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    Jervis Bay map | A closer look at Jervis Bay’s top coastal spots

    SydneyJervis Bay Whale Watching CruisesMap

    Jervis Bay is a 102-square-kilometre oceanic bay and coastal village tucked along the South Coast of New South Wales. Technically part of the Jervis Bay Territory, it’s best known for its impossibly white sand with Hyams Beach often claimed to be the whitest in the world. 

    But this isn’t just a pretty shoreline. It’s a protected marine and national park haven, home to dolphins, seals, little penguins, sea dragons, kangaroos, and migrating whales from June to November. Whale-watching cruises here usually explore the bay itself before heading slightly offshore into the open Pacific. To help you get your bearings, we’ve curated a simple map of the area so that you’ll know exactly where you’re going and what to look out for.

    Plantation Point

    Tucked between Vincentia and Hyam’s Beach, Plantation Point is a quiet headland fringed by bush trails, grassy picnic spots, and calm waters just inside the bay. It’s a favourite stop on dolphin cruises, with reef-lined shores where bottlenose dolphins often gather to feed and play.

    Jervis Bay map

    route map jervis bay whale watching

    Frequently asked questions about Jervis Bay map

    Do whale watching cruises stop at specific points within Jervis Bay?

    Not exactly. These cruises are designed to follow the whales. But you'll pass key spots like Hyams Beach, Bowen Island, and the Booderee Coastline, with live commentary pointing them out as you go.

    What’s the significance of Bowen Island on the cruise route?

    Bowen Island marks the transition from the calm waters of Jervis Bay to the open Pacific. It’s where vessels often veer slightly offshore to catch more active whale behaviour and it’s also a known little penguin habitat, so keep an eye out!

    Can I visit these spots on land too, or are they cruise-only experiences?

    Many of them, like Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, Plantation Point, and Murrays Beach, are accessible by car and offer great views even off the water.

    What’s the difference between dolphin and whale cruise routes?

    Dolphin cruises usually stay well within the bay, focusing around Plantation Point and Callala Bay. Whale cruises travel further out, hugging the Booderee coastline before heading offshore past Bowen Island where sightings are more likely.

    Is the cruise route the same every time?

    Not rigidly. The route can vary slightly depending on sea conditions and where whales or dolphins have recently been spotted. Captains often adjust the path in real time for the best chances of a sighting.