Coles Bay

Coles Bay is a serene coastal hamlet on the northern side of Jervis Bay, renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This quiet escape feels a world away from the bustle of Sydney, yet it's just a few hours' drive south. The bay's protected waters make it a prime spot for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, while the surrounding bushland offers gentle walks with stunning ocean views. It's the kind of place where you can park the car, kick off your shoes, and let the rhythm of the waves set your pace.

Highlights & What to See

• Murrays Beach: A picture-perfect crescent of sand backed by banksia woodland. Wade into the calm, shallow water or snorkel around the rocky headlands—keep an eye out for blue gropers and wobbegongs.
• Booderee National Park: Just a short drive away, this Aboriginal-owned park protects pristine beaches, coastal heath, and the dramatic rock formations of the Booderee Botanic Gardens. Don't miss the boardwalk at Cave Beach.
• Jervis Bay Marine Park: Join a dolphin-watching cruise or kayak tour to spot bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and migratory whales (May–November). The bay's seagrass meadows are also home to weedy sea dragons.
• Huskisson: This lively seaside village on the southern shore of Jervis Bay is the hub for whale-watching charters, seafood restaurants, and the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
• Hyams Beach: Famous for having some of the whitest sand in the world, this beach lives up to the hype. Arrive early to claim a spot, especially on weekends.

Suggested Time to Spend

Coles Bay itself can be enjoyed in a half-day visit, but to fully experience Jervis Bay's beaches, national park, and wildlife, plan for at least two nights. Spend your first day exploring the bay by kayak or SUP, then dedicate a full day to Booderee National Park, hiking to the lighthouse and swimming at Green Patch. A third morning allows for a leisurely whale-watching cruise or a walk along the White Sands Walk from Huskisson to Hyams Beach.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: A scenic 4-hour drive north, this coastal city offers the Koala Hospital, beautiful beaches, and the lush rainforest of the Sea Acres National Park.
• Kiama: Head north for the famous Kiama Blowhole, the rugged Kiama Coast Walk, and the charming town with its heritage buildings and cafés.
• Sydney: The ultimate urban contrast, Sydney is a 2.5-hour drive north. Combine Coles Bay with a few days in the Harbour City for a classic New South Wales road trip.
• Nowra: The gateway to Jervis Bay, Nowra offers the Shoalhaven Zoo, the historic Coolangatta Estate vineyard, and excellent hang-gliding at Bald Hill.
• Ulladulla: A coastal town with a working harbour, rock pools, and the scenic Warden Head Lighthouse walk. It's a relaxed stop between Sydney and Jervis Bay.

Please check official sources for current details.