Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay
Just southeast of Nowra, the sheltered waters of Jervis Bay, (pronounced “Jarvis�) by a political quirk, are technically part of the ACT, in order to provide Canberra with access to the sea. The beautiful coast of the Jervis Bay National Park, at the southeast arm of the bay, is very popular, with its rugged cliffs facing the pounding ocean and tranquil beaches of dazzling white sand and clear water within the confines of the bay, while inland heaths, wetlands and forests offer strolls and bushwalks; details are available from the visitor centre as you enter the park.
There are a couple of campsites: the more secluded and small Cave Beach on Wreck Bay is the most sought-after site, despite its cold showers; the larger, more expensive Greenpatch, on a creek by Jervis Bay, has the benefit of hot showers, and cars can be parked at each tent site. Holiday-unit accommodation, sleeping up to six, is available on Ellmoos Road, at Kullindi, and at Lumeah, with weekly-only rates in summer.
The Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, which has land in the middle section of the park, organizes a summer cultural interpretation programme, Wreck Bay Walkabouts (bookings and information), which covers diet and medicines, archeology and wildlife; plus there’s the recommended Barry’s Bushtucker Tours.
Jervis Bay Botanic Gardens (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sun 10am–5pm, closed Sat except Dec–April 10am–5pm; free), on Cave Beach Road, is an annexe of Canberra’s Australian National Botanic Gardens and has specimens of plants from around Australia, including a pleasantly cool rainforest gully. Heading south from Sydney to Jervis Bay, 10km south of Nowra, down the turn-off for Huskisson takes you to Marayong Park Emu Farm, 132 Jervis Bay Rd, (Wed–Sun 10am–4pm: guided tours and emu feeding sessions 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm)
On the western shores of Jervis Bay, 21km southeast of Nowra, HUSKISSON is an old town that’s a popular tourist spot, with several beachside campsites: the council-run Huskisson Beach Tourist Park, Beach Street, has a playground and tennis courts; or try Huskisson White Sands Tourist Park, corner of Nowra and Beach streets.
Merimbula
This flourishing resort/fishing town is situated on the picturesque Lake Merimbula at the entrance to the Merimbula River. It is a haven for relaxing by the sea or enjoying its many attractions which include excellent surfing , fishing, boating, a fantastic golf course and delicious fresh seafoods.
The pretty township of MERIMBULA attracts a lot of holiday-makers from Victoria because of its accessibility, year-round temperate climate and good beaches. Between tanning sessions, you can cruise Merimbula Lake (actually the wide mouth of the Merimbula River) and Pambula Lake with several different companies for around $20 for two hours: Sinbad Cruises (book at the tourist centre) are recommended for their interesting commentary on Aboriginal history and oyster cultivation.
By bus, you can get to Merimbula from Canberra, Cooma or Eden with Countrylink, from Sydney or Melbourne with Greyhound Pioneer, and from Sydney or Eden.
Kalorama Caravan Park, Millingandi Rd, Pambula. Swimming pool, toddlers’ pool and tennis court.
Mandeni Resort, Sapphire Coast Drive, 7km north. Fully equipped timber cottages in a bushland setting, sleeping a maximum of six. Facilities include tennis courts, two swimming pools, a golf course and many walking trails. Weekly bookings only.
South Haven Caravan Park, Elizabeth St, between Merimbula Lake and the beach. Sauna, heated pool, tennis and squash courts.