Huskisson

Natural wonders 

Part of the Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay region of the South Coast, the crystal blue waters off Huskisson are home to abundant marine life, including dolphins, fur seals, penguins and weedy sea dragons. Join tours with Jervis Bay Wild and Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay to get up close to resident dolphins frolicking in Jervis Bay Marine Park.  

Dive Jervis Bay and Woebegone Freedive facilitate underwater adventures to the best diving and snorkelling spots in the marine park. Or you can stay above the water and paddle with Sea Kayak Jervis Bay to see dolphins and migrating whales. 

If you’d prefer to keep your nature adventure on land, Jervis Bay Stargazing offers eye-opening astronomy experiences, led by an astrophysicist at sunset. 

Dive Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay - Credit: Jordan Robins

Things to do 

Despite its size, there’s lots to do in this tiny town (and its surrounds) beyond exploring the big blue. In 2023 it won bronze in the Tiny Tourism Town category of the National Top Tourism Town Awards, and gold at NSW’s Top Tourism Town Awards.  

For breathtaking views, drive to the heritage-listed ruins of Cape St George Lighthouse, an especially good spot for whale watching during the migration season (June to July and September to November). For laid-back beach days, explore the sights of Booderee National Park (the park is managed, hand-in-hand by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community and Parks Australia) including the Green Patch, Cave and Murrays beaches, or dip in the Huskisson Sea Pool. 

Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay - Credit: Alexandra Adoncello

Learn about Huskisson’s maritime heritage and see seafaring artefacts like the Lady Denman timber ferry at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Or join Aboriginal guides from Djiriba Waagura to learn about the ancient landscape.  

The annual Huskisson Carnival is also well worth a visit. Every year from Boxing Day until the end of January, the carnival brings nostalgic fair food, rides and old-fashioned fun to the village – a sure-fire hit for those visiting with families. The Huskisson Pictures is your answer to the silver screen. This quaint cinema, originally built in 1913 as a community hall, will transport you back in time.   

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Jervis Bay - Credit: Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Eat & drink 

No trip to this charming town is complete without a meal at the Huskisson Hotel. Known to locals as the 'Husky Pub', come for the delicious pub fare including local seafood and stay for the breathtaking views over the bay. Jervis Bay Brewing Co. is home to a relaxed beer garden and a range of award-winning craft brews. Less than a five-minute walk away, is the similarly award-winning Flamin Galah Brewing Co, which has live music on the weekends and a beer garden roofed by blossoming bougainvillea.  

Flamin Galah Brewing Co, Jervis Bay - Credit: Flamin Galah Brewing Co

For a romantic dinner (or simply a special treat), head to The Gunyah. This treetop dining room at Paperbark Camp is open to both camp and non-camp diners and heroes both local and native ingredients. For something more casual, grab some fresh pasta from the Mediterranean-inspired Pasta Buoy, or order a table full of Asian dishes such as pork belly betel leaf or pumpkin jungle curry at Wildginger.  

Come breakfast time, 5 Little Pigs has breakfast sorted, with house-made doughnuts and Aussie brunch classics. The Huskisson Bakery is also a town stalwart (it also has outposts in Nowra and Sanctuary Point), baking bread, pies, cakes and more since 1917. 

The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay - Credit: Dick Sweeney

Where to stay 

A stay at the Paperbark Camp is one you’ll remember forever. Nestled into the peaceful bushland, this hub of luxury safari tents is a tranquil escape just a few minutes’ drive from Huskisson. Tents are solar-powered and feature open-air ensuites including a bath, a deck, soft bed linen and bath robes. All bookings include breakfast and lunch at The Gunyah. 

Paperbark Camp, Woollamia

The Bay and Bush Cottages offer eight unique, self-catering cottages and glamping tents, ideal for those staying a while. Set on 27 acres of bushland, the secluded cottages are complete with full kitchens, open-plan living space and bathrooms. With bookable spa treatments, an on-site coffee spot and an in-house wellness centre with yoga classes, you’ll barely need a reason to leave.  

If being within walking distance to the beach is a holiday imperative, then the Oyster Catcher Huskisson is a no-brainer, just 300m from Moona Moona Beach. This light and airy three-bedroom holiday house features Australian artwork on the walls, a curated welcome hamper, fully functional kitchen with Smeg appliances and a Nespresso machine, and ceiling fans in each of the bedrooms.  

Oyster Catcher, Huskisson - Credit: Oyster Catcher

Getting there 

Huskisson is approximately three hours' drive from Sydney via the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive. If you’re leaving from Canberra, it’s a 2.5-hour drive east.