Getting There

It's best to reach Jervis Bay via Huskisson, 24km (15 miles) southeast of Nowra on the Princes Highway. Approximately 16km (10 miles) south of Nowra, turn left onto the Jervis Bay Road to Huskisson. The entrance to Booderee National Park -- formally named Jervis Bay National Park -- is just after Huskisson. It's about a 3-hour drive from Sydney. You'll probably need at least 2 days to get to know the area. Watch out for the black cockatoos.

Australian Pacific Tours (tel. 02/9247 7222; fax 02/9247 2052) runs a dolphin-watching cruise to Jervis Bay from Sydney every day between early October and mid-April, and Monday and Thursday in winter. The 12-hour trip -- 7 hours of which are on the coach -- includes a visit to the Kiama blowhole, a 3-hour luncheon cruise looking for bottlenose dolphins, and a stop on the way back at Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands. The trip costs A$117 (US$94/UK£47) for adults and A$109 (US$87/UK£44) for children.

Visitor Information

For information on the area, contact the Shoalhaven Visitors Centre, at the corner of Princes Highway and Pleasant Way, Nowra (tel. 1800/024 261 in Australia, or 02/4421 0778). Pick up maps and book camping sites at the Booderee National Park office (tel. 02/4443 0977), located just beyond Huskisson; it's open daily from 9am to 4pm. Hyams Beach Store (tel. 02/4443 0242) has an accommodations guide listing 34 rental properties for A$100 (US$80/UK£40) and up for a weekend.

A Safety Warning

Jervis Bay is notorious for its car break-ins, a situation the local police force has been unable to control. If you park your car anywhere in the national park, remove all valuables, including things in the trunk.