How To Get From Sydney To Jervis Bay: The Complete Guide

Jervis Bay is a spectacular area of white sands and dazzling turquoise waters on the South Coast of New South Wales. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is filled with natural beauty, wildlife and arguably some of the best beaches in Australia. So, it stands to reason Jervis Bay will be on your radar as a quick (or extended) break from Sydney. The good news is, aside from the trip to Jervis Bay from Sydney being a popular one, it’s also a very easy journey to make.

Whether you plan to travel from Sydney to Jervis Bay in one leg or as a road trip, we’ll detail everything you need to know, including all transport options, what to see along the way as well as the top things to do in the Jervis Bay area once you get there.

Where Is Jervis Bay in Australia?

Jervis Bay lies 200km south of Sydney along the South Coast of NSW in Australia. Feel free to click on the interactive map below to help plan your trip from Sydney to Jervis Bay.

Getting to Jervis Bay From Sydney Overview

In the first part of this guide, we’ll detail all transport options for getting from Sydney to Jervis Bay. By far the most straightforward route for getting to Jervis Bay from Sydney is to drive there yourself. This way, you have the option to make a road trip out of your adventure down the South Coast.

But, if you aren’t able to drive, you might be wondering how to get from Sydney to Jervis Bay without a car. Well, all is not lost. Certainly, it’s possible to use the bus, train, shuttle service or even a tour. Let’s take a look at four options for getting to Jervis Bay from Sydney.

1. Sydney to Jervis Bay by Car

Driving from Sydney to Jervis Bay is going to be your most convenient option. The drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay is around 200km and takes between 2.5–3 hours to go straight there.

There are two directions you can take to Jervis Bay from Sydney. The first is a lovely scenic drive down the M1 passing the Royal National Park, Wollongong, Kiama, Gerringong and Berry, before reaching Bomaderry and Nowra. After passing through Nowra, pick up Jervis Bay Road and follow through to Huskisson or Vincentia in the Bay area.

Alternatively, you can take the M5 out of Sydney via Liverpool. You’ll pick up the Hume Highway and then Remembrance Highway heading south towards Mittagong in the Southern Highlands. At Mittagong, head southeast along Range Road and the B73, passing through Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley before reaching Bomaderry and Nowra. Then, continue to Jervis Bay as above.

Once you’re in Jervis Bay, parking is generally free in most places. But, there can be time limits, so be sure to check any signage before you head off exploring.

Additionally, if you’re heading down in an electric vehicle, you can use the Transport NSW Electric Vehicle Charging Map to plan your stops. It’s possible to charge your car once in Jervis Bay also.

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

2. Sydney to Jervis Bay by Bus and Train

If you don’t have a car or simply don’t want to drive to Jervis Bay from Sydney, then one of the easiest ways of getting to Jervis Bay is by train and bus.

From Sydney CBD, you’ll take the South Coast Line train to Kiama via Wolli Creek. The journey takes around 2.5 hours. At Kiama Station, swap onto an Intercity Train to Bomaderry. The journey is around 30 minutes. Once at Bomaderry Station, it makes most sense to pick up bus #102 to Huskisson, as this is Jervis Bay’s main hub. The last part of this journey takes around an hour. All in all, expect the total journey to take between 4 and 5 hours.

As you can see, public transport takes much longer, but is certainly doable, especially if heading to Jervis Bay from Sydney for a weekend or longer.

You can check public transport options at TransportNSW. They also have an app you can download to help with your planning. Google Maps works well too.

3. Sydney to Jervis Bay Tour

Travelling from Sydney to Jervis Bay on an organised tour is a great option for those who don’t drive but want to maximise their time in Jervis Bay.

A top-rated tour to Jervis Bay from Sydney includes this Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise with BBQ Lunch with GetYourGuide. The tour leaves Sydney early in the morning, heading straight for Huskisson in Jervis Bay to set sail on a dolphin watch cruise. You’ll then head to Hyams Beach and Greenfield Beach, where you’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch and then some free time to enjoy the surrounding area.

Alternatively, Viator does this near identical Jervis Bay & Dolphins Cruise tour from Sydney.

4. Sydney to Jervis Bay Shuttle Bus

You can book the Jervis Bay Airport Express shuttle bus service to take you directly from the Sydney CBD or International Airport to Jervis Bay. You can find more information here. This is certainly a convenient service for all, but especially for international visitors to Australia.

Sydney to Jervis Bay Road Trip

Although travelling directly from Sydney straight down to Jervis Bay is possible, it’s also a popular idea to break up the journey with a bit of a road trip. It’s certainly something Dan and I have done on a few occasions. Heading to Jervis Bay from Sydney along this stretch of the South Coast offers some wonderful stops and natural attractions.

Bear in mind, that to see most of the below places en route to Jervis Bay, it’s a good idea to take the scenic drive from Sydney in your own vehicle, rather than do it with public transport.

Where To Stop on the Way to Jervis Bay

Below, we’ll cover some epic places to stop at as you travel from Sydney to Jervis Bay. For your convenience, we’ve listed them in the order you’ll reach them as you head south from Sydney. They include the following places.

• Kamay Botany Bay National Park
• Royal National Park
• Wollongong & Sea Cliff Bridge
• Kiama
• Gerringong & Gerroa
• Seven Mile Beach
• Berry

Kamay Botany Bay National Park

Kamay Botany Bay National Park is located on a beautiful peninsula in southern Sydney. It’s a quiet location full of calm beaches, breathtaking cliff lines and short coastal walks. But, one of the best ways to get the most out of a stop in Kamay Botany Bay is by doing the Botany Bay Coastal Walk.

Read more: Botany Bay Coastal Walk – The 34km Cronulla to Kurnell Challenge

Royal National Park

Further down the coast from Kamay Botany Bay is the most visited national park in Sydney – the Royal National Park. This wonderful area is home to countless waterfalls, coastal tracks, campsites and beaches. It’s definitely worth a stop on your way to Jervis Bay from Sydney. Hiking the Royal National Park Coastal Track is one of the best ways to see many of the major attractions within the national park.

Additionally, Symbio Wildlife Park is located just south of the Royal National Park and is a great place to experience some Aussie wildlife.

Read more: Hiking The Royal National Park Coastal Walk In One Day

Wollongong & Sea Cliff Bridge

Continuing south of the Royal National Park along the M1 brings you through Wollongong. Here, you can make a small detour onto Lawrence Hargrave Drive and pass over the famous Sea Cliff Bridge. Perhaps you’ll stop in at Bald Hill Lookout too, which is one of the best coastal lookouts in the area.

Wollongong is full of some excellent golden sand beaches and some short lookout walks along the Illawarra Escarpment.

Read more: Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout Prohibited But Bridge Walk Is Still Epic

Kiama

The next port of call is Kiama. Dan and I love visiting Kiama and always make a point of calling in when heading down to Jervis Bay from Sydney. North of Kiama is the breathtaking Killalea Regional Park, featuring Killalea Beach and Minamurra Beach. Certainly, if you can make time, we highly recommend calling in at these quieter attractions, that are unbelievably beautiful.

In Kiama, there’s plenty to enjoy, from the famous Kiama Blowhole, lighthouse and rock pool, to more of the truly exceptional beaches that litter this section of the South Coast of NSW.

Kiama also marks a decent midway stop between Sydney and Jervis Bay, with just a one hour drive remaining.

Read more: Kiama Day Trip From Sydney – The Ultimate Guide

Gerringong & Gerroa

South of Kiama are Gerringong and Gerroa. Be sure to head to Werri Beach and take the steep hill walk up at Werri Point towards the Gerringong Whale Watching Platform for some incredible coastal views. Take a quick dip in Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool, which is one of the most picturesque on the South Coast. Then, finish off with a quick schooner at Stoic Brewing.

In Gerroa, head to the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial Lookout (Gerroa Lookout) for some great views facing south of Seven Mile Beach. But be warned, on our last visit the view was quite obstructed by trees.

Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is a wild and beguiling stretch of coast featuring the Seven Mile Beach National Park. Aside from heading to the beach, which you should definitely do, there are some lovely bush trails exploring the flora and fauna backing the beach, as well as great picnic spots and recreational areas. Certainly, we recommend stopping at Seven Mile Beach on your road trip from Sydney to Jervis Bay.

Read more: Seven Mile Beach Gerroa – 5 Best Things to Do

Berry

Stopping in the historical town of Berry is always a crowd-pleaser. Aside from strolling the quaint streets and parks and stopping for coffee and pastries, there’s one quintessential thing to do in Berry, and that’s visit the Berry Donut Van. This streetside vendor has become quite the institution in this pretty town. Indeed, they make quite possibly the best cinnamon doughnuts around. You can find them here on Queen Street, with roadside parking available. I can’t think of a better place to refuel on your way to Jervis Bay from Sydney.

Berry is just 45 minutes outside of Jervis Bay. From Berry, you’ll lastly pass through Bomaderry and Nowra. If you fancy one more stop on your road trip from Sydney to Jervis Bay, then we recommend checking out Hanging Rock Lookout in Nowra. You can park at the rock and take the short walk out onto the incredible overhang with views down the Shoalhaven River.

Things to Do in Jervis Bay

So, now you’ve made it to Jervis Bay from Sydney, you’ll want to fill your time with the very best things to do. Below, we’ll give a brief run down of the best beaches, walks, natural attractions and places to see.

Jervis Bay Beaches

Certainly, one of the biggest draw cards of heading to Jervis Bay from Sydney, or anywhere in NSW for that matter, is the exquisite beaches. Powdery white sand and gently lapping turquoise water provide a paradise-like setting for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

Don’t get me wrong, Sydney is jam-packed with gorgeous beaches. But, beaches in Jervis Bay just hit differently. Below are some of the best beaches you can visit in Jervis Bay. Some of the beaches listed are linked to bigger more informative guides that we’ve written. Feel free to check them out.

• Hyams Beach
• Chinamans Beach
• Greenfield Beach
• Blenheim Beach
• Nelsons Beach
• Huskisson Beach
• Iluka Beach
• Green Patch Beach
• Murrays Beach
• Cave Beach
• Steamers Beach
• Honeymoon Bay

Read more: 12 Best Beaches In Jervis Bay That Will Blow You Away

Visit Booderee National Park

At the southern peninsula of Jervis Bay is Booderee National Park. There’s no exaggeration when I say this is one of the most relaxed, picturesque and downright beautiful national parks in NSW. If a laid-back coastal location, nestled among pristine native bushland and filled with extraordinary wildlife is your vibe, then head to Booderee National Park.

The park is owned and managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, hand in hand with Parks Australia. Together, they do an amazing job of overseeing a fantastic national park bursting with wildlife, epic camping locations, beautiful beaches and stunning coastal walks.

There’s plenty to see and do in Booderee National Park and certainly, no visit to Jervis Bay from Sydney is complete without checking out the natural delights found here.

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

Jervis Bay Walks

If you’re anything like us, you’ll start to get a little restless whilst lazing on the beach. But, there are some wonderful walks in and around Jervis Bay to stretch your legs. Below are some of our favourites. But, if you only have time for one walk, make it the White Sands Walk.

• White Sands Walk
• Murrays Beach to Governor Head Lookout
• Hole in Wall and Scottish Rocks
• Steamers Beach Track
• Honeymoon Bay to Target Beach Track
• Granite Falls
• Tianjara Falls
• Gosangs Tunnel

Jervis Bay Marine Park

The Jervis Bay Marine Park is a protective area home to an incredible array of marine life in Jervis Bay. Larger marine animals you’ll likely see at the Jervis Bay Marine Park include dolphins, penguins and seals. Also, during the migratory season (May–November) you can spot whales off the coast too.

Some of the best ways to experience the marine life at Jervis Bay are by scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, doing boat cruises and surfing. Also, in some parts of the park, there are restrictions on fishing and boating to help protect the sea life.

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, Huskisson is the place to be. Below are some top suggestions when visiting Huskisson.

• Jervis Bay Maritime Museum: discover the history and heritage of the area.
• Huskisson Sea Pool: great for families and those less confident with open water swimming.
• Jervis Bay Brewing Company: enjoy a bevy in this cool industrial location.
• The Husky (The Huskisson Hotel): drink and eat in this historic hotel and bar.
• 5 Little Pigs: stop here for coffee, brunch, pastries and cakes.

Top Activities in Huskisson, Jervis Bay

Aside from swimming, snorkelling and lazing on the beach, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy on your trip from Sydney to Jervis Bay. Below are some of the best activities in Jervis Bay.

Jervis Bay Accommodation

There’s a wealth of accommodation options in Jervis Bay, with the most variety found around Huskisson and Vincentia. To help with your search, check out some of our Jervis Bay accommodation guides below.

• Top 8 Jervis Bay Cabins For A Unique and Memorable Stay
• Jervis Bay Glamping: 5 Sites For The Perfect South Coast Trip
• Camping Jervis Bay: 7 Stunning Coastal Campsites
• A Quick Guide To Booderee National Park Camping

Alternatively, below are our top three accommodation options in Jervis Bay.

FAQs

Below, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about getting from Sydney to Jervis Bay.

Can You Fly From Sydney to Jervis Bay?

Flying is not really an option. Certainly, if you’re looking for the quickest way to get from Sydney to Jervis Bay, then drive or rent a car. If flying into Sydney International Airport and looking to head straight down to Jervis Bay, then your options are to hire a car from the airport or take the shuttle service.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Jervis Bay?

Jervis Bay can be visited any time of year from Sydney. Certainly, Dan and I have enjoyed winter breaks enjoying deserted beaches and cool coastal walks. But, for swimming and enjoying water-based activities, look to visit during summer and the shoulder seasons.

Jervis Bay is busiest during school holidays and public holidays, so you’ll experience more traffic on the roads as you drive down to Jervis Bay from Sydney during these periods. If you prefer quiet, try to visit during the week if possible.

How Many Days Do You Need in Jervis Bay?

It’s certainly possible to enjoy Jervis Bay as a day trip from Sydney. But, as you’ve seen, there’s plenty to do and see once you’ve arrived, as well as wonderful places to stop at en route. For that reason, we recommend a weekend stay in Jervis Bay as the optimal amount of time. If you have the luxury of time, for sure stay longer.

Where Is the Best Place to Stop Between Sydney to Jervis Bay?

There are plenty of places to stop at en route including Kiama, Gerringong and Berry. Check out our Where to Stop on the Way to Jervis Bay section for more information.

How Far is Jervis Bay from Sydney?

It’s 200km and a 2.5–3 hour drive.

Is There a Train From Sydney to Jervis Bay?

The train from Sydney goes as far as Kiama. From Kiama, you’ll need to take a bus to Bomaderry and then a bus to Huskisson.

How Far Is It From Sydney Airport to Jervis Bay?

It’s 186km.

Is Jervis Bay Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! There’s plenty mentioned in this guide to whet your whistle.

Sydney to Jervis Bay Recap

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to get from Sydney to Jervis Bay, including everything to do in between. From personal experience, driving is always the most straightforward way to visit, better still if there’s a group of you and car sharing.

Also, making a road trip out of getting to Jervis Bay from Sydney will always be incredible. There’s so much to see and do along the way which really shouldn’t be missed out on. But, if you only want to make one stop from Sydney, we recommend stopping at Kiama and the surrounding area. It’s the perfect halfway point with plenty to enjoy.

So on that note, what are you waiting for? Pack that weekend bag and off you go.

What’s your favourite way to get to Jervis Bay from Sydney and where do you stop on the way? Let us know in the comments below.

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.