Jervis Bay – The Classic Beach Holiday

The Jervis Bay area, 3 hours south of Sydney, is summer holiday heaven with its large bay, never-ending flat, wide pristine beaches and a string of lovely little seaside towns, like Hyams Beach, Vincentia, Huskisson and Currarong.

Over Easter we borrowed a friend’s beach house in Jervis Bay. Backing onto Collingwood Beach, in between Vincentia and Huskisson, this little piece of paradise is custom-made for a Classic Beach Holiday.

We hadn’t visited the area before, but we weren’t aiming to see all the sights. Our extra-long weekend was an opportunity to relax and kick back. Spend some time together and enjoy this fabulous opportunity to hang out at the beach.

Activities

Alannah has always wanted to watch the sunrise over the water. With sunrise at about 7.15am on our first morning (this was just before daylight savings ended) and the beach house practically sitting on the sand, I thought we should take the opportunity. Unfortunately it was very cloudy, but it was so peaceful there with no-one else in sight.

There was paddling …

and sand angels.

The sun did rise, but this glow was all we could see. I don’t think the kids minded at all.

We visited Hyams Beach, which apparently has the whitest sand in the world. We just loved that it squeaks when you walk on it.

Huskisson is a fairly large seaside town, which is fantastic for scootering, with lots of paths around the waterfront to zoom along. It also has some grassy hills which are just perfect for rolling down.

I managed to lose myself for a little while in gorgeous homewares store, Indigo Love Collectors, which is full of Kip & Co, Blacklist and Ponyrider loveliness (and much much more).

We had constant rain all day Saturday, so went for a drive around the bay to Point Perpendicular. Love that name! I’m guessing it comes from the cliff faces, which are 100m of sheer vertical rock. On top of all that rock is the Lighthouse – a grand old lady who stands alongside her younger but far less attractive solar-powered relation.

Nothing says family bonding like a board game!

This is one of my favourite memories. This path ran along the back of our holiday house, just like the (fancier) houses in the pic. On our last night we took a long walk along it while the kids scootered ahead. Notice the distinct lack of people? Bliss.

Food

We enjoyed some fantastic casual meals during our weekend. The Huskisson Bakery was brilliant. Great food – so much bacon in the brekky wrap! And a little all-weather playground at the back, which came in very handy in the wet weather!

Other favs are –

Kid-friendly Mexican – 3 Gringos, Vincentia

Cool cafe – 5 Little Pigs, Huskisson

Fish and chips – JB Seafoods, Vincentia

The Beach

You definitely can’t have a Classic Beach Holiday without putting in some serious beach time. After spending Friday and Saturday cold and often wet, we were overjoyed to wake up to a glorious Easter Sunday. The kids could not get to the beach quick enough. If only they didn’t have a mummy who keeps stopping to take photos.

I didn’t think it was warm enough for swimming. I didn’t even pack their bathers. But apparently it was.

Break up the journey

On the way there we were racing down to try and arrive before nightfall, but on the way back we could afford to take our time a bit more. The Berry Donut Van was perfect for a quick bite on the go. But there were so many cool-looking cafes and shops in Berry that it may need a return visit in the future!

Kiama also seems to have gone a bit more upmarket since we were there a few years ago. But we went for the market and I had a lovely wander through while the kids played at a playground with hubster. The two stalls below had some gorgeous homewares – my cushion collection continues to expand!

Did you visit Jervis Bay growing up?

Where is your favourite spot for a classic beach holiday?