[category]
[title]
How good are road trips? A few hours on the open road, fuelled with servo snacks and the excitement of what’s to come. That’s how I feel driving south to Huskisson, a pretty, laid-back coastal village found in the Shoalhaven region of NSW, near the world-famous beaches of Jervis Bay.
Around a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, the award-winning spot (Huskisson was named Top Tiny Town in Australia in 2024!) is home to bush-trimmed coves, vivid turquoise water, at least three fish and chippers on the main drag, a delightfully charming old cinema, and one of my personal favourite bakeries (more on that below).
If it’s been a while between weekend escapes, here’s everything you need to know about Huskisson, from where to eat and where to stay.
Where is Huskisson?
Huskisson is a chilled-out seaside town on the shores of Jervis Bay, south of Sydney. It’s known for its ridiculously clear water, dolphin and whale cruises, independently owned cafés and some of the South Coast's best seafood. Husky is also a popular base for exploring the rest of Jervis Bay, including the famous Hyams Beach, which gets its brilliantly white sand due to the grains being made up of nearly pure quartz crystals that reflect a high amount of sunlight, as well as Vincentia and the surrounding national parks.
How do you get to Huskisson?
The easiest way is by car. From Sydney, it's around a 2.5-hour drive via the Princes Highway, before turning onto Jervis Bay Road just south of Nowra. If you don't have a car, you can catch a train to Bomaderry (Nowra) and connect to a local bus, although driving is by far the easiest option if you're planning to explore the area.
What is there to do in Huskisson?
So much! First, you need to jump in the ocean, and I’d be heading straight to nearby Hyams Beach – it’s around a 10-minute drive from town. Huskisson Beach right in front is a top spot for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking thanks to its calm waters – and dogs are welcome. And check out Greenfield Beach – another white-sand stunner.
If you’re an animal lover, you’re in luck – Huskisson is one of the best places in Australia for dolphin and whale watching, with resident bottlenose dolphins present year-round and humpback whale migration visible from May to November. We went on a whale-watching tour with Jervis Bay Wild and we saw at least 15 whales. Magic. (If you’re prone to seasickness, perhaps wait for a calm day.)
The area is home to the Jervis Bay Marine Park – protecting dolphins, seals, penguins and a diverse array of marine life – as well as the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, where you can dive into the region's rich naval and shipbuilding history.
I’d recommend spending a few hours browsing the shops – my favourite is Huskisson Trading Post, a treasure trove of antiques and vintage goods.
For a mind and body experience, book in at Bowline Remedial Massage – a wellness hub home to infrared saunas, compression boots, ice baths and magnesium floats, which also hosts powerful breathwork classes, yoga and sound healing.
If the weather is looking ace, book a night with Jervis Bay Stargazing and see the night sky dazzle with a guided stargazing session.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Huskisson?
For a small town, Huskisson packs a mighty big punch food-wise, and you can eat well here if you know where to look. My top recommendation is heading to Huskisson Bakery & Cafe for a classic mince pie and cannoli for a treat. A few minutes from town is Kraken Sourdough – a cute bakery and café where everything is handmade (I went with a Danish topped with custard and fresh raspberries – bliss).
Another stand-out spot is Peter Eva, a charming family-run restaurant by husband-and-wife team Peter and Eva, who both draw on their family heritage in the menu, serving up excellent wood-fired pizzas, pasta, lasagna and antipasti. It’s the busiest place in town on a Saturday night and after one meal here you’ll find out why.
Head to Harley’s at Husky for coffee and brekkie, for a modern Pan-Asian meal, make a booking at Wild Ginger (and order the pork belly betel leaves!), and if you’re craving fish and chips – you’re spoilt for choice, as I counted at least three spots on the main drag, including World Famous Fish and Chips – skip the fish tacos and order the barramundi with chips and you’ll be in for a good time. When it’s beer o'clock, there’s Huskisson Hotel for golden hour, and Jervis Bay Brewing Co is a fun option for the arvo (and the craft beers go down dangerously well).
Where are the best places to stay in Huskisson?
There are some fab accommodation options in and just out of Huskisson, including Bay and Bush Jervis Bay. Set on 27 acres of native bushland just outside Huskisson, this tranquil retreat is home to cosy stand-alone cottages, each with its own vibe and identity, luxe glamping tents, a café and plenty of local ’roos.
For something a little more romantic, Paperbark Camp is Australia's original luxury glamping stay, featuring safari-style tents with bathtubs that open out into the lush bush and an excellent on-site restaurant. And if you'd rather stay right in the heart of town, CeeSpray puts you within walking distance of Huskisson's cafés, restaurants, pubs and waterfront, making it an ideal base for exploring.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.