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

Green Patch Beach in Jervis Bay has to be seen to be believed. Sheltered by coastal forest and separated by a tannin-stained lagoon, this glorious stretch of pure white sand and turquoise water very much feels like an island paradise. Better still, you can even spend the night at Green Patch, utilising the considerately built Booderee National Park camping facilities.

Dan and I would head to Green Patch Beach for the sand and sea alone. But, you’ll be pleased to know there are six worthwhile things to do at Green Patch in Jervis Bay. Below, we’ll briefly outline each one.

Read Jervis Bay Walks: 13 Easy Hikes Not To Miss

About Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay

Green Patch Beach is one of the most outstanding beaches of pristine turquoise water and powder white sand. Backed by coastal forest, surrounded by rock pools and teeming with wildlife, it’s a true gem along the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Located on the northern shores of Booderee National Park, Green Patch Beach is a popular place to visit, with lots of people spending the day soaking in the peaceful surroundings and near-perfect swimming conditions. Short coastal walks are also easy to achieve from Green Patch, Jervis Bay.

Additionally, camping at Green Patch is incredibly popular, and we can see why. Spending the night immersed in nature, on the doorstep of this superb beach, is surely hard to turn down. In addition, camping amenities are fantastic and day visitors are catered to just as well, with a wonderful picnic area to enjoy.

Certainly, no trip to Booderee National Park is complete without a visit to Green Patch Beach.

Top 6 Things to Do at Green Patch Jervis Bay

It’s no surprise Green Patch Beach in Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay, is such a popular place to visit. The Green Patch area itself covers a substantial plot, and there’s plenty to keep you enthralled by the natural beauty of the place all day, and even into the night.

Let’s take a look at the top six things to do while visiting Green Patch Beach.

1. Relax at Green Patch Beach

First things first, head to the beach. Well, this stands to reason really. Beaconing is a glorious oasis of white sand and dazzling turquoise waters. Backed by dense coastal bush with sweeping views out across Jervis Bay, this is one heck of a beach. Roll out that towel and set up camp for the day.

The walk from the car park to Green Patch Beach is just as wonderful too. Passing through dry coastal forest along wooden boardwalks, it’s a feast for the senses. Certainly, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The approach to the beach crosses over the Green Patch Lagoon, fed by Telegraph Creek. Here, a rustic wooden bridge transports you to easily one of the best beaches in Jervis Bay.

Swimming and Snorkelling

The paradise that awaits is breathtaking. Laying out on the sand is a wonderful way to relax. But, if you start to get a little restless, the crystal clear waters are a great place to frolic. The sea here is calm and the waves lap gently on the powdery sand. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed swim, for all the family.

Snorkelling is a great activity, with plenty to explore around the rock platforms to the east of the beach (to the right-hand side as you look out to sea). Around the forest headland are a series of rocky platforms that are a great place to spot squid and octopus, as well as plenty of fish.

Exploring Green Patch Point

Heading east along Green Patch Beach brings you to a narrow channel of water curving around the sand as it funnels from the lagoon and heads out to sea. During our visit, Dan and I found the water to be a vibrant orange-brown hue, caused by the Tea Tree tannin run-off from the surrounding forest. Having medicinal properties, you should take the opportunity to splash around!

In fact, this area of the beach has a completely different feel to the tropical vibes of the open bay further west and certainly invites some exploration.

To access this small headland on the opposite side of the Telegraph Creek, head back across the bridge to the day visitor area. Turn left and join a trail that will lead out through this coastal bushland. At the end, you’ll enter onto the rock platforms. Also, from here you’ll find access to another tiny, secluded beach, situated right before you reach Bristol Point.

2. Picnic at the Green Patch Beach Day Area

When the pangs of hunger hit, you don’t need to worry about sandy sangas. That’s because Green Patch has a wonderful picnic area located right next to the beach’s entrance. It’s a large space with plenty of picnic tables and space to relax on the grass.

At the Green Patch Beach day area, you’ll also find an amenities block, gas BBQs and a covered seating area. Additionally, there’s the KoffeeClan Van. We visited first thing in the morning on a Friday in summer and it wasn’t open. Online information suggests it’s open 8:30am to 4pm. But, that hasn’t been updated in some years. If you know whether the KoffeClan Van is still in operation, let us know in the comments.

Either way, the sheltered seating is free to use and a great place to take a break from the sun, or head to if the weather takes a turn. Dan and I have certainly had our fair share of wet days in Jervis Bay.

3. Spend the Night Camping at Green Patch Beach

I cannot think of a more picturesque place for camping than at Green Patch Beach. In fact, the whole of Booderee National Park offers some wonderful beachside camping locations.

Specifically, Green Patch camping offers an almost secret and hidden location. Camping sites are numbered and must be booked online, beforehand. It’s not possible to simply rock up and pitch a tent. As you can imagine, camping at Green Patch is extremely popular. It’s not unusual for weekend and summer holiday spots to be booked up weeks in advance. To book your camp spot, head to the Parks Australia website.

Campsites are divided into four categories. They include standard and large drive-in sites and standard and large walk-in sites. Campers can enjoy hot showers, toilets, BBQs and fresh water. Additionally, you can enjoy plenty of resident kangaroos too. Also, there are some walking trails to the beach from Green Patch Campground, used only by those who are camping, and not by day trippers.

Remember, if you are heading to Green Patch Beach as a day visitor, it’s not permitted to use the amenities at the campground. Instead, be sure to use the toilet block and picnic facilities in the day area next to the beach.

Read more: A Quick Guide To Booderee National Park Camping

4. Enjoy a Green Patch Beach Sunset

Green Patch Beach has become one of the best locations in Jervis Bay to watch the sunset. Even the colours thrown off by sunrise can be pretty incredible too. Certainly, one of the best ways to be around for sunrise or sunset is by camping at Green Patch.

Dan and I just missed sunrise, but we still managed to enjoy the muted tones of an early morning on Green Patch Jervis Bay. And, without another soul in sight too.

5. Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Wildlife

Booderee National Park is home to some extraordinary wildlife. At Green Patch Beach you can expect to see plenty of kangaroos, especially if you visit first thing in the morning. We saw plenty just laying out in the day-use picnic area. As well as kangaroos, you might even spot some wallabies and if you’re really lucky, echidnas.

If birds are your thing, then you’re in luck. Lorikeets, rosellas, kookaburras and parrots frequent the coastal forest areas around Green Patch, Jervis Bay. They’re certainly quite used to people so don’t be surprised if a few birds come to join your picnic. Dan and I saw plenty of colourful birdlife at Green Patch Point.

And of course, as mentioned earlier, there’s some interesting marine life to look out for too like octopus and squid. It’s also not that uncommon to spot dolphins out in Jervis Bay as well.

6. Take a Walk From Green Patch Beach

There are a couple of enjoyable coastal trails you can take from Green Patch Jervis Bay too.

Green Patch to Bristol Point Loop

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 2km
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Green Patch Car Park

Enjoy this fantastic short loop walk from Green Patch Beach to neighbouring Bristol Point along a nature-filled and tranquil shoreline trail. Best walked at low tide, the track passes through the Green Patch picnic area where you’ll cross a bridge at the far end towards the rock platforms. Follow the trail to access the platforms.

From here, the trail heads right, where you’ll arrive at the secluded beach. From here, head back up the rocks at the eastern end and towards Bristol Point Beach. Rejoin the trail that heads back up to the Bristol Point picnic area and then continue back to Green Patch Jervis Bay.

We couldn’t locate a trail map online, so please use the above map to show the rough route, which we’ve drawn in green.

Telegraph Creek Nature Trail

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 2km
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Green Patch Car Park
• Map: AllTrails

The Telegraph Creek Nature Trail leaves the shoreline behind and heads north from Green Patch Car Park, before circling right and heading south. Passing through tall eucalypt forest, it’s a wonderful trail to spot the local flora and fauna. First thing in the morning (or even at dusk) is especially good for wildlife spotting. The trail is signposted from the car park. Additionally, there is seating provided along the way.

Green Patch to Iluka Beach

It’s also possible to walk from Green Patch Beach to another of Jervis Bays’ beautiful beaches – Iluka Beach. Head west along Green Patch Beach and this then curves around and becomes Iluka Beach. Iluka is easily one of our favourite beaches in Booderee National Park!

Where Is Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay?

Green Patch Beach is located on the northern edge of Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay. Feel free to click on the interactive map below to help plan your journey.

How to Get to Green Patch Beach, NSW

To access Green Patch Beach, you’ll first need to enter Booderee National Park. The easiest way is to drive there. Driving is especially useful if you plan to explore more of the national park. As you enter Booderee National Park, follow the main Jervis Bay Road before turning left onto Green Patch Road. On the right-hand side of this road is the visitor car park. On the left-hand side and opposite the car park is the Green Patch camping area.

From the Green Patch Car Park, follow the Green Patch Walking Trail towards and into the picnic area. The Green Patch Lagoon will be on your left, with the beach beyond. You’ll soon spot the bridge across the lagoon. Head across and then enjoy.

Please note: you need a Parks Pass to visit Booderee National Park. The two-day pass costs $13 and can be purchased online before you arrive, at the entrance gates or using the QR codes dotted around the national park once you’ve arrived. If you’re camping, the Parks Pass is included in the camping fee. Additionally, the national park is free to enter for walkers and cyclists. You can find more information on the Parks Australia website.

Green Patch Beach Parking

The parking area for day visitors to Green Patch Beach is large. There’s room for easily 100 vehicles. But, as one of Booderee’s most popular beaches, the car park can fill quickly. If you happen to struggle for a space, consider parking at Iluka or Bristol Point, and walking to Green Patch Beach. However, there is even less parking at both of these locations.

Getting to Jervis Bay

Heading to Jervis Bay 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 Jervis Bay, then we recommend stopping at Killalea Regional Park, Kiama and Huskisson.

As mentioned, having a car is very convenient, especially for getting around and exploring more of Booderee National Park. That’s because there is no public transport in Booderee National Park and your only options for exploring the area are by car, bicycle or boat.

Booderee National Park’s website does say it’s possible to explore by walking. But, you’re looking at some long sections of inland road walking if you do. Certainly, having a car is the most convenient.

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

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, be warned, 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 Booderee 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 Bomaderry 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 Green Patch Beach.

You can check public transport options at TransportNSW.

Other Things to Do at Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is jam-packed full of natural attractions and beautiful camping spots like Green Patch. Below are some of our favourites. Additionally, be sure to head into the Booderee National Park Visitor Centre when you arrive for any extra information about wildlife, walks and attractions.

• Iluka Beach: perfect for swimming and bathing as well as seeing Jervis Bay’s bioluminescence. 
• Murrays Beach: a popular beach complete with a cave, lookout and coastal walks.
• Cave Beach: wild and rugged, this spectacular beach is home to an incredible sea cave.
• Scottish Rocks: interesting rock formations found at the end of a beautiful forest trail.
• Hole in the Wall: it’s more like a half a hole these days but it’s still a beautiful rock formation between Bristol Point and Murrays Beach.
• Steamers Beach: enjoy a 2km trail to this secluded beach. Also, check out Brooks Lookout.
• Cape St. George Lighthouse: on the eastern edge of the national park are the ruins of a 19th-century lighthouse.
• Booderee Botanic Gardens: check out the local flora of Booderee.

Read more: Booderee National Park: 12 Must-See Attractions

Be sure to bookmark or save this post so you’re ready 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.