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The best Jervis Bay stays for whale watching season

Explore Jervis Bay's many hidden gems from these top-rated hideaways
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Jervis Bay’s snow-white sand, crystal clear water and abundant wildlife make it a dream location for holiday-makers escaping the rat race. Located on the New South Wales South Coast, equidistant from Sydney and Canberra (both are about two and a half hours away by car), Jervis Bay is also home to two national parks and a marine park.

Matching its pristine surroundings, Jervis Bay accommodation does not disappoint. With everything from glamping to luxury waterfront homes on offer in the towns and villages surrounding Jervis Bay, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

You might also like A local’s guide to Huskisson, plus everywhere to see, eat and do

Our top Jervis Bay stays

The best Jervis Bay accommodation for 2026

Paperbark Camp 

Paperbark Camp 

Wollamia

Best for a unique stay

Sleeps: 2 – 5 people

Paperbark Camp offers luxurious safari-style glamping among the trees. Each tent is built off the ground to capture the sea breeze with a deck for guests can enjoy sitting among the soaring eucalypts and paperbark trees.

A totally eco-friendly retreat, each of Paperbark Camp’s three tents are green powered with electric 12-volt lighting, cooled by natural ventilation and feature low-flow shower heads, low-energy fluorescent bulbs and dual flush toilets.

Unsurprisingly Paperbark Camp has an exceptional 9/10 rating on Luxury Escapes. “Everything about Paperbark is outstanding,” says Rhoda J. “The staff, food, tents and other facilities are all remarkable.” 

Address: 571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia NSW 2540

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Hyams Beach House 

Hyams Beach House 

Hyams Beach

Best for location

Sleeps: 6 people

A luxurious beachside oasis, Hyams Beach House is a newly built home just minutes from the best Jervis Bay has to offer. This three-bedroom home is perfect for family getaways with a fully equipped kitchen, four bathrooms, a flat screen TV with streaming services (for the kids) and a terrace with sea views (for the adults).

With a 9.7/10 rating on Booking.com, this home is particularly popular for its convenient location and high-quality finishes. “What a gem! A beautiful home in the most serene and amazing location. The views are stunning,” says Annete.

Address: 48 Tulip Street, Hyams Beach

Akora Cabin at Hyams Beach 

Best for location

Sleeps: 2 people

Akora Cabin is a chic, adults-only tiny home designed by The Block‘s Darren Palmer. Just a stone’s throw from the beach and local cafe, this sweet little hideaway is perfect for a slow weekend of swimming, snorkelling and sunbaking.

This gem has a 4.73/5 rating on Airbnb, mainly due to its unbeatable location and stunning coastal-inspired interiors.

Orana Home 

Orana Home 

Sanctuary Point

Best for a nature escape

Sleeps: 2 people

Orana home is slightly off the tourist trail, located in suburban Sanctuary Cove, just 12 minutes from Hyams Beach and 14 minutes from Jervis Bay National Park. This self-contained cabin has everything you need for a relaxing stay, including a fireplace, plush bedding and outdoor BBQ area.

Earning a perfect 5/5 rating on Airbnb, Orana House is well-liked for its location and immaculate presentation.  “The cottage was absolutely spotless and decorated beautifully,” said Leeara. “The location is ideal, it felt secluded and peaceful.”

The Hideaway at Barranca in Myola

Best for a unique stay

Sleeps: 2 people

A tiny house surrounded by nature, The Hideaway is an escape from the ordinary. The architecturally designed cabin is simple but luxurious, featuring a comfy king bed, fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a big timber deck to soak in the tranquil views.

With an almost perfect 4.93/5 rating on Airbnb, The Hideaway is most often booked as a romantic getaway.  “It is in the most gorgeous peaceful spot with the beach less than a 5-minute drive away,” says Tia. “Small space but cleverly designed, it’s so perfect for two people… we would come back again and again.”

Luna by Experience Jervis Bay

Best for a families

Sleeps: 4 people

Just 750 metres from Sharknet Beach, this family-friendly home has something for everyone – even your furry friends! It’s pet friendly, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious backyard and outdoor dining area, BBQ and plenty of games and toys to keep the kids occupied.

A perfect 5/5 rating on Airbnb makes Luna one of the best places to stay on the Jervis Bay coast.

Bimbala Cottage at Old Erowal Bay

Bimbala Cottage

Old Erowal Bay

Best for families

Sleeps: 6 people

On the northern shore of St George’s basin, this quaint 100-year-old cottage features lofty 11-foot ceilings, panelled hardwood walls, sash windows and a breezy wraparound porch. It’s a three-bedroom home with two queen beds and two single beds, as well as a large rumpus room, a ping pong table and an 80s arcade machine with over 400 games!

A near-perfect rating of 4.97/5 rating on Airbnb, this home is perfect for families or groups of friends. Aileen says, “My family and I loved our stay at Bimbala Cottage. Beautifully decorated, spacious home on a quiet peaceful street, there is so much attention to detail, and looks as gorgeous as the photos.”

Origami in Worrowing Heights

Origami

Worrowing Heights

Best for a tiny home stay

Sleeps: 2 people

Located within a serene, private and natural setting with no visible neighbours, but only a 5-10 minute drive to everything in Jervis Bay, Origami offers something unique for your next coastal retreat. Fitted comfortably within this tiny home is a full kitchen, a queen bed, a sunken lounge and a bathroom with a rain shower head.

“My partner and I wanted a peaceful get away in a private home with nature surrounding us, but also not too far from shops, restaurants, and things to do – this place was the perfect balance. It felt secluded without being inconvenient,” said one five-star review on the property.

The Springs in Vincentia

The Springs

Vincentia

Best for couples and small groups

Sleeps: 4 people

This newly built, two-bedroom home is just a short stroll from Greenfield and Blenheim Beach, two of the most pristine beaches in the Jervis Bay area. At home, imagine evenings luxuriating in the outdoor tub, a BBQ with loved ones on the balcony and counting stars by the outdoor firepit. Here, everything is in walking distance; from the White Sands walking track which takes you from Hyams Beach to Huskisson, to Vincentia local shops and cafés.

“The property is beautiful and impeccably maintained, with tasteful decorations that add a welcoming touch. We especially loved the scenic walks nearby – the natural setting provided a perfect backdrop for relaxing strolls,” said one five-star review.

Stay Casita in Vincentia

Stay Casita

Vincentia

Best designer stay for families

Sleeps: 6 people

Right in the heart of Jervis Bay you’ll find Stay Casita; a gorgeous three bedroom home with a nostalgic Mediterranean elegance. The design-forward escape features a gorgeous outdoor entertaining area with an outdoor shower and daybeds, while outdoor heating and a firepit are available for cooler seasons. Inside, a freestanding bath, open communal spaces and a fully equipped kitchen are to explore at your leisure. Plus, you’re welcome to bring your pup along on request.

“I’ve stayed in some lovely places before, but I don’t think I’ve ever encountered anything as stylish and liveable with such great attention to detail,” said one five-star review. “We especially enjoyed the kitchen facilities, garden space and terrasse with heaters to use on a chilly evening.”

Husky Lane

Huskisson

Best for couples

Sleeps: 2 people

Whether you’re after a romantic retreat or solo escape, Husky Lane offers convenience, style and personal touches. The beautifully decorated 1970s apartment features a recently renovated kitchen, living space and bedroom, and is just walking distance to the local beaches, buzzing cafés, boutique shops and more.

“The apartment is bright and airy, with all the comforts and thoughtful touches to make guests welcome. I stayed three nights and it was so relaxing, said one five-star review of the property.

What is so special about Jervis Bay?

Jervis Bay is a natural harbour surrounded by a protected marine zone and two pristine national parks. The areas sandy beaches are known for their snow white colour and the bay is north-facing, protecting it from the southerly winds.

Does Jervis Bay glow every night?

Also known as bioluminescence, or the blue tide, ‘the glow’ is an incredible natural phenomena that occurs when a bloom of algae or plankton are disturbed by the crash of waves. This amazing sight can only be viewed in a few places around the world, and Jervis Bay is one of them, although the occurrence is notoriously difficult to predict. So no, Jervis Bay does not glow every night, but when it does, it’s truly spectacular!

What are the best months to visit Jervis Bay?

Stunning Jervis Bay is temperate year round. The summer average is around 27 degrees and in winter it’s a mild 17 degrees on average, with plenty of sunny days in every season. If you want to catch the annual whale migration then anytime between May and November is best.

Is Jervis Bay in NSW or ACT?

The Jervis Bay Territory is an internal federal territory established in 1915 on land given by New South Wales (NSW) to the landlocked Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in order for them to have access to the sea. The area is not technically part of the ACT, but the laws of the ACT apply in the 68 km2 territory whose 391 residents mainly live at the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Creswell.

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