Top 15 Activities to Explore in St Georges Basin, Australia

This lake and its namesake village along the Shoalhaven Coast serves as an extensive natural playground, offering various outdoor activities ranging from stand-up paddleboarding to horseback riding.

St Georges Basin is conveniently located adjacent to Jervis Bay, renowned for its immaculate white beaches, unspoiled native flora, and the humpback whales that traverse the close shoreline between May and November.

During your visit, you may observe stingrays gliding under your paddleboard, embark on an Aboriginal bush tucker tour, spot wallabies and kangaroos in their natural habitats, enjoy a barbecue beneath towering river red gums, and relax on a pristine beach.

1. St Georges Basin

This 40-square-kilometre expanse of water is classified as an inland lake or intermediate estuary sustained by surrounding creeks.

St Georges Basin is delightful, characterized by stretches of eucalyptus and swamp oak adorning its banks.

It features small beaches and parks, alongside a series of holiday communities along the northern shoreline, while significant portions of the southern and eastern shores are protected by Booderee National Park.

On the water, various rental options such as boats, kayaks, and paddleboards are available for exploration of secluded beaches, coves, and creeks.

Additionally, recreational fishing is a significant activity at St Georges Basin, which is famed for its impressive dusky flathead and a multitude of other sportfish found in the estuary.

2. Booderee National Park

This stunning national park, situated on the eastern shore of St Georges Basin and extending into the Tasman Sea, occupies the Bherwerre Peninsula.

This statement holds significant weight considering Australia’s esteemed natural beauty standards.

The park boasts powdery white beaches with shimmering turquoise waters, elevated headlands suitable for whale watching, and diverse native bushland teeming with captivating wildlife.

Visitors can explore the land’s profound Koori Aboriginal culture, discover colonial remnants, engage in birdwatching, or simply relax on its idyllic shores.

The park’s remarkable diversity is exemplified at the Booderee Botanic Gardens, the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia, where one can discover bush tucker, medicinal plants, and the extensive historical ties of the Koori people to this land.

3. Hyams Beach

Traveling east from the basin, the first Tasman Sea beach you encounter is among the finest in the entire nation.

Hyams Beach is renowned for its stunning powdery white sands, comprised primarily of pure quartz.

The sand is exceptionally fine, even producing a distinctive squeaking sound when walked upon.

Protected within Jervis Bay, the surf remains relatively tranquil, enhancing the clarity of the turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.

Hyams Beach benefits from its affiliation with a small, pristine seaside community, and the Shoalhaven council is diligently considering measures to maintain the beach amidst increasing visitor numbers.

4. Moona Moona Creek

This tidal creek gracefully winds through Jervis Bay National Park before emptying into the Tasman Sea at the charming town of Huskisson.

At its mouth lie two exquisite white sandy beaches: Huskisson Beach (commonly known as Moona Moona Beach) to the north and Sailors Grave Beach to the south.

During high tide, the creek transforms into a haven for stand-up paddleboarding, allowing for an unhindered glide over the clear waters, with an exceptional view of fish and stingrays below.

Protected by sandbars, this lagoon-like inlet provides a safe swimming environment, akin to a swimming pool.

Additionally, Moona Moona Park, located adjacent to the bridge and overlooking the creek’s mouth, offers a small sandy beach along with shaded grassy areas for relaxation.

The bridge frequently serves as an unofficial diving platform for local youth during high tide, despite the posted “no diving” signs.

5. Corramy Regional Park

Heading west from St Georges Basin, you will soon find yourself in approximately 300 hectares of serene bushland, where the Wandandian Creek flows into the estuary.

The majority of Corramy Regional Park is enveloped in a canopy of swamp oak (casuarina) forest, featuring a mixture of eucalyptus species, such as red gums.

For a peaceful retreat, the Wandandian Creek picnic area provides a tranquil setting to contemplate the calm waters and enjoy the diverse birdlife.

Visitors may spot yellow-bellied gliders and glossy black cockatoos known to inhabit these woods.

If you are up for it, there are walking trails available, including the Delta Track, which meanders along the creek’s foreshore for 1.5 km.

6. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Just ten minutes from St Georges Basin, at Huskisson, you can delve into the rich maritime history of Jervis Bay.

The museum offers valuable insights into the Aboriginal population of the area, their way of life and customs spanning thousands of years prior to European settlement, as well as the subsequent challenges faced through post-colonial marginalization and the ongoing Aboriginal land rights movement.

It showcases intriguing accounts and artifacts from numerous shipwrecks along the hazardous South Coast and provides insights into the abandoned 19th-century lighthouse located at Cape St George.

The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the Lady Denman ferry, constructed in 1911 just a short distance from the museum, which is currently undergoing restoration to its 1960s condition as part of Sydney Harbour’s ferry fleet.

7. Paradise Beach Reserve

At Sanctuary Point, a small landmass extends into St Georges Basin.

This area features a tranquil residential community complemented by vacation accommodations and facilities such as parks, restaurants, and the Jervis Bay Golf Club.

On the western side of Sanctuary Point, along the bay, lies one of the premier parks on St Georges Basin.

Paradise Beach Reserve offers spectacular sunset views from its walking track due to its westward orientation.

Facilities include a playground for children, barbecue and picnic areas shaded by trees, restrooms, and outdoor gym equipment for adults.

The calm waters of the basin, along with its extended shallow bay, create an excellent environment for young children to enjoy water activities.

8. Bikes at the Basin

A newly developed network of cycling trails extends from Sanctuary Point to the beaches of Jervis Bay.

This is an ideal time to explore St Georges Basin, the tranquil bushland behind it, and the magnificent Shoalhaven coast on two wheels.

Bikes at the Basin, located in Sanctuary Point, provides new bicycle sales and repairs, along with a selection of models available for rental for both adults and children.

From this starting point, you can traverse quiet local roads or discover the paths of off-road trails.

9. Sussex Inlet Marine Centre

Running between the southern side of St Georges Basin and the Tasman Sea coast is Sussex Inlet, which features a charming island township along its western bank.

For those planning any aquatic activities at St Georges Basin, the Sussex Inlet Marine Centre is a valuable resource.

The center offers a diverse selection of 12 motorboats for hire (no license required), alongside fishing tackle and bait, as well as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.

All motorboat rentals include petrol, life jackets, and oars, with an option to rent a canopy for a nominal fee.

For land-based fun, the center also provides bicycles and scooters for rent.

10. Cave Beach

This site of remarkable natural beauty can be found at Booderee National Park, facing the Tasman Sea.

Cave Beach, so named due to the cavities present in the rocks at its western end, is a cherished surf beach with a gentle gradient, providing an expansive area of shallow water ideal for leisurely strolls.

Kangaroos and wallabies are often sighted in the vicinity, making their way to the beachfront. For those wishing to extend their visit overnight, this area boasts one of Australia’s finest secluded beach camping options.

This camping site is nestled among coastal tea trees, equipped with wood and gas barbecues, toilets, freshwater, and showers.

11. Whale Watching

From mid-May to mid-November, humpback whales can be spotted in Jervis Bay during their impressive migration.

These whales leave their feeding grounds in Antarctic waters for warmer tropical regions to mate and calve (given that humpbacks gestate for 11 months), before embarking on the return journey accompanied by their newborns.

There are numerous vantage points just east of St Georges Basin to observe passing whales and the characteristic spouts from their blowholes.

Humpback whales are known for their inquisitive and acrobatic nature, despite their considerable size (up to 30 tons), providing a great chance to witness an unforgettable encounter during a cruise.

On the cruise platform GetYourGuide.com, the 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise includes valuable insights about this species and Jervis Bay.

Participants will also enjoy views of the brilliant blue waters, the towering cliffs at Point Perpendicular, and some of the whitest sands imaginable.

12. Husky Ferry

Another delightful experience in Jervis Bay is boarding the weekend ferry service that navigates Currambene Creek just before it opens into the bay.

This ferry operates between Huskisson Wharf on the south side and Myola to the north, with departures occurring at quarter to the hour from Huskisson and on the hour from Myola.

As there is no bridge across the creek’s lower reaches, this ferry helps bypass a potentially lengthy drive.

Moreover, it offers a splendid opportunity to appreciate Jervis Bay’s breathtaking scenery, with a good chance to observe dolphins or seals.

The operator also organizes private charters and various cruises, including the Sunset Cruise, which features commentary and allows participants to bring their own wine and cheese.

13. Valhalla Horse Riding

This local operation has been leading horseback rides through the serene bushland of the Shoalhaven for over 30 years.

This Appaloosa stud is set within more than 100 acres of picturesque native bush, featuring over 30 horses suitable for all skill levels.

A variety of packages is available, with the best option for beginners being the one-hour ride, guided by a friendly and experienced instructor.

Families visiting with younger children can enjoy led pony rides that are sure to delight.

14. Tomerong Markets

Make sure to check the calendar—if you are in the area on the third Saturday of the month, the lively Tomerong community market is worth attending.

This market is hosted at the Tomerong School of Arts Hall but also extends into the adjacent Union Church yard.

On an average market day, you will find over 50 stalls offering a variety of goods, ranging from seasonal fruits and vegetables, freshly made food, gourmet coffee, to flowers, plants, and various artisan crafts and upcycled items.

15. Cape St George Lighthouse

While visiting Booderee National Park, consider a trip to the remnants of this historical lighthouse situated atop the cliffs near the southern entrance to Jervis Bay.

The lighthouse was constructed from Sydney sandstone in 1860, and in the 1890s, it was replaced at Point Perpendicular.

In the early 20th century, the original tower was dismantled to prevent daytime confusion, and now, the heritage-listed remains are accompanied by interpretive signs that detail the structure’s history and the lives of its lighthouse keepers.

The Cape St George Lighthouse has a poignant history; between 1867 and 1887, five children of lighthouse keepers lost their lives here due to various tragic events, including illness, a cliff fall, a horse kick, and an accidental gunshot.

Furthermore, in 1895, one assistant keeper was taken by sharks while fishing.

During June to July and September to November, the cliffs serve as a prime vantage point for observing migrating humpback whales.