A Whale of a Time - Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay

29 Sep 0 5 Oct 2008 Jervis Bay is one of the true gems of the NSW south east region. It measures about 15 km from north to south and about 10 km across. The enclosure shelters this part of the South Coast shoreline from the Pacific Ocean along the eastern sea-board south of Sydney. Its calm waters provide a resting haven for migrating humpback whales returning to the Antarctic after spending the winter at the warmer waters near the Great Barrier Reef.

A Whale of a Time
Originally uploaded by LeeFamily

The main town is Huskisson, where you can hire dolphin-watch cruises, fishing trips and boats, but it’s the natural beauty of the area that seduces. Aboard a whale watching vessel we had a close encounter with a mother humpback and her calf. This was James' first encounter with whales as with koalas, lizards and kangaroos. To observe them up close in their natural habitat is surely a treat.



Booderee End



Jervis Bay is reputed to have the clearest waters and whitest sands in the world. These beautiful blue waters are home to many dolphins and the opportunity to sight these graceful locals is one of the major features. We were able to swim; the water being very cold at first but became surprisingly pleasant once one equilibrates the body with sea temperature. John took to the water immediately since he was so deprived with England being so cold.






Booderee Telegraphic Creek Trail

At its southern end, Jervis Bay is enclosed by Booderee National Park, a pristine coastal wilderness. One afternoon we went to the park at the entrance to the bay. With James strapped like in a papoose on John's back, we walked one of the easiest nature trails, Telegraph Creek Trail. It is one of the national parks returned to the aborigines and managed by them. The Park includes Green Patch Beach and other notable beauty spots such as Hole in the Wall, Bristol Point and Scottish Rocks. A ruined lighthouse on the southern side of Jervis Bay is also well worth exploring. We went there at sunset and had a breathtaking view of the entrance to Jervis Bay.

Fritzroy Falls
Originally uploaded by LeeFamily

Kangaroo Valley presents a picturesque drive up gradual slope and down gentle valleys. We stopped at Fitzroy Falls which is a sheer drop of eighty metres of waterfall past sandstone cliffs, splash with mightily onto the black rocks below then continue in another fall nearly forty metres into the rainforest valley below. A pleasant 2 km walk around the falls provided spectacular views from their well placed lookouts of the falls and valley scenery. Other, lesser known sets of falls can be found by following these walking tracks, including the beautiful Twin Falls well worth the relatively short walk. We were fortunate to spot a lyrebird.

Kiama Blowhole
Originally uploaded by LeeFamily

The Kiama blowhole is a natural rock formation that traps a large volume of air within a small cavern. With the gush of the next wave, the seawater is forced up an opening resulting in geyser-like fountain of spray. Kiama is the aboriginal word for ‘the sea is speaking’. We fetched Becky from the Kiama train station to complete the entire Lee-Gifford family of 6 wise owls the term Pat uses to call us.