The South Coast Region of New South Wales, Australia stretches from Sydney southward to Eden, near the Victorian border. Along this route you will find thirty national parks, marine parks and reserves interspersed amongst pristine beaches, bays and villages. Just a 93 mile drive south of Sydney, you will find the coastal treasure of Jervis Bay.

At your destination, you will find that this territory with the smallest geographic area in the Commonwealth, and the beautiful bay share a name. Most of this 26 square mile territory is Aboriginal land. The Aboriginal people have been in the area for a very long time, and that can be seen and felt in the culture of the region.

With the Pacific Ocean to the east, the bay is a naturally shaped harbor that is ringed by a series of exquisite beaches. There are a number of coves that abut the forests, wilderness, and jagged rock formations on one side and the water and white sand beaches on the other. This provides a stark contrast between the tranquility of the water and the ruggedness of the mountains and forests. There is something for everyone in the scenery of the area.

A majority of the bay is part of Jervis Bay Marine Park, but the waters within the bay are part of Booderee National Park. The park encompasses nearly 90% of the bay and overlaps Australia’s northern and southern climatic zones. Booderee National Park was designated sacred Aboriginal land in 1995, and to this day there are villages populated primarily with Aboriginal people.

Booderee, an Aboriginal word meaning “bay of plenty” seems the perfect name for this park, since you can find many species of reptiles, birds, mammals and fish here. Attracting nearly one million visitors each year, the bay is a good location for diving and snorkeling. With the clear water, unique underwater formations and many fish, you have much to admire. Located within the national park you will also find the Booderee Botanic Gardens and the Royal Australian Naval College, known as HMAS Creswell.

If you would rather relax or play at the beach, the bay is the place to be. With the secluded coves and beautiful white sand, the hardest choice is which beach to select. But, if famous or whitest is what you are looking for, then Hyams Beach is the place for you. Ranked by the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the beach with the whitest sand, you can’t miss checking it out.

Bordering the bay is a series of small villages and towns where you can find Jervis Bay nsw accommodation and restaurants. The main town is Huskisson, which serves as the center of leisure travel for the area. Here you can make arrangements for activities such as dolphin watching cruises, fishing trips, surfing lessons, horseback riding trips, or boat and kayak rentals.

It is not hard to see why Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s treasures when you consider all it has to offer. From the fantastic scenery, interesting small towns, natural coves and beaches with the whitest of white sand, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region. For more information and Jervis Bay attractions, check our website out.

Living here in the tropical north, we are favorable enough to have some of the country’s most impressive white water rafting rivers all close by. In fact there isn’t another place in Oz that can brag that they have commercial white water rafting operations doing business on 4 local rivers.

The rivers that are located locally are the Barron, Tully, Johnstone and Russell Rivers, as well as lots of seasonal runs that only are possible in the monsoon season}. This definately must make Cairns White Water rafting something unique. The  Barron River Whitewater rafting and Tully River Whitewater Rafting operate using whats known as controlled release. This happens when the water is set free at a set time from a dam or Hydro Electric Scheme. These two are easily our most popular rivers with both full and half day tours happening daily. The Barron River has grades 2-3 rapids while the Tully has a more exciting grade of 3 to 4 and even 5 when it’s raining.

The Johnstone River runs for a few months a year, but offers Heli Rafting overnight trips with up to Grade 5 rapids. This activity is quite exclusive.

The Russel River offers blow up 2 man sportsrafts, although a bit different from the more recognisable inflatable rafts, they are still heaps of fun and simple to learn. This river does however require a  short trek in to the commencement point through some lush rainforest. The Russel River has rapids in the range of grade 2-3 with possibly a few grade 4’s in some sections.

All fun happens under the watchful eyes of highly certified river guides, and all raft operators hold the neccessary Government licensces and Insurance. So there is nothing to fret about if you desire to have a go at some white water rafting while on your break in tropical north Queensland.