Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park, on the southern coast of New South Wales, is a stunning blend of white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and rich Aboriginal heritage. Managed jointly by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and the Australian government, the park offers a unique cultural layer alongside its natural beauty. Whether you're swimming at Murrays Beach, exploring the historic Cape St George Lighthouse ruins, or spotting whales from the cliffs, Booderee delivers a wild, uncrowded coastal experience that feels a world away from the nearby tourist hubs.

Highlights & What to See

• Murrays Beach – A picture-perfect crescent of white sand with calm, crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is often nearly empty, even in peak season.
• Steamers Beach – A wilder, more remote beach accessible via a short walk through coastal heath. It's a top spot for surfing, fishing, and beachcombing.
• Cape St George Lighthouse Ruins – The evocative remains of a 19th-century lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs. The short walk here offers panoramic ocean views and excellent whale-watching from June to November.
• Booderee Botanic Gardens – Australia's only Aboriginal-owned botanic garden, showcasing native plants and offering peaceful walking trails. Don't miss the chance to learn about traditional bush foods and medicines.
• Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a dazzling array of birdlife, including the endangered eastern bristlebird.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two days is ideal to experience the park's highlights without rushing. Spend your first day exploring the beaches and doing the Cape St George walk; the second day can be devoted to the botanic gardens and a longer hike, such as the 5km Bristol Point to Murrays Beach walk. If you only have a day, focus on Murrays Beach, the lighthouse ruins, and a quick stroll through the gardens. The park is best visited as a day trip from Jervis Bay or as a stopover on a drive between Sydney and Melbourne.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jervis Bay – Just north, this marine park boasts some of the whitest sand beaches in the world, plus dolphin and whale cruises.
• Hyams Beach – Famous for its blindingly white sand and calm waters, perfect for a swim after your Booderee adventures.
• Huskisson – A charming seaside village with excellent cafés, kayak rentals, and the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
• Batemans Bay – An hour south, this gateway to the Eurobodalla region offers oyster farms, beaches, and the Murramarang National Park.
• Ulladulla – About 45 minutes north, a laid-back coastal town with a lovely harbour, rock pools, and the nearby Pigeon House Mountain for hikers.

Please check official sources for current details.