Photo: Besjaner / Public domain
Stretching along the sapphire coast south of Jervis Bay, Conjola National Park is a wild and beautiful mosaic of eucalypt forests, shimmering lakes and empty beaches. This is a place where you can hear the whipbird call across a glassy lagoon and then paddle a kayak through a narrow channel to a surf beach that feels entirely your own. It’s less crowded than its famous neighbour, Booderee, but just as rich in birdlife and coastal scenery – perfect for travellers who want to trade crowds for solitude.
Highlights & What to See
- Conjola Lake: A vast, tranquil lake ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Launch from the boat ramp near the campground and explore the inlets and islands.
- Berringer Lake: Smaller and more secluded, this lake is a haven for birdwatchers – look for black swans, pelicans and white-bellied sea eagles.
- Cunjurong Point: A stunning headland walk with panoramic views over the ocean and the park’s lakes. In spring, wildflowers carpet the heath.
- Surf Beaches: Cunjurong Beach and Berringer Beach are patrolled in summer and offer excellent swimming and bodyboarding. Outside patrol times, be cautious of rips.
- Boat Harbour: A pretty, protected cove perfect for a picnic and a paddle. It’s also a great spot to launch a canoe.
Suggested Time to Spend
Conjola National Park is compact but rewards a leisurely pace. A half-day is enough for a paddle on Conjola Lake and a walk to Cunjurong Point. To fully appreciate the park’s quiet beauty – and to catch sunrise over the lake – plan a full day. If you’re camping, a two-night stay lets you explore both lakes, walk the coastal tracks and enjoy a long, lazy afternoon on an empty beach.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Jervis Bay – just north, with its famous white-sand beaches and marine park, is a natural pairing for a longer coastal itinerary.
- Booderee National Park – directly adjacent, with rich Aboriginal culture, botanic gardens and excellent snorkelling at Murrays Beach.
- Milton & Ulladulla – charming seaside towns with cafés, bakeries and the popular Milton Markets (second Saturday of the month).
- Lake Conjola Village – a small settlement on the lake’s edge with a general store, café and boat hire.
- Pigeon House Mountain – a challenging but rewarding hike with 360-degree views, about 30 minutes west of the park.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Jervis Bay — Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Booderee National Park — Adrian Setterfield / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ulladulla — Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Lake Conjola Village — Grahamec / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Pigeon House Mountain — Moonlight Mile at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0