Canberra Beaches, Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay

(Canberra, Australian Capital Territory - ACT, Australia)

The city of Canberra is actually relatively close to a number of stunning Australian beaches lying along the expansive coastline of New South Wales, including Jervis Bay on the south-eastern coast. Jervis Bay contains some of the clearest waters and whitest sandy beaches imaginable, and from Canberra, can be reached in around two and a half hours.

Also making for a popular excursion is the scenic Batemans Bay, which is slightly nearer to Canberra, being approximately two hours away by car. Batemans Bay is a typical seaside town and serves as a popular holiday spot for those living inland, with many Australians coming here to retire. The town's population is currently just under 11,000 people, although during the holiday season this more than triples.

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay has gained National Park status due to its exceptional scenery and magnificent coastline. Within easy reach of Canberra, Jervis Bay is a popular excursion for both locals and visitors, being full of things to see and do.

Some of the most popular attractions in Jervis Bay include sunbathing, swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving, where you will see huge stingrays, seahorses and colourful fish. The Booderee National Park is probably the premier draw card here and was formerly known as the Jervis Bay National Park.

Dolphin watching is possible around Jervis Bay, and there are more than 50 friendly Bottlenose dolphins that live and breed in Jervis Bay.

Whale watching is also possible between September to November, when enormous humpback whales and rare southern right whales can be observed from the Shoalhaven coast, on Bannisters Head, Black Head, Warden Head and at other locations. Also, nearby Bowen Island contains a large colony of 'Little Penguins' which can be observed from a distance.

Jervis Bay is home to over 100 truly spectacular beaches, including Callala Beach, Hyams Beach and a number within the coastal areas of Huskisson, Myola and Vincentia. Beaches here spread for more than 34 km / 21 miles along the coastline.

Batemans Bay

Batemans Bay, on the Eurobodalla Nature Coast in New South Wales, features some of Australia's most breathtaking scenery and unspoiled beaches. With many white sandy stretches and sparkling blue calm waters, attractions at Batemans Bay include sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving and wind surfing.

The main route from Canberra to Batemans Bay is via the Kings Highway. The area is full of native flora and fauna, with many wallabies and kangaroos nearby. Sea eagles are also a regular sight here and often easy to spot.