Booderee National Park: 12 Must-See Attractions

You’ll be hard-pushed to find a more paradise-like national park in Australia than Booderee National Park. Here, crystal-clear waters meet brilliant white sand. Coastal forests delicately wrap each beach and wonderful bush walks join the dots in between. If you’re after a laid-back coastal experience, nestled among pristine native bushland and filled with extraordinary wildlife, then head to Booderee National Park.

In this guide, we’ve narrowed down 12 of the best attractions in Booderee National Park to get you started. But first, a bit about Booderee National Park.

Read Jervis Bay Walks: 13 Easy Hikes Not To Miss

About Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is a pristine patch of unspoiled coastal heaven along the south coast of NSW. Owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, the national park works hand in hand with Parks Australia and features epic camping locations, outrageously beautiful beaches, delicate and pretty coastal forests and an array of interesting wildlife.

The name ‘Booderee’ comes from the Dhurga language of the indigenous Wreck Bay people and means ‘bay of plenty’ or ‘plenty of fish’. Certainly, if you head out for some rock fishing or even a spot of snorkelling, you’re sure to encounter some of the rich varieties of marine life found off the coast of the national park.

Excitingly, a huge percentage of Booderee National Park’s staff and volunteers are local Indigenous people. Connecting is a great way to learn in-depth knowledge and more about the history of the national park. Be sure to stop in at the Visitor Centre on arrival to pick up more information.

Top 12 Things to Do at Booderee National Park

A visit to Booderee National Park will likely involve some beach hopping, swimming, coastal walks and lookouts. There’s plenty to keep you occupied in the park, including camping at one of its three exceptional campgrounds. Below, we’ll run through 12 of the best attractions at Booderee National Park which we absolutely loved visiting and would highly recommend.

For some of the 12 attractions, we’ve written more detailed guides. So, feel free to click on the links underneath each item to access more in-depth information about that particular location.

For your convenience, below is an interactive map showing the location of each of the attractions listed in this guide.

1. Iluka Beach

Iluka Beach is a glorious stretch of white sand and calm turquoise waters. Dan and I think Iluka Beach is one of the best beaches for swimming in Booderee National Park, given the gentle waves and naturally sheltered location.

Its position, facing east, means Iluka Beach is a wonderful patch to set up and enjoy a sunrise. Indeed, watching the changing colours dance across the sky as the sun pops up over Booderee National Park is quite magical from Iluka Beach.

In addition, we’ve heard Iluka is one of the best locations in Booderee National Park to see the famous Jervis Bay bioluminescence. Let’s hope you get lucky.

• Location: Iluka Beach, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Main Car Park and smaller lay-by car park

Read more: Iluka Beach, Jervis Bay – 7 Wonderful Reasons To Visit

2. Green Patch Beach

Green Patch Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Booderee National Park. And we can totally see why. Like Iluka Beach, which is right next door, Green Patch is another of Booderee’s great swimming beaches. In addition to swimming, snorkelling is particularly good. To the right of the beach is a patch of rock platforms where it’s possible to see octopus and squid.

The pretty Green Patch Lagoon flows from behind the beach and out into Jervis Bay, creating a sort of island feel to Green Patch Beach. It certainly adds to its remote charm. And, if you don’t want to leave, because, why would you, then Green Patch Campground is one of the best places to stay the night in Booderee National Park.

There are also a couple of nice loop walks you can do from Green Patch Beach. Find out more in our guide below.

• Location: Green Patch Beach, VP7C+Q5, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Green Patch Day Visitor Car Park

Read more: Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay – Top 6 Things To Do

3. Bristol Point

East of Green Patch Beach is Bristol Point, which is mostly known as the location of another of Booderee National Park’s stellar campgrounds. But, in addition, you can enjoy a short and picturesque coastal trail to Bristol Point Beach. This secluded beach is much quieter than many of Booderee National Park’s other beaches. Its calm waters are perfect for a quick dip, albeit it’s best to visit at low tide.

Again, snorkelling is good and the coastal bush walks between Bristol Point and Green Patch are quite lovely.

• Location: Bristol Point Rd, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Bristol Point Day Visitor Car Park

Read more: A Quick Guide To Booderee National Park Camping

4. Scottish Rocks

Next up after Bristol Point is a well-known attraction in Booderee National Park called Scottish Rocks. Littered along this small section of northern Booderee are unusual and interesting low rock formations. They look like giant sea sponges and are a hive of marine life.

Pop on the snorkelling gear and hunt out sea dragons and sea stars in the unbelievably clear and shallow water. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and stingrays too, although you’ll need to be very lucky.

There’s a short walk through the coastal forest to reach Scottish Rocks. The trail is wide and easy to navigate, whilst you enjoy the wonderful birdlife and beachside scenery.

• Location: Scottish Rocks, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Scottish Rocks Car Park

Read more: How To Visit Hole In The Wall, Jervis Bay (& Scottish Rocks)

5. Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall is one of the best attractions inside Booderee National Park. At the northeast end of Hole in the Wall Beach is a sandstone rock wall that juts out into Jervis Bay. The sandstone eroded to first form a hole, before collapsing into the u-shape gap you can see today.

Visiting this attraction is great at sunrise, where it’s sometimes possible to capture the sun rays poking through the hole as it lights up Jervis Bay. It’s a wonderful sight.

Like Scottish Rocks, there’s a short walk from the car park on the side of Jervis Bay Road to reach Hole in the Wall Beach. To access the attraction, you’ll need to walk along the beach. But, this is only really possible at low tide, so time your visit accordingly.

• Location: Hole in the Wall, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Hole in the Wall Car Park

Read more: How To Visit Hole In The Wall, Jervis Bay (& Scottish Rocks)

6. Murrays Beach & Governor Head Lookout

Murrays Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in Jervis Bay. In fact, for Dan and I, it’s one of our favourites in Booderee National Park. A short coastal boardwalk brings you out onto the most glorious stretch of brilliant white sand and intense turquoise water. Trees gently lop onto the beach and the whole location is backed by thick coastal bush. In short, this place is paradise.

Whether you choose to set up for the day on the beach, stroll down the sand looking for the Murrays Beach Cave or take the coastal walk to reach Governor Head Lookout, you’re sure to love this part of Booderee National Park as much as we do.

And, if you have a boat, head straight for the Murrays Beach boat ramp and set sail for the day.

• Location: Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Murrays Beach Car Park

Read more: The Complete Guide To Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

7. Cape St. George Lighthouse

On the eastern edge of Booderee National Park is the Cape St. George Lighthouse. However, you won’t find an intact lighthouse. Rather, the ruins of one. But, it’s still worth a visit nonetheless. That’s because, from the Cape St. George Lighthouse, you have wonderful uninterrupted views out to the majestic Pacific Ocean. These views are perfect during whale migration season, which typically runs from May through to November.

The lighthouse was originally built in 1860 and could house 15 people. In addition to the three-story lighthouse are other outbuildings. These would have been used as a kitchen and laundry and one for the toilet block too.

A short loop walk takes you around the historical Cape St. George Lighthouse ruins and the beautiful headland it sits on.

• Location: Cape St. George Lighthouse, Stony Creek Rd, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Cape St. George Lighthouse Car Park

8. Cave Beach

If the tame and tranquil waters of Iluka, Green Patch and Murrays Beach don’t do it for ya, then head to the south coast of Booderee National Park. Here, the beaches are more rugged and exposed. The calm waters are replaced with crashing waves and weather-eroded coastlines. In short, the beaches here are nothing short of spectacular, but in completely different ways to the north coast of Booderee National Park.

One such beach that has become quite beloved amongst regular visitors and surfers to Booderee, is Cave Beach. This splendid beach is one of the best surf beaches in Booderee National Park. But, for those more land-based, there are exceptional caves to explore at the western end of the beach. One main cave is deep and from within, perfectly frames Cave Beach and beyond.

There’s a fabulous lookout before you walk down to the beach which you should check out. Also, keep a close eye out for kangaroos, that seem to particularly enjoy the Cave Beach location.

And, if this place really blows you away, then you can always camp here. The Cave Beach Campground is a blissful place to lay the head down in Booderee National Park. Certainly, campers return here year after year as Cave Beach is hands down one of the best coastal camp spots along the South Coast of NSW.

• Location: Cave Beach, Jervis Bay Territory 2540, Australia
• Parking: Cave Beach Car Park

Read more: Cave Beach Jervis Bay – The Complete Visitor’s Guide

9. Steamers Beach

Dan and I were excited to visit Steamers Beach. Unfortunately, a storm with heavy rain the night before we visited meant the access road was closed due to flooding. Still, hopefully, you’ll have better luck.

Steamers Beach is one of the only Booderee National Park beaches that requires a decent walk to get to. But, don’t worry, at 2.3km, it isn’t long. The golden sand beach of Steamers curves gently along the coastline. Its slightly tucked-in position along the south coast of Booderee National Park means that Steamers Beach can feel quite sheltered. But, don’t let that fool you. The sea here can be rough and Steamers Beach isn’t recommended to swim in. The northern Booderee National Park beaches will have to suffice, which they do.

Large headlands flank both sides of the beach, and the coastal bushland rising sharply behind Steamers Beach makes the whole place feel very secret and secluded. The walk from the car park to Steamers Beach passes through the pristine and untouched beauty of Booderee National Park. The final stretch down to the beach requires walking down a steep section of trail, but the views as you go are quite something.

Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins. Also, be sure to add on the short walk to Brooks Lookout for more exceptional coastal views.

• Location: Steamers Beach, Jervis Bay Territory 2540, Australia
• Parking: Steamers Beach Car Park

10. Booderee Botanic Gardens

If you fancy a break from the glorious beaches and coastal trails, then head to Booderee Botanic Gardens. The national park is home to more than 460 native plants, and you can view them at the expansive botanic gardens.

The Booderee Botanic Gardens is the only Aboriginal-owned botanic garden in Australia. You can learn about how medicines are made from the native plants and meander along many of the garden walks.

Admittance is free, with the fee included in the Parks Pass. The gardens are open from 8am and there’s a wonderful picnic area with gas BBQs to enjoy too.

• Location: Botanic Gardens Access, Jervis Bay JBT 2540, Australia
• Parking: Booderee Botanic Gardens Car Park

Booderee National Park Walks

There are plenty of excellent coastal walks within Booderee National Park. Below we’ve listed our favourites and linked a GPS map to each one.

• Steamers Beach: Out & Back w/loop | 5.8km | Map: AllTrails
• Telegraph Creek Nature Trail: Loop | 3.4km | Map: AllTrails
• Caves Beach & Ryans Swamp: Loop | 4.5km | Map: AllTrails

Additional short walks include Murrays Walking Trail and Green Patch to Bristol Point.

Useful Things to Know Before You Go

So, that was a rundown of 12 of the best attractions and things to do in Booderee National Park. But, before you visit, there are some useful things to know. Let’s take a look.

Where Is Booderee National Park?

Booderee National Park sits at the furthest point south of Jervis Bay. The headland belongs to the ACT, and not NSW, and so requires a Parks Pass to visit.

Feel free to click on the interactive map below to help plan your journey.

Booderee National Park Pass

To visit, you’ll need to purchase a Booderee National Park Pass. The entry fee is $13AUD for 2 days and the pass can be purchased online before you arrive, at the entrance ticket gates or by using the QR codes dotted around the national park once you’ve arrived.

If you opt to purchase when you arrive using QR codes, be warned, that the phone signal is quite weak, so it’s recommended you try and connect to the Visitor Centre WiFi to complete your purchase. As Dan and I arrived early and were not so organised, we used the QR codes to buy the Parks Pass and it worked well, albeit the dicey reception meant processing payment went slowly.

If you are entering Booderee National Park on foot or by bicycle, then it is free to enter. Additionally, if you are camping in the national park, the entry fee is included in your camping fee, so you don’t need to pay to enter.

You can find out more information and how to book your ticket on the Parks Australia website.

How to Get to Booderee National Park

Heading down to Jervis Bay and Booderee National Park from Sydney is very popular. It’s also very straightforward and takes just 2–3 hours to drive. You’ll follow the M1 south down to Bomaderry, before picking up the A1 Jervis Bay Road. Follow this directly to Booderee National Park.

If you want to break up the journey and make a longer trip itinerary out of heading down to Booderee National Park, then we recommend stopping at Killalea Regional Park, Kiama and Huskisson.

Read more: How To Get From Sydney To Jervis Bay

Public Transport

If you don’t have your own vehicle and don’t want to hire one, then it’s possible to take public transport to Jervis Bay from Sydney. But, you’d then need to walk, or cycle, to Booderee National Park. Also, with a total journey time of just over five hours and three changes, it’s not a quick trip. Still, if you can take your bicycle and plan on cycling around the national park, then it might be an option to consider.

You’ll first take the train from Sydney to Kiama. At Kiama, you’ll take the bus to Bomaderry. Then, from Bomaderry, take the #103 bus to Hyams Beach. From Hyams Beach, you’ll need to walk (or cycle) almost 4km to the Booderee National Park entrance. And then, you’ll need to walk to all of the above-mentioned attractions.

You can check public transport options at TransportNSW.

Getting Around Booderee National Park

There is no public transport in Booderee National Park. By far, the easiest way to visit and see the above 12 attractions is by driving. Alternatively, cycling is a popular way to explore. And, if you own a boat, you can tour Booderee National Park by sea.

Park Australia’s website suggests walking around Booderee is possible. But, having visited, we can see you’d be in for some really long sections of inland road walking. This would be very time-consuming and you wouldn’t see very much. Certainly, if you’re keen to see plenty of Booderee National Park when you visit, having your own vehicle is much more convenient.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Booderee National Park Camping

Camping is very popular in Booderee National Park, and for good reason. The national park is home to three wonderfully situated campgrounds – Green Patch Campground, Bristol Point Campground and Cave Beach Campground. Each offers incredible beachside and secluded camping experiences. Managed by Parks Australia, camping in Booderee National Park won’t break the bank, but you’ll need to be organised. Campsites can book up weeks in advance, especially during summer and public holidays.

Green Patch is the best all-rounder when it comes to Booderee National Park campgrounds. Catering for tents, trailers, campers and caravans, you’ll have the most options and the best amenities.

Next door to Green Patch Campground is Bristol Point Campground. This smaller campsite is tent-only and the beachside campground is perfectly nestled within the coastal forest on the northern shores of Booderee National Park, overlooking the sublime Jervis Bay.

Lastly, Cave Beach Campground is a walk-in-only campsite on the south coast of Booderee National Park. Amenities are great and the location is phenomenal. Perched up on the hillside overlooking Cave Beach, sunrise and sunset are perfectly viewed a stone’s throw from the comfort of your tent.

Read our guide for more information on booking, camping fees and what to expect when camping in Booderee National Park.

Wildlife at Booderee National Park

You’d be truly unlucky to miss out on seeing wildlife in Booderee National Park. The area is teeming with animals. In particular, look out for kangaroos and wallabies, especially at dawn and dusk. If you’re really lucky, you might also spot an echidna or two.

If birds are your thing, keep your eyes peeled for lorikeets, rosellas, kookaburras and parrots. They particularly enjoy the stretch between Iluka Beach and Green Patch Beach.

If out in the sea and snorkelling, you might come across squid and octopus at Green Patch. Whereas, around the Scottish Rocks you might see sea dragons and sea stars. The super lucky might even see turtles. Additionally, keep a look out for stingrays and a whole host of colourful fish.

If driving in Booderee National Park around dawn and dusk, take care on the roads as wildlife is most active then.

FAQs

Below, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Booderee National Park. But, if you have any other queries, pop them in the comments below, and we’ll be happy to help.

How Big Is Booderee National Park?

Booderee National Park is 63.12 km².

Who Runs Booderee National Park?

The Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community owns the park and Parks Australia co-manages it.

Is Booderee National Park Open?

From time to time, Booderee National Park can close due to various reasons. On a previous visit back in 2020, the park was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And, on this most recent visit, a section was closed due to flood damage. Always check the Parks Australia website before heading out to check for any full or partial closures of the park.

Is Booderee National Park in NSW?

No. Despite Jervis Bay being part of NSW, Booderee National Park is part of the ACT. This was decided as a way to give the otherwise landlocked territory access to the coast. Because of that, a NSW Parks Pass won’t be accepted as admittance, and you will need to purchase the Booderee Parks Pass.

Are Dogs Allowed in Booderee National Park?

No.

Why Is Booderee National Park Special?

Because it’s a beautiful coastal national park owned by the local indigenous Aboriginal community.

Other Things to Do at Jervis Bay

If you love Booderee National Park, then there’s plenty more to explore in the Jervis Bay area. Below is a list of some of our favourite attractions.

• Hyams Beach: world famous for the whitest sand in Australia (or so says the tourism board), you haven’t been to Jervis Bay without stepping foot on Hyams Beach.
• White Sands Walk: beginning or ending at Hyams Beach, take the coastal White Sands Walk through Scribbley Gum forest, passing many a splendid beach.
• Blenheim Beach: one of the beaches on the White Sands Walk is Blenheim, which we think is a great alternative to Hyams Beach.
• Greenfield Beach: a small patch of coast in Jervis Bay, this quiet beach is simply stunning.
• Chinaman Beach: neighbouring Hyams Beach, we actually think Chinaman is the best beach in Jervis Bay.
• Huskisson: Jervis Bay’s main hub has plenty to keep you occupied. From great coffee and bakeries to the marine park, dolphin cruises and a museum. Finish the day off at the brewery or with a drink at The Husky.
• Granite Falls: a little-known waterfall lies a short distance from Jervis Bay.
• Honeymoon Bay: head round to the Beecroft Peninsula and stop in at one of the most bijous and picturesque beaches in the area. Bear in mind, that only weekend visits are allowed as this area is a weapons range.
• Tianjara Falls: enjoy a short walk to a great lookout of this seriously impressive waterfall. Don’t miss this on your trip to Jervis Bay.

Read more: Jervis Bay Walks: 13 Easy Hikes Not To Miss

Booderee National Park Bonus Tips

• Tide times: some attractions in Booderee National Park are tide-dependent. You can check the Jervis Bay tides on Willy Weather.
• No patrol: although swimming at Booderee National Park is an absolute must, beaches here are not patrolled. As such, you should assess the conditions for yourself when you arrive. Generally speaking though, the beaches on the north of Booderee National Park, along Jervis Bay, are less hazardous for swimming and snorkelling.
• Jervis Bay Village: despite the untouched and natural beauty of Booderee National Park, it does have one main settlement. That’s Jervis Bay Village and it’s located to the north of the national park. There’s a supermarket if you need any supplies whilst visiting.
• More of Booderee: consider visiting Wreck Bay Village, Stoney Creek and Ryans Swamp.

Be sure to bookmark or save this post for a handy resource so you’re prepared for your trip to Booderee National Park.

We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.