Creek in Huskisson, Moona Moona Beach is a great spot for swimming and picnics, thanks to its shallow water and facilities, including barbecues and outdoor showers. While you’re there, catch a flick at Huskisson Pictures, housed in a former community hall built in 1913, and try some local ales and grab a bite from a food truck at Jervis Bay Brewing Co.

The perfect place for uncommon camping, Honeymoon Bay's sandy shore forms a picturesque horseshoe, shielding visitors from the larger waves. Whether you're looking for a relaxing paddle in a sheltered bay or an exciting day on the water fishing for an impressive catch, Honeymoon Bay has so much to offer. An exciting camping spot with endless activities, it's clear why the bay is so sought-after.