Jervis Bay has become increasingly popular for its natural attractions and coastal landscape. Now classified as a Marine Park, the bay is host to abundant wildlife, including seals, sea eagles, penguins, gannets and resident dolphins.
Whale watching withour peer
The star attractions are the humpback whales, their acrobatic antics an awe-inspiring thrill to watch. They make their passage up the east coast to mate in the warm tropical waters of Queensland, and Jervis Bay is a regular haunt on their journey. Whale-watching tours are offered to see these great mammals during June and July and again in the September to November season. The history of the area revolves around the bay and its ship-building activities, the local timber industry supporting the building of sailing vessels and steamers. Jervis Bay Wild can take you right near the path of the whales as they migrate pass the south coast.
Traipse through the regions history
The Lady Denman Heritage Complex has a variety of permanent and travelling exhibitions, with the ferry Lady Denman housed in the museum being the showcase and pride of the complex. The museum concentrates on the history of Jervis Bay and district, including early exploration, the timber industry, Aboriginal history, early settlement, lighthouse history, shipwrecks, coastal shipping, whaling history and Naval base history. In addition there is The Jervis Bay Science and the Sea Gallery including the Surveyors Gallery.
The Bidjigal Arts and Crafts shop has Aboriginal creations by Laddie Timbery and his family as well as boomerang throwing demonstrations. Other features include the outdoor fish pond hosting a large variety of ocean fish species, the mangrove boardwalk over the wetland environment and a shed displaying old boat-building methods. Wheelchair access, an excellent outdoor BBQ and grassy play areas with toilet facilities are available.
With sheltered coves providing safe mooring and great fishing opportunities, the Jervis Bay area is a favourite for avid sailors. All of the townships in the area are positioned on the coast, taking great advantage of the fantastic coastal and basin views and sun, surf and sea atmosphere. There are good holiday services for the holiday maker and lots of accommodation from top-of-range guesthouses and bed and breakfast to motels, tourist parks, holiday cottages and eco-camping.
From Greenfields Beach, follow information signs on the White Sands Walk along the coast to Hyams Beach and return via the Scribbly Gum Track St Georges Basin is a large but shallow lagoon with a tree-covered shoreline. Several villages have developed around the edge of the lake, St Georges Basin township and Sanctuary Point being the largest.
The Bay and Basin district is rich in arts and crafts with many well-known artists making this their home. Art can be found in many of the cafés, restaurants and galleries throughout the area.
