Jervis Bay is famous for being home to the most pristine white sand in Australia. Even though this is not true, because Lucky Bay in Western Australia has the whitest sand (according to official examination), Jervis Bay and its beaches are still fabulous. Their sand looks white, it squeaks under your feet, but doesn’t burn it, since it doesn’t get hot. But it’s extremely sticky. So quite proper white sand with high silica content.
And my favorite white sand beach in Jervis Bay? Murrays Beach! Yeah, I know that Hyams Beach gets all the hype, and it’s a beautiful beach. But having been living in New South Wales for two years, I could name countless fabulous beaches along this coastline. For a beach to get a spot in the toplist here it’s not enough to be simply beautiful. What then? Well, Murrays Beach is an example of that uniqueness that stands out even from such a stunning crowd.
What makes Murrays Beach so unforgettable?
The snow white sand and the azure blue water make a composition that feels otherworldly. It’s backed up by an old eucalyptus forest on the hillside, teeming with life: parrots, kookaburras, songbirds and shy wallabies. Murrays Beach is your unspoilt dream beach coming into existence.
What’s more, the beach is quite safe for swimming, protected by Governor Head and Bowen Island. It also has its own reef, so don’t forget your snorkeling gear either. But even if you do, the water is so clear and transparent that you can spot the colorful fish without tucking your head underwater.
Dolphins like the bay, as well. We were lucky to see four of them swimming close to the shore, jumping and playing.
How to get to Murrays Beach?
Murrays Beach is located right by the entrance of Jervis Bay, in Booderee National Park. A short walk (300 meters) is required to reach the beach from the large parking lot at the end of Jervis Bay Road. It’s an easy walk through lovely woodland. You can even pull a beach cart if you’re determined to, though there are occasional stairs or roots.
To enter Booderee National Park, you need a park pass. It’s not the NSW Parks pass since this park is managed by Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. Check the available day passes and yearly passes here. Buy it online before your visit!
Is Murrays Beach safe for swimming?
Murrays Beach is one of the most protected beaches in Jervis Bay, making it ideal for swimming. After getting to know the New South Wales coastline better, I do appreciate pristine, untouched bays that are naturally protected to provide safe conditions for swimming – and they are quite rare. Murrays Beach is one of them.
With that said, Murrays Beach is an unpatrolled beach, so you swim there at your own risk. Please check the current conditions before entering the water. We visited on a calm summer day with almost no breeze, and I found the water surface smooth and the waves gentle.
Snorkeling at Murrays Beach
At both sides of the sandy bay, there are several smaller coves, with dramatic rocks towering above and worn down by the waves during the centuries. Some look like caves, especially if you photograph them from the right angle. Most of these coves are reachable on foot at low tide only (and even then I recommend snorkeling shoes, because some of the rocks are sharp), but you can swim to them any time (again, it’s best to wear snorkeling shoes).
There’s a reef at both sides of the bay, right in front of those romantic coves, great for snorkeling when the water is calm. You might spot colorful fish, seadragons, sea stars, sea urchins, or even a Port Jackson shark (they’re quite shy). Dolphins are often seen, too.
Having a picnic with breathtaking views at Murrays Beach
Murrays Beach feels remote, and it’s an advantage in my eyes. In exchange, you won’t find many facilities though. The only toilet is located at the parking lot. But there are two picnic benches under the shady trees right behind the beach. The view and the atmosphere of the place (parrots flying over, wallabies peeking out of the dense bush) makes it worth it to carry your picnic basket here. We sure did.
Coastal walks from Murrays Beach
Murrays Beach is the trailhead for a lovely coastal walk. The full loop on the Murrays Walking Trail is ~6 km, partly along the coastline and partly through inland woodland.
We did the first 1.1 km to Governor Head, which is said to be the prettiest section. It ends at a viewing platform that looks over Bowen Island and the Jervis Bay entrance. You’re on top of the high cliffs at Governor Lookout, but it’s fenced, and the views are amazing.
Governor Head walk summary
- Trailhead: Murrays Beach parking lot
- Length: 1.1 km
- Difficulty: easy
- Check the trail on a map here.
Where to stay in Jervis Bay?
Accommodation options in Jervis Bay cover every budget and travel style. Just make sure you book it in advance, especially in the summer months (from November through April, since it’s Australia).
If you’re looking to stay within Booderee National Park though, camping is your only options. I love camping, and Booderee has fabulous oceanfront campgrounds. But if you prefer four walls, distances are not long in the Jervis Bay area, so look around outside the national park.
Rooms and homestays in Jervis Bay
There aren’t any hostels in the Jervis Bay area, but you can find motels and relatively affordable rooms. (Or camping is your option, read on.) It has an almost overwhelming number of holiday homes and apartments to rent.
Looking for the best location? Jervis Bay Motel in the center of Huskisson is only 10 minutes walk from the beach. Huskisson Beach Bed and Breakfast is right by the beach and offers adult only rooms with free parking and free wifi.
The Wildwood homestay is 5 minutes walk from Callala Beach, and it offers a three bedroom house that’s great for families or friends to share. The Edgewater Bed & Breakfast is a bit further from the oceanfront, but it’s still a waterfront location, on the shore of St Georges Basin.
The Cove Jervis Bay is quite a special one. It offers beach cabins and glamping tents, and guests can use the kayaks and stand up paddle boards free of charge.
Caravan parks in Jervis Bay
You can stay at caravan parks with your campervan or tent, but some of them offer cabins for rent, as well. Like Jervis Bay Holiday Park on the shore of Currambene Creek.
Holiday Haven White Sands and Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach are managed by the same company. They are located quite close to each other and have direct access to Huskisson Beach. Both offer caravan and camping sites and holiday cabins.
Camping in Booderee National Park
What makes campgrounds a great choice is not only the fact that you can’t find any cheaper option to spend the night. Many of Australia’s campgrounds offer prime locations that often beat the most well-situated motels, apartments and beach villas! They also give you a chance to experience wildlife, which is most active at dawn and dusk.
We enjoyed our stay at Green Patch Campground so-so much that we can’t help but promote it as the best place to stay in Jervis Bay. It’s right behind one of those dreamy white sand beaches, and it’s busy with kangaroos, wallabies, possums and parrots. What else would you need? Maybe some facilities, like toilets or showers, and yes, it even has those. 🙂 BBQs, too, traditional wood and electric.
Bristol Point Camping is right next to our beloved Green Patch Campground. Honeymoon Bay and Cave Beach also have campgrounds that are less centrally located, and that’s exactly their charm. You can’t even drive directly to the Cave Beach camping, bushwalking is required to access it, so it’s the best for light packers.
One important thing to know is that Jervis Bay campsites during the school holiday are a bit tricky to get. There’s a ballot system, and you need to put your name into the system by August, then cross your fingers. We avoided the school holiday every time we visited Jervis Bay, and we advise you to do the same if you can. It makes things easier (and way less crowded).
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