Sydney day tour operator · 812 George St, Haymarket
A 12-hour small-group day from Sydney to Jervis Bay, three hours south, with a 1.5-hour dolphin cruise, Hyams Beach and wild kangaroos in Booderee National Park. Pick it over Port Stephens if white sand and kangaroos matter more to you than dunes and koalas.
Be clear on the map first: this is not Port Stephens. Jervis Bay is on the South Coast, about three hours south of Sydney, while Port Stephens is 2.5 hours north. Both bays have resident bottlenose dolphins. Port Stephens adds the Stockton dunes and the koalas; Jervis Bay answers with very white sand and kangaroos on the beach. Wikipedia notes that Jervis Bay has been recorded as having the whitest sand in the world.
The day starts at 812 George St, Haymarket, near Central Station, and runs 12 hours in an air-conditioned minibus for up to 20 guests. About 6 of those hours are driving, which one five-star reviewer warns about plainly. On the ground you get a 1.5-hour dolphin cruise in the Jervis Bay Marine Park, an hour for lunch in Huskisson, time on Hyams Beach, the White Sands walk between beaches, and wild kangaroos at Cave Beach in Booderee National Park.
Park fees are included, which matters: Booderee charges a A$20 vehicle day pass, per its own park passes page. Lunch is not included. The tour runs in all weather, and the cruise goes ahead in light rain with covered areas on board. It suits families with children from 3, involves walking on sand and uneven ground, and is not wheelchair accessible. Guides speak English, and some speak Portuguese.
Meet near Central Station. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen and a jacket; large bags and luggage are not allowed.
The drive south, with a stop on the way for breakfast or a snack.
A 1.5-hour cruise through the Jervis Bay Marine Park, looking for the bay's resident bottlenose dolphins along the cliffs and white beaches.
Free time in the bayside village for lunch at your own cost, from waterfront cafes to casual takeaways.
Barefoot time on Hyams Beach and the White Sands walk between the beaches, with a swim if the weather allows.
Wild kangaroos in Booderee National Park, then the three-hour drive back to Sydney.
★★★★★The dolphin cruise and seeing kangaroos in the wild was an unforgettable experience and absolutely worth driving several hours from Sydney. The whole trip felt unique and memorable from start to finish.
★★★★★It was amazing to see kangaroos and enjoy a beautiful paradise beach. The whole day felt truly special.Our guide, James Vanderson, made the entire experience even better. He was extremely attentive, always willing to answer questions, and took us to really cool and interesting places. Highly recommended!
★★★★★Trip was as advertised. [...] Spent more time driving then the sights, be prepared for about 6 hours on the bus. [...] Lunch options are great after dolphin watching. [...] It's a great tour just understand you spend more time in bus than sights.
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No. Jervis Bay is on the South Coast about 3 hours south of Sydney; Port Stephens is about 2.5 hours north. Both have resident bottlenose dolphins, but only Port Stephens has the Stockton dunes and the Koala Sanctuary.
About three hours each way, so roughly 6 of the 12 hours on this day trip are spent on the road.
Yes. All national park fees are included. If you drove yourself, Booderee charges a A$20 vehicle day pass.
The tour stops at Cave Beach in Booderee National Park, where wild kangaroos graze near the sand. They are wild, so sightings are likely but not promised.
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Jervis Bay in a day from Sydney: a dolphin cruise, Hyams Beach and wild kangaroos, park fees included.
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