If there was a little piece of paradise on earth, then perhaps it would be somewhere within Jervis Bay. Now the truth of the matter is that I am not very well traveled, but from the little that I have seen, the area of Jervis Bay is one that I would want to run to every time I need to find some sun, sand, water, forests, or even myself. It would, perhaps, be a place I would go to find some peace and solitude or head to for fun and adventure. There are sheltered beaches with some of the whitest sands in the world, beautifully blue waters and plenty of water sports to enjoy. There is plenty of greenery to be had as well – the coast is enclosed in national parks and walking trails through mahogany, tea tree and blackbutt forests on rocky formations. There are places along the coastline that are perfect of diving – a plethora of marine life living amongst rocks, reefs, caves and arches. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a short summer holiday, or if you have the means, a great place to buy beachfront property!
Jervis Bay is by no means a tiny area. A 62 sq.km. strip of land forming a natural harbor, called the Jervis Bay Territory in the southern part of the bay, belongs to the Commonwealth of Australia. In simple words, it belongs to Canberra, because the landlocked capital wanted to call some stretch of beach it’s own. New South Wales gave it up to the ACT in 1915, giving the government access to the sea and setting up the naval college, HMAS Creswell, visible from Hyams Beach and Greenpatch.The rest of the area north of Hyams Beach belongs to New South Wales, though sections of Beecroft Peninsula is governed by ACT.
Penguins Head
I began my exploration of the little towns and beaches of Jervis Bay at Greenwell Point, a tiny fishing community with vibrant folk. The village of Greenwell Point is on the backwaters of the bay and the banks of the Crookhaven river, and the waters are calm and clear – the perfect spot for some boating, water skiing or any other water-sport that catches your fancy. There are plenty of places that hire out boats, canoes and kayaks; so explore the waters with pelicans by your side. Penguins Head is no more than about 10 minutes drive from Greenwell, and it is a little bit of rocky coast with cliffs looking over the water. It is supposed to be the best place to sight whales during their biannual migrations. At a couple of places along the fencing at the edge of the cliff are small information boards that helps the visitor identify the different types whales that are seen in the area. I stood there a while, hoping quite desperately, that I might catch sight of my first whale or dolphin, but it was not to be. Nonetheless, Penguins Head is a tiny little place, with nothing much to do but wait and watch, if you are up to it.
Callala Bay
Callala Bay lies on the northern part of Jervis Bay, and a great place to watch boats bobbing in the blue waters, or being unloaded from the boat ramp. Its a great place to get an education for the first timers, just watching the boat owners do their thing. Better yet, get a fishing rod, find a spot on the little jetty and enjoy a day of quiet fishing without getting your feet wet. There’s plenty of picnic benches around to enjoy an afternoon in the sun or in the shade of the eucalypts lining the beach. The calm, almost still waters are perfect for a swim if you’re apprehensive of doing so amongst the waves of the Pacific Ocean in other places. The sleepy little town has just the bare necessities the locals need and for the traveler, it may be quite challenging to find too many things to indulge in.
Callala Beach is no different, another little town with beachfront property that is the envy of most. The sands here are lighter in color than at Callala Bay, almost white and very fine.
Callala Beach
They feel soft between the toes and all that is needed is a rug, some sunblock and a lazy day to lie on a quiet beach. With hardly a soul to see for miles, it seems like a wonderful place to just relax, swim and do nothing but be with oneself and enjoy a quiet day.
Hyams Beach
Greenpatch
Greenpatch is a tiny village in the Jervis Bay Territory and part of ACT. To get to Greenpatch from Hyams, there is a toll of $10, but once in, it’s a plethora of green and colorful birds. There are signs everywhere along the road to beware of passing wombats, kangaroos and wallabies, and I saw my first marsupial while walking to the beach at Greenpatch. Mama wallaby with the little one safe in her pouch just sat there and stared. Beautiful animal indeed! Greenpatch is said to have the whitest sands in Australia, and the sea is calm and a great place for a swim. I watched the sun begin to sink and throw diamonds of light across the waves lapping at my feet. A family was playing beach soccer a little away and there was nobody else around to disturb the peace. I am in love with Greenpatch, and would love to spend an entire day there exploring the forest that lines the beach. There is a camping ground somewhere around and plenty of walking trails to keep busy. Its the perfect place for some R&R away from the maddening crowds of the city, if you are prepared to rough it out a little bit.
Jervis Bay might be the jewel in NSW’s crown, but it’s hard getting around unless you have your own car, or hire one. The train services to Bomaderry/Nowra from Sydney is not too bad, but once there a car has to be acquired if you want to explore the coastline south of Nowra. There are a few places one can hire a car in Nowra, but none elsewhere south of the city. So, if you don’t have access to a car, be prepared to hitchhike (chances of getting a ride may be very slim) or be prepared to walk a lot. The other option is to hire a boat and sail along the coast in Jervis Bay. Either way, its well worth the trip and subsequent ones as well. For the first time traveler, it may well be worth spending short spans in each place to decide what your personal preferences are, then plan subsequent trips only to the places that caught your fancy the first time round.
What a description! Your eye for details and the very expressive well written sketch will surely and convincingly make any reader to long to explore the ‘little piece of paradise’ as you have termed Jervis Bay area. The pix show-up the amazing ‘whitest sands’ that we are not used to. The useful tips will add value to one venturing to this region.
I remain convinced that the compendium of your travelogues should be an asset to any tourist – many of whom will probably miss out and not be able ‘to see’ what you manage to – and then convey it so beautifully in your writing. Keep it up, and much love, Dadu
Thank you, Dadu! I am, as always, glad that I’ve been able to convey in words what I saw during my travels.
And I to have been able to see it through your eyes, as I am not likely to physically visit this little piece of heaven!