Where to Surf in Jervis Bay? 4 Best Surf Spots

Jervis Bay sits about three hours south of Sydney on the NSW South Coast, and it's one of the few spots where you can score decent surf and still have a proper holiday. Bring the family, sneak away for a couples' weekend, or just get some distance from the Sydney crowds: you'll find clean water, white sand beaches, and waves that suit more than one skill level.

We've surfed every break in the area and put this guide together to help you pick the right spot based on your ability, the wind direction, and how much time you've got. Each section below includes wave difficulty, best conditions, and what else is nearby if you need to keep non-surfing mates entertained.

Is Jervis Bay good for surfing?

Yes. If you want variety without a huge drive between spots, Jervis Bay delivers: four distinct breaks sit within 45 minutes of Huskisson, from sheltered beginner beaches to punchy intermediate beach breaks. There's usually something rideable no matter which way the swell is running.

The bay opens to the east, so the open beaches at Culburra and Mollymook pick up south and east swells directly, while Caves Beach and Steamers Beach, tucked inside Booderee National Park, get more shelter and see far fewer surfers than the open coast. That mix of exposed and sheltered breaks is what gives you more options here than on a typical single-beach surf trip.

What wetsuit do you need for Jervis Bay?

A 3/2mm full steamer is ideal for most surfers visiting Jervis Bay right now. Water temps sit around 18-19°C through winter (June to August), and if you run cold or plan to stay out for long sessions, a 4/3mm won't go astray during these cooler months.

In summer (December to February), water temps lift to around 21-23°C and you can get away with a 2mm spring suit or even boardshorts on the warmer days, but we'd still recommend a 1.5mm wetsuit top for dawn patrols and arvo sessions when the water feels cooler than the air temp suggests.

For more detail on choosing the right thickness, check out our guide on which wetsuit thickness is best for Australia.

Where are the best surf spots in Jervis Bay?

All drive times below are from Huskisson, the main town in Jervis Bay and the best base for accommodation.

Caves Beach (24 min drive)

Wave difficulty: Beginner
Best wind: Northwest
Aspect: South-facing

Caves Beach sits inside Booderee National Park and offers the most sheltered surf in the area. The south-facing aspect means gentler, more manageable waves, ideal for learners or anyone after a mellow session. The beach gets its name from the network of sea caves at the southern end, which you can explore at low tide.

Entry to Booderee National Park is $13 per vehicle, and there's a 300-metre walk from the carpark to the sand. The walk is easy and well-maintained. Pack light if you're carrying a longboard.

Nearby activity: The Botanic Gardens in Booderee National Park are worth a visit after your surf. Multiple walking trails wind through native bushland, and it's excellent for birdwatching.

Steamers Beach (27 min drive)

Wave difficulty: Intermediate
Best wind: Northwest
Aspect: East-facing

Also in Booderee National Park, Steamers Beach picks up more swell than Caves Beach due to its easterly exposure. The waves here have a bit more push and suit intermediate surfers comfortable reading the lineup and positioning themselves.

There have been occasional shark sightings at Steamers, so avoid surfing at dawn and dusk when marine activity peaks. Stick to the middle of the day when visibility is better.

Access requires a 2.3km bush walk (around 30 minutes) from the carpark. The trail takes you through tall eucalypt forest and finishes with a steep flight of stairs down to the beach. It's a solid walk with a board, but the lack of crowds makes it worth the effort.

Nearby activity: The bush walk itself is the main drawcard here. If you're into hiking, the trail offers a proper dose of coastal forest before you hit the sand.

Culburra Beach (34 min drive)

Wave difficulty: Intermediate
Best wind: West
Aspect: East-facing

Culburra is your classic NSW beach break with consistent, reliable surf. East-facing and fully exposed to south swells, it works across most tides and delivers punchy waves that suit intermediate surfers looking for a proper workout. The beach stretches for kilometres, so even on busy weekends you can find a quieter peak if you walk north or south.

This is one of the most consistent spots in the Jervis Bay area. If the other breaks are flat or blown out, Culburra usually has something rideable.

Nearby activity: The inland waterways around Crookhaven Heads are excellent for jetty fishing. The boat ramp jetties are easily accessible by car and sheltered from the wind. Bream, flathead, and whiting are common catches.

Mollymook Beach (46 min drive)

Wave difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Best wind: West
Aspect: East-facing

Mollymook is a longboarder's dream. The waves roll in long and smooth, forgiving enough to practise your cross-stepping or just cruise. It also works well for intermediate shortboarders wanting to work on their style without the pressure of fast, hollow waves.

The beach has solid facilities and reliable surf, and the vibe is relaxed. It's a bit further from Huskisson than the other spots, but worth the drive if you're staying in the area for a few days.

Nearby activity: Cupitt's Winery is a 10-minute drive from Mollymook and offers wine tastings overlooking the vineyard, followed by a sit-down lunch featuring modern Australian cuisine. Book ahead, especially on weekends, as it fills up fast.

Where should you stay in Jervis Bay?

Huskisson is the best base for accommodation. It's central to all four surf spots above, has a decent spread of cafes and restaurants, and there are plenty of short-term rentals through Airbnb and Stayz. The town sits right on the shores of Jervis Bay, so you've got calm water for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on the days the surf's flat.

Book early if you're planning to visit over Easter, Christmas, or the summer school holidays. Accommodation fills up quickly during peak periods.

What else can you do in Jervis Bay besides surfing?

Jervis Bay is one of those spots where non-surfers won't be bored. Here's what we've tested over multiple trips:

• White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach
• Scribbly Gum Track Walk (also connects Greenfield Beach and Hyams Beach)
• Stand-up paddleboarding in the calm bay waters
• Picnic at Greenfield Beach (sheltered, family-friendly)
• Drinks at Huskisson Hotel
• Breakfast at Portside Cafe
• Tandem bike hire along the Huskisson foreshore
• Tennis at The Country Club, Vincentia
• Dinner at The Stonegrill Steakhouse, Huskisson
• Lunch at 5 Little Pigs

If you're looking for more NSW South Coast surf options, check out our guide to the best campsites near surf beaches in NSW.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to surf Jervis Bay?

Autumn and winter (March to August) offer the most consistent surf in Jervis Bay, with regular south swells and offshore westerly winds. Water temps range from 18-19°C in winter, so pack a 3/2mm or 4/3mm steamer.

Is Jervis Bay good for beginner surfers?

Yes. Caves Beach and Mollymook Beach are both beginner-friendly, with gentler waves and sandy bottoms. Hold off on Steamers Beach and Culburra Beach until you're comfortable paddling out and positioning yourself in the lineup.

How do you get to Jervis Bay from Sydney?

Jervis Bay is roughly a 3-hour drive south of Sydney via the Princes Highway, through Wollongong and Kiama before turning off toward Huskisson. There's no direct public transport, so you'll need a car.

Do you need a national park pass for the surf spots?

Only for Caves Beach and Steamers Beach, both inside Booderee National Park. The day pass costs $13 per vehicle. Culburra Beach and Mollymook Beach have free access.

What other surf beaches are near Jervis Bay?

Head north to the best surf beaches in Sydneyor south toward Ulladulla and Batemans Bay for more South Coast options.