day trip outside sydney - itinerary

It's November and Sydney beaches are overcrowded.. 30 degrees around the corner, you will not easily find a quiet spot unless you take your car out and go further miles down or north of the city. Couple of weeks ago, I have decided that I wanted some quiet time and had the best time in Jervis Bay. Here's an easy itinerary to follow if you would like to enjoy the summer without the massive crowds!

Morning: departure

• Leave early to avoid traffic (8.00am)
• Take the Grand Pacific Drive 
• Stop at Kiama to see the blowholes 

The Grand Pacific Drive may take longer, but it will take you from the start of the Royal National Park to the South of Wollongong for a scenic drive along the coast and it is absolutely stunning! 

If you have some more time, stop at the beautiful town of Kiama and have a stroll around the blow holes. Kiama blow holes are one of the most spectacular in Australia and it is a sought touristic destination. 

Lunch time

• Berry town 

Stop at Berry for brunch, lunch or just a snack at the Berry Sourdough Cafe. Berry is a small little town of a street long located south of Kiama and Gerroa. 

I recommend you take a sit, they have a beautiful little patio and the brunch looked amazing. I've only had the opportunity to snack but I will make sure to be back very shortly- I've had an apple tart in their back garden and I have to say it was one of the best apple tarts I've had, with a caramel on top, just like a French tatin. 

Afternoon: beach time

• Hyam's Beach and Booderee National Park area
• Cost: 48 hours access to Booderee National Park costs $11 per car; entry to the Hyam's Beach is free as it is outside the national park.  

Arrive at Jervis Bay, and settle on Hyam's Beach. Jervis Bay is very popular and it might get crowded inside the national park with campers around. However, Hyam's Beach is cut off the world and I was able to swim with a couple, 500m away from me, what a pleasure! The sand is naturally white and the water is turquoise - it's like you're in the Bahamas 3 hours from Sydney. 

If you have time, go explore the national park for some further swim and bush walks. You will get views off cliffs and in this season, you will be able to spot whales if lucky!

Evening

• Gerroa, Seven Miles Beach
• Dinner in Kiama

Go back before the sun completely sets if you're on a day trip and stop at Gerroa and/or Shellharbour. You may have passed in on the way in but in my time frame, I find it better to go on the way back to make the most of Jervis Bay first. Either way is great, depending on how you wish to manage your time. Gerroa is home of the 7 mile beach and has a stunning wildlife. If you're there at sunset time, just take a walk along the beach and enjoy the views! 

Note: surfing is very popular on this beach if this is something that you are considering. 

Lastly, if you feel peckish go to Thai @ Kiama, where I had one of the best Thai food fix in a long time! Highly recommend.