Sydney to Jervis Bay Road Trip | 4-Day Itinerary Guide
If you're a coastal adventurer, the Jervis Bay road trip to Sydney is calling! Discover charming villages, breathtaking scenery, and wondrous wildlife along the way. With an RV, you can slow down, explore, and enjoy every adventure at your own pace. Ready to hit the road? Your memory-making journeys start here!
How far is Jervis Bay from Sydney?
The drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay is around 200 km and takes around three hours if you're heading straight there. Which we highly recommend you don't. This itinerary spans four days, but take your time. Cruising your way down this magnificent coastline is the only way to go!
Jervis Bay to Sydney - Route Options
Jervis Bay
There are two routes you can take to Jervis Bay from Sydney. The first is a lovely scenic drive down the M1. Alternatively, you can take the M5 out of Sydney via Liverpool. You'll pick up the Hume Highway and head south towards the Southern Highlands. Then, continue to Jervis Bay as above.
Travel Time: 4 days
Best Time of the Year: Any time!
Highlights:
- Royal National Park
- Sea Cliff Bridge
- Kiama Blowhole
- Seven Mile Beach
- Whale watching
Day 1 - Walks, Wildlife & Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake Rock
Sydney to Helensburgh
DISTANCE 55KM | DRIVING TIME AROUND 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES
Around 45 minutes from Sydney is the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, situated on a stunning peninsula. Serenely quiet, it's full of calm beaches, breathtaking cliff lines (near-vertical rock faces!), and short coastal walks, like the Botany Bay Coastal Walk.
While in the area, be sure to explore the Royal National Park. One of the world's oldest national parks, highlights include Wedding Cake Rock, a strikingly white limestone formation perched above the cliffs - it's an Instagrammer's dream!
The Figure Eight Pools, located near Burning Palms Beach, are also a must-do if you're after a unique swimming experience. During low tide, the pools are shaped like a figure eight, and you can swim there in low tide. There's a bit of rocky terrain before you get there (part of a 4 to 5km walk), but it's worth it!
Also nearby is the Symbio Wildlife Park, where you can get up close and personal with exotic species and native Australian animals through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences.
Day 2 - Beaches, Bridges & Blowholes
Kiama Blowhole
Helensburgh to Kiama
DISTANCE 72KM | DRIVING TIME AROUND 50 MINUTES
The Helensburgh to Kiama drive offers one of the most scenic journeys along the South Coast of New South Wales, blending charming towns, lush hinterland, and stunning coastal views. As you head south, the drive passes through the quaint town of Stanwell Park, famous for its Bald Hill, a popular spot for hang-gliders and view-finders. Continuing south, you'll eventually approach Wollongong, with stops like the Sea Cliff Bridge—a remarkable engineering feat perched over the ocean, offering panoramic views of the coastline.
Cruising south to Kiama, this stunning seaside town is best known for its volcanic rock formations, pristine beaches, and scenic coastal walks. And, of course, you can't miss the Kiama Blowhole. One of the biggest blowholes in the world, when the swell comes in from the southeast, the water plume can reach over 30 metres in height. Be camera-ready!
If you've got the time, check out the Kiama lighthouse and Killalea Regional Park, where you can walk, cycle, or surf the excellent breaks at Farm Beach.
Day 3 - Hikes, History & Camper Hampers
Kiama to Berry
DISTANCE 23KM | DRIVING TIME 20 MINUTES
On Day 3 of your Sydney to Jervis Bay road trip, you'll pass through Gerringong & Gerroa on your way to Berry. Make sure you head to Werri Beach and take the steep hill walk (great exercise!) up at Werri Point towards the Gerringong Whale Watching Platform. Yep, more incredible views.
After all that physical effort, take a quick dip in Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool, which is one of the most picturesque on the South Coast. Seven Mile Beach is also unmissable - it's a wild and captivating stretch of coast featuring the Seven Mile Beach National Park. If it's too chilly for a swim, go for a hike instead. There are lots of trails for all fitness levels that allow you to explore the park's lush coastal bushland.
It may be small, but the village of Berry is big on charm. If you love history, spend the day browsing antique stores, exploring the Berry Historic Museum, or strolling along the Berry Heritage Walk. Need some sustenance after all that walking? Visit the Berry Farmers Market. Held on Sundays, it's a must for food lovers and filled to the brim with gourmet treats, fresh local produce and handmade goods — perfect for an on-the-road picnic hamper!
Day 4 - Pods, Parks & Plankton Sparkles
Hanging Rock
Berry to Jervis Bay
DISTANCE 56KM | DRIVING TIME 1 HOUR
With only a 45-minute drive to Jervis Bay, make sure you stop and take the last leg of the journey in. Hanging Rock Lookout is a popular picnic spot, popular with hikers and photographers. The rocky platform is 46 metres above the Shoalhaven River and has spectacular views. It's also a great place to rest after a circuit of Ben's Walk, a leisurely stroll of around 5.5 kilometres.
If a whale or dolphin-watching excursion is on your bucket list, Jervis Bay is the perfect place to tick it off. The bay's white sandy coastline and crystal-clear waters make it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. As well as the incredible marine life, the clear waters here are ideal for activities like swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
At the southern tip of the bay, the Cape St George Lighthouse offers a prime vantage point to see whales during the migration season, which typically runs from May to November. Hyams Beach is great for fishing, kayaking, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is framed by the natural beauty of Booderee National Park and scenic headlands with cliff-top walking trails.
If you're visiting in late spring or summer, you may be lucky enough to witness the incredible bioluminescence of Noctiluca plankton, lighting up the water at night in a glowing display. The sheltered beaches of Jervis Bay — Hyams Beach, Greenpatch Beach, and Murrays Beach — are ideal spots to see it. If you wade into the water or even walk along the shoreline, the movement will set off a beautiful blue glow, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. If you’re caravanning with kids, they’ll be captivated! Not ready to end your coastal escapade? Set up camp and unwind (your caravan checklist will guarantee you’re prepared) at some of Jervis Bay’s best caravan parks.
If you’re keen for a Sydney to Jervis Bay drive, make it unforgettable by hitting the road in one of our top-of-the-line RVs! Get in touch with our team today to book your adventure!