Destination style
Discover the delights of Jervis Bay
Known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, Jervis Bay is a popular summer escape for Sydneysiders and Canberrans looking for a quick getaway. Its sheltered natural harbour is lined with a series of small townships, each with their own unique charms. Take Huskisson, with its main street lined with cafes and boutiques, Vincentia, which is home to numerous white sandy beaches, or Callala Bay, a great spot for sailing, swimming and fishing. Accommodation options are varied, from luxury villas to glamping, and many offer a stylish yet relaxed experience that will have you heading to the local homewares stores to recreate that holiday feeling in your own home.
EAT
1. Huskisson Hotel
This popular pub has been part of the Jervis Bay scenery for almost 100 years. Whether you’re sitting out on the shaded deck or at an inside window table, you’ll get uninterrupted views of the bay while sipping on a cocktail or tucking into some modern pub fare, such as seafood platters, locally grown Jim Wild’s oysters or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Visit: 75 Owen St, Huskisson.
Bookmark: huskissonhotel.com.au.
2. The Gunyah
There’s a lot to be said for dining among the treetops, not least watching the antics of the resident possums at night while enjoying a rotating menu of bush tuckerinspired delights. The Gunyah was designed by Sydney architects Nettleton Tribe and offers a unique dining experience at luxe glamping destination Paperbark Camp, a 10-minute drive from Huskisson. Book in advance because it’s a well-loved spot. Visit: 571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia. Bookmark: paperbarkcamp.com.au.
SHOP
3. FEW & FAR
EVERYTHING FROM THE AROMAS TO THE AMBIENT MUSIC AND THE SELECTION OF HANDCRAFTED HOMEWARES FROM AROUND THE WORLD DRAWS YOU IN TO FEW & FAR. THE ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECES OF FURNITURE ARE POPULAR WITH LOCALS AND VISITORS ALIKE. VISIT: 46 OWEN ST, HUSKISSON. BOOKMARK: FEWANDFAR.COM.AU . .
4. White Earth
Beauty therapist Elizabeth White sells essential oils, natural body products, candles and more from her Huskisson store. Be sure to check out her own White Earth range of teas and candles. Visit: 50 Owen St, Huskisson. Bookmark: whiteearth.com.au.
STAY
5. Booderee Villas
Looking out onto a bush reserve and only minutes from Callala Beach, these two villas each sleep six – or book both to host up to 12 and make full use of the entertaining spaces. Visit: 3 Sheaffe St, Callala Bay.
Bookmark: whitesandjervisbay.com
6. The Woods Farm
Try glamping at The Woods Farm, where the canvas, waterproof bell tents are pitched and waiting, and are thoughtfully furnished with king-sized beds, rugs, luxe cushions and table and chairs. The communal bathrooms have hot water, shampoo and conditioner, plus there’s a camp kitchen with basic cooking equipment, barbecue facilities and a pizza oven for all your culinary needs. Prefer more privacy? There are also eight quirky-cool cottages onsite.
Visit: 2 Bayly Rd, Tomerong.
Bookmark: thewoodsfarm.com.au.
EXPLORE
7. Booderee National Park
The Wreck Bay Aboriginal community are the traditional custodians of this expansive national park and co-manage it with Parks Australia. Booderee means “bay of plenty” in the Dhurga language, and is home to secluded beaches and bays, camping grounds (check for any COVID-19 restrictions), walking tracks, botanic gardens, the ruins of the Cape St George Lighthouse and more. It’s easy to fill a few hours or days here. Bookmark: parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee/
“AS FAR AS HEAVENLY BEACHES GO, JERVIS BAY’S ARE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST” ~ ELLE LOVELOCK, HB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF