About Jervis Bay

Jervis bay, located in the shoalhaven is an iconic destination for diving and water sports

Located on the NSW south coast, 2½ hours south of Sydney and 3½ hours from Canberra, Jervis Bay itself is 15km long and 10km wide. The coastline around the bay is dotted with rocky outcrops, white sandy beaches and friendly coastal towns. A naturally sheltered harbour enclosed by headlands with sheer cliff faces, rising up to 135m above sea level and plunging 40m below. Beneath the surface, you'll find a variety of underwater habitats abundant with marine life, including many protected and threatened species.

This diversity has made Jervis Bay a popular destination for snorkellers and scuba divers worldwide. The unique geography of Jervis Bay provides protection from most weather conditions, while tidal movements cause little restraint to activities. Many of the deeper reefs are only accessible by boat, but there are also many shore dive sites within easy access and close proximity to the amenities offered by the townships of Huskisson and Vincentia.

Known as the gateway to Jervis Bay, Huskisson is central to many of the activities, attractions and services available in the Jervis Bay Area. Named after William Huskisson, a British member of parliament, this town was settled in 1840 at the mouth of the Jervis Bay River, now known as Currambene Creek. Vincentia (formerly known as South Huskisson) offers a small shopping center including a Supermarket, Hardware, Banks and other essential services. These towns and surrounding villages are steeped in history and natural beauty just waiting for you to discover.

The Marine Park boundaries were established in 1998 covering an area of approximately 22,000 hectares. This includes the semi-enclosed waters of Jervis Bay and over 100km of coastline including adjacent ocean extending from Kinghorn Point in the north to Sussex Inlet in the south.

A zoning plan was established in 2002 to ensure conservation of the marine biodiversity while catering to the many recreational and commercial activities taking place within the Park. The Jervis Bay Marine Park users guide contains information outlining the arrangements for recreational users of the park including maps and explanations of the zoning plan. This year, the zoning plan is being reviewed as part of the process.

The Commonwealth waters lying south in a line from Captain's Point at HMAS Creswell to the Northern point of Bowen Island, form part of Booderee National Park, owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council and jointly managed with Environment Australia. With various authorities managing different areas of Jervis Bay,guided tours are a great way to avoid any confusion, helping to ensure that activities are undertaken in the appropriate areas and that the environment remains protected for future generations.

Jervis Bay Dive Sites

The Gorgonia Wall

Gorgonia Wall is a beautiful dive site it is not to deep to the top of the wall only around 18 metres, it then drops down to around 35 metres.
The wall is covered with all sorts of sponges and at the bottom there is huge boulders, sponges and gorgonia and has very colourful growth.

Point Perpendicular

Point Perpendicular is one of the most popular dive sites in jervis Bay.It is shallow and deep and has a variety of sea creatures, large boulders,tunnels,beautiful sponge gardens and schooling fish.

Double Decker Cave

The Double Decker Cave is an interseting dive site.It is actually two dive caves in one, one on top of the other. There isnt much fish or growth inside but it is a very good experience for the first time diver.

Wreck of T.S.S. Wandra

The Wandra is a first class dive site.The wooden structure has disappeared only leaving machinery,boiler and some cargo.It is very colourful and is covered with marine growth.In the position it lies divers can be assured that the wreck will be visible for many years to come.