Why Jervis Bay is a perfect Aussie getaway
OVER the sleaziness found in many holiday spots? This is the place you should visit, before the bogans ruin it.
ARE you over the glitz and seediness of the Gold Coast, already visited Hamilton Island, bored of Bali and over the Byron Bay bogans?
You’re not alone.
But never fear, there are still plenty of amazing places to visit in Australia that won’t require hours stuck in the hell that is otherwise known as economy class.
Take the NSW South Coast for example, which hides many gems and not a bogan in sight. In particular, Jervis Bay is a standout.
If you haven’t been before, here are some reasons why it’s the perfect holiday spot. And if you have been, there are still heaps of things you may not have checked out yet.
IT WON’T TAKE FOREVER TO GET THERE
It’s an easy three-hour drive from Sydney, and it’s quite a spectacular trip in parts too. You’ll soon feel like you’re a world away from the chaos in the city.
IT’S ALL WHITE SAND
Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is officially home to the world’s whitest sand, and many of the surrounding beaches feature the same incredible fine, soft sand. The water is so inviting, it’s crystal clear with small waves. Bliss.
What’s more, it isn’t ruined by empty beer bottles, syringes or other rubbish that poisons some of the nation’s most popular beaches. Bondi, we’re looking at you.
But it’s wild, so you will have to watch out for blue bottles and other jellyfish, I spotted them at two out of five beaches I visited.
NO CROWDS, NO WORRIES
With so many people crowding the streets of Sydney, you’ll wonder where everyone went once you arrive at Jervis Bay.
Outside of the main holiday periods, few tourists explore the area and you’re unlikely to come across more than a handful of people.
Some beaches, you will have entirely to yourself. For example, check out the emptiness at Scottish Rocks.
There’s a lack of fancy hotels here, but it all adds to the sense of adventure. And it will keep the cost of your holiday down too.
Despite this, it has an air of sophistication yet it’s not pretentious, and you won’t find many bogans.
So come here before the crowds ruin it.
A FASCINATING YET GRISLY HISTORY
Aboriginal occupation of the region dates back to more than 20,000 years ago and there are some fascinating stories that have emerged from the region.
Deep in Booderee National Park lies the ruins of Cape St George lighthouse, home to tales of death and disaster including 26 ships wrecked nearby and seven deaths, including that of Edward Bailey, who died in 1895 when he was washed from the rocks and taken by sharks as his son watched in horror.
It’s also home to the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Creswell, and the area is littered with dozens of shipwrecks including the Corangamite, Hive and Merimbula.
IT’S PERFECT FOR NATURE AND ANIMAL LOVERS
Whales, seals and penguins are frequently spotted here. You’ll also find a huge range of birds — with more than 200 species, along with 180 species of fish and 37 reptiles.
You’ll easily spot kangaroos and echidnas too.
DIVERSITY
There’s a lot to see here and each beach has a different character. Venture down to Murrays Beach and you’ll get to gaze across to Bowen Island, which is home to a penguin colony.
Or head over to Green Patch for a great place to swim, with a range of rowdy birds and water, stained red and yellow, due to the bark of the trees.
There are also some pretty cool views across to Point Perpendicular.
DARE TO BARE
Those who want to strip off can head to the nudist beach located between Blenheim Beach and Plantation Point.
BYE, BYE MOZZIES
Forgotten the inspect repellent? Don’t worry — the Koori people used the umbrella bracken fern to naturally repel the pesky mozzies.
CONTINUE SOUTH FOR A LOT MORE TO SEE
And if you’ve explored enough of Jervis Bay, head further south for some more amazing spots including Lake Conjola and Pebbly Beach, where kangaroos and wallabies abound.
If you’re keen on camping in the area, here are some places you could visit.
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