Summary
This tranquil lakeside community serves as a retirement sanctuary on the South Coast of New South Wales.
The allure of Sanctuary Point becomes evident upon witnessing St Georges Basin, characterized by its pristine beaches, parks, eucalypt forests, and mangroves.
Remarkably, an abundance of activities and sights await within just 15 minutes.
First and foremost, Jervis Bay promises its renowned white sandy beaches, including the famous Hyams Beach.
This bay and its surrounding creeks teem with wildlife, providing opportunities for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or cruising to observe dolphins and whales.
Additionally, Booderee National Park offers bush tucker tours along with spectacular beaches, towering cliffs, and historic 19th-century ruins.
1. St Georges Basin
Geographically, Sanctuary Point extends from the northern shore of a large coastal lake.
St Georges Basin is slightly more than a gentle ripple, and there is a series of beaches at Sanctuary Point where one must wade quite a distance before the tranquil waters reach waist-level.
Visitors can traverse the foreshore on foot, enjoying grassy parks along the way or venturing to the mouth of Wandandian Creek, where Corramy Regional Park features stands of swamp oak and floodplain forest.
On the southern side of the lake lies Sussex Inlet, home to a marine center offering boat rentals.
For those interested in fishing at St Georges Basin, prepare for the possibility of catching significant dusky flathead.
2. Basin Foreshore Walk
On the picturesque northern shore of St Georges Basin, a 40-minute walking track provides a glimpse into much of Sanctuary Point’s foreshore, including various boardwalk segments.
In general, the trail extends westward from Palm Beach Reserve, around Macleans Point, and up to Paradise Beach Reserve.
Measuring 5.5 kilometers in total, this walk features several access points.
Due to its lakeside location, the gradient remains light, making it suitable for families with small children.
Furthermore, as the path winds through beach parks, numerous spots allow for resting, dipping toes in the water, picnicking under trees, and enjoying the surrounding beauty.
3. Paradise Beach Reserve
Surrounded by parkland and low-profile residential areas along the lake’s shoreline, Sanctuary Point provides numerous locations for individuals to unwind by the water while engaging in aquatic activities, provided they have the necessary equipment.
One such destination is Paradise Beach, situated on the western side of Sanctuary Point’s small peninsula.
This beach offers stunning westward views, boasting mesmerizing sunsets framed by the lake and the Great Eastern Escarpment in the background.
The verdant expanse behind Paradise Beach is dotted with trees and benches, creating an inviting atmosphere.
The water remains shallow for over 100 meters, making it ideal for young swimmers, while a playground and exercise equipment are available on the foreshore.
4. Palm Beach
Despite its name, Palm Beach—located at the tip of Sanctuary Point—does not feature any palm trees.
However, the expansive green foreshore provides ample shade from mature trees, along with numerous areas to sit and gaze out upon the stunning body of water.
Barbecue facilities and picnic tables are readily available, while children can enjoy the play equipment.
Moreover, the calm waters of the lake are perfect for children eager to swim and play in the shallows.
Conveniently, a corner store located just behind on Greville Avenue offers easy access to provisions.
5. Jervis Bay
As if St Georges Basin weren’t alluring enough, Sanctuary Point is adjacent to an idyllic, almost entirely enclosed bay.
This area is protected on land by Jervis Bay National Park and in the water by a marine park.
Summarizing the many world-class attractions and experiences available in Jervis Bay is challenging.
However, it is worth noting the sand, which boasts a unique pure white hue that imparts a luminous quality to the pristine beaches lining the bay.
The surf is generally calm, rendering the beaches safe while creating an ideal setting for snorkeling, diving, and paddlesports.
Dolphins are often seen swimming near kayaks and paddleboards year-round, while whales can be spotted from the scenic cliffs at the bay’s entrance during winter.
6. Hyams Beach
Even if you are unfamiliar with the names Hyams Beach or Jervis Bay, you may have encountered images of this pristine white sandy beach previously.
Located merely ten minutes from Sanctuary Point, visitors are greeted by sand so white it appears almost surreal.
This beach is reputed to possess the whitest sand of any beach globally, composed entirely of pure quartz and lapped by clear turquoise waters.
It’s no surprise that Hyams Beach has become a favorite among the Instagram community, prompting the local council to contemplate imposing visitor limits to alleviate pressure on this unique natural treasure.
7. Booderee National Park
One of Australia’s most stunning national parks stretches from the eastern shore of St Georges Basin and continues along the Bherwerre Peninsula, defining the southern side of Jervis Bay.
This area is managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community; it is home to the only botanic gardens overseen by Aboriginal people in Australia.
Visitors can Discover magnificent beaches on both the bay side and the Tasman Sea side of the peninsula at Iluka and Murrays Beach, as well as the beautiful Cave and Bherwerre Beach to the south.
The interior remains unspoiled native bushland, inviting exploration through its various trails.
A notable site that combines breathtaking scenery with captivating history is the now-ruined Cape St George Lighthouse, constructed in 1860 and active until 1889 before it was dismantled.
Whales can be spotted in winter here, providing an opportunity to learn about the light’s brief yet tragic history.
8. Moona Moona Creek
The bushland located east of Sanctuary Point is interspersed with watercourses, among which Moona Moona Creek stands out for its beauty, flowing into Jervis Bay south of Huskisson.
The creek’s mouth presents a captivating sight, even in a region rich with natural beauty.
The transparent and shallow waters off the creek are partially enclosed by sandbars, creating a lovely, knee-deep pool.
During optimal tidal conditions, families gather at Moona Moona Park to wade through the cool, shimmering waters.
Meanwhile, adventurous youths often jump from the low Moona Moona Creek Bridge as a rite of passage.
This area is also popular for stand-up paddleboarding, offering an exceptional opportunity to float over curious fish and stingrays.
9. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
Another compelling reason to visit Huskisson is to delve into its rich maritime heritage.
Historically, this location served as a shipbuilding hub, as evidenced by the preserved MV Lady Denman, a former Sydney Harbour ferry launched in 1911. This vessel has a storied past, including a partial sinking off Wollongong before being salvaged and temporarily stored for restoration.
The Lady Denman is accompanied by an array of nautical artifacts, including navigational equipment, models, local shipyard tools, paintings, photographs, and sketches.
The museum boasts a charming setting on Currambene Creek, adorned with green grounds featuring heritage buildings, native gardens, a mangrove boardwalk, and recreational areas.
10. Whale Watching
Each year, humpback whales undertake a 5,000 km migration from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the tropical waters of Australia, where they mate and give birth.
These whales are known for their inquisitive nature, performing remarkable acrobatic displays despite their massive size (weighing up to 30 tonnes and reaching lengths of 16 meters). Jervis Bay lies approximately midway along their migration route, with humpbacks passing by from mid-May to mid-November, occasionally with a brief pause around August.
Whales can be observed from land, particularly from the cliffs in Booderee National Park or the adjacent Beecroft Peninsula.
Alternatively, you can experience whale watching from the water; a two-hour cruise is offered from Huskisson through the online platform GetYourGuide.com.
Throughout the remainder of the year, bottlenose dolphins can consistently be found in Jervis Bay, making any cruise an enticing opportunity.
11. Water Activities
With numerous kilometers of safe, clear, and nature-rich waterways to explore in the lake, bay, and creeks, it is unsurprising that paddlesports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are gaining popularity in this region.
Within 15 minutes of Sanctuary Point, a variety of companies offer unforgettable tours or the necessary equipment for individuals looking to embark on their own adventures.
Prominent local providers include Jervis Bay Kayak & Paddlesports Co, Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle, and Sea Kayak Jervis Bay, all operating out of Huskisson.
Users can paddle to stunning white sandy beaches, through mangrove areas, or along gentle surf breaks, often joined by the bay’s playful pod of bottlenose dolphins.
12. Husky Ferry
Given that Jervis Bay functions as a national and marine park, it has largely evaded modern road developments, necessitating an occasional reliance on alternative transport.
This is beneficial; on weekends, one can traverse the gleaming waters of Currambene Creek on a ferry, circumventing a lengthy car detour.
The ferry service operates a ten-minute route between Huskisson in the south and Myola in the north, departing from Huskisson at fifteen minutes to the hour.
The ferry company additionally organizes family-friendly boat rides into the bay, alongside romantic evening excursions where guests are welcome to bring their own wine and cheese.
13. Huskisson Sea Pool
Located merely ten minutes away in Huskisson, the ocean can also be enjoyed without contending with strong currents.
The Huskisson Sea Pool, accessible just a short walk from the Husky Ferry, is set among well-maintained landscaping, offering striking views over the point.
The primary pool measures 50 meters, with a depth ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 meters.
A partially shaded toddler pool is also available, alongside a small but well-constructed beach on the ocean side.
Nearby, there is a well-kept memorial park dedicated to HMAS Voyager, a destroyer that sank after colliding during nighttime exercises in 1964, resulting in the tragic loss of 82 lives.
14. Bay & Basin Leisure Centre
For those wishing to exercise sheltered from the elements, or for those encountering inclement weather, there exists a public leisure center offering an extensive range of activities.
As indicated by its name, this facility is situated midway between Jervis Bay and St Georges Basin.
For families seeking refuge from rain or excessive heat, amenities include a 25-meter pool, a heated leisure pool featuring beach-style entry, a toddler pool, and an exhilarating 40-meter slide.
Adults seeking a workout can utilize the fully-equipped gym, while additional services include a crèche, cafe, shop, and classes for fitness activities.
15. Bikes at the Basin
In an area characterized by gentle terrain and quiet residential communities, surrounded by abundant nature and lacking multi-lane roads, it is easy to anticipate that cycling will become a prominent activity.
The cycling routes around St Georges Basin and Jervis Bay are undergoing enhancements and expansions, making it possible to ride to the bay’s beaches without negotiating road traffic.
A local shop in Sanctuary Point offers bike sales and accessories, as well as repair services and bicycle rentals for all age groups.
For alternative rental options, visitors can take advantage of Pineapple Bike Hire and Jervis Bay Bike Hire, located just five minutes away in Vincentia.
