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What
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Beautiful Beaches & Striking Landscape: Jervis Bay boasts more than 90 kms of beaches ranging from long stretches of calm water to small secret coves and great surfing breaks. The striking sandstone cliffs at the bay's entrance are among the tallest in Australia. Dolphins: Bottlenose dolphins can be seen from any of the beaches or see them close up on a dolphin-watching cruise. www.dolphinwwatch.com.au Whales: Humpback whales often call into the bay as they migrate north during June and July and return with their calves from September to November. Seals: There is also a seal colony but as their habitat is fragile it is not recommended to approach them. Penguins: On Bowen Island there is a protected colony of little penguins. The penguins are frequently seen around the bay but Bowen Island is closed to the public. Kangaroos: There are many grey kangaroos and wallabies that can be seen in the national parks. Birdlife: There are more than 200 species of birds - look out for the rare eastern bristlebirds, honeyeaters, white-bellied sea eagles, lyrebirds, satin bowerbirds, lorikeets, black cockatoos, crimson rosellas and king parrots. Please remember no to feed any native wildlife. Diving and Snorkelling: Jervis Bay is
second only to the Great Barrier Reef for diving in Australia. Dive
sites offer fascinating marine life such as giant cuttlefish, the
strange weedy sea dragon, and in winter, when visibility is at its
best, you can see giant sea salps. There are also many wreck sites
and spectacular underwater formations. Contact the Huskisson dive
shops for your dive trip.
Snorkelling is also popular especially around Scottish Rocks, Honeymoon Bay and Murrays Beach. Surfing, sailing, windsurfing
and sea kayaking: Jervis Bay and St Georges Basin are perfect
for sailing, wind and kite surfing and sea kayaking. Or hit the
waves for a surf. Fishing: The Bay boasts some excellent fishing for a range of popular sport and table species. The rock platforms on the northern side of the bay are world famous for catching species such as marlin, tuna kingfish and sharks. Inside the bay you can chase bream, whiting, flathead, blackfish, drummer, squid, snapper, salmon, tailor and leatherjackets. Good boat ramps are located at Currambene Creek and Murrays Beach. Or book a fishing charter with one of the local operators. Fishing licences are required in NSW and please check where the fishing zones are within the marine park. If you're interested in going on a fishing charter boat, contact Simo www.simosafloat.com.au Tel: 02 - 44415889 Bushwalking: There are a variety of walks in Booderee National parks around Governors Head and St Georges Head. There are also beautiful walks between the beaches at Vincentia including the White Sands Walk to Hyams Beach. Cycling: You can cycle on the cycleway from Huskisson then along the beach reserve at Vincentia and onto Sanctuary Point. Bikes can be hired at Huskisson. Other sports: There are golf courses at Vincentia and Sanctuary Point, tennis courts at Huskisson and Erowal Bay and a well equipped Leisure Centre. Or take a dip in Huskisson's heritage sea pool. Cultural heritage: Jervis Bay is an area of deep significance to the Aboriginal people who have lived here for thousands of years. Aboriginal stone-axe grinding grooves and shell middens can be seen on rock platforms and beaches around the bay. Aboriginal artefacts are available at Timbery's Aboriginal Gallery at Huskisson or go on an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour with Barry Moore from the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. 44421168. Visit the Lady Denman Heritage Complex where visitors can see the 1911 Huskisson built Sydney Harbour ferry. Lady Denman, visit the maritime and local history museum, wander the board walk among the mangroves or feed the fish in the tidal pond. www.ladydenman.asn.au The Arts: See Change Arts Festival is held every two years. On the alternate years, there are exhibitions and activities organised by the Jervis Bay and Basin Arts Groups. See www.jervisbayarts.asn.au National Parks: Jervis Bay boasts two national parks and a marine park. Jervis Bay National Park consists of several sections of land around the Bay. Environmental education programs are run during school holidays. Contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on 44232170. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Jervis Bay Marine Park was created to protect the unique diversity of the marine life. As one of two marine parks in NSW; it's managed by NSW Fisheries and the NSW NPWS on behalf of the Marine Park Authority. Contact: 44417752 Booderee National Park: The 6000 hectare park on the southern side of the bay is owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and is managed jointly with Environment Australia. www.booderee.np.gov.au Camping is available at Caves Beach, Green Patch and Bristol Point. Camping and park use fees apply. Contact the Visitor's Centre on 44430977 (9am - 4pm daily). Booderee National Park is also home to the Botanic Gardens with its stunning rainforest gully and variety of native plants. Beecroft Peninsula is on the northern side of the bay. The Commonwealth land is sometimes used for naval exercises but is open during weekends, school holidays and occasionally during the week. Check out the isolated beaches, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and camping at Honeymoon Bay. Before you go, contact the Beecroft Ranger Station on 44483411. What's Nearby? Jervis Bay is close to a number of wineries at Nowra Hill, Jaspers Brush, Coolangatta and Cambewarra. The villages of Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Milton, with their antique shops, art galleries and cafes are also near. www.cambewarraestate.com.au
Arthur and Yvonne Boyd's gift to the nation Bundanon is west of Nowra and is a must for lovers of Australian art. It's open every Sunday to the public. Phone 44237029. www.bundanon.com.au Or visit the historic Meroogal House in Nowra http://www.hht.net.au or the Museum of Flight at HMAS Albatross www.museum-of-flight.org.au Lilliputland www.lilliputland.com.au and Marayong Emu Farm http://www.emushop.com.au are fun for the kids. And check out the Huskisson Pictures www.huskipics.com.au And Valhalla Horse Riding Tel: 02 - 44478320 The growers' market is on the first Saturday of each month at the Lady Denman Heritage Complex and the White Sands market is held on the second Sunday of each month at Huskisson. For more information see Jervis Bay Tourism Inc. www.jervisbaytourism.com.au |
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Jervis
Bay