NSW’s Booderee National Park is Empty in Winter (& Just as Pretty)

Booderee National Park is tucked into the south-east corner of Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast. Jon reckons if you pack your winter wettie, there’s nothing stopping you from making the most of the park in the cooler months.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place, who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

The Beauty of Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is a pretty stunning spot to explore. White sand beaches, turquoise water, native bush trails – what’s not to like? Like most places on the NSW South Coast, it can get pretty busy during summer, but I assure you, there’s still plenty to do at Booderee during winter – minus the crowds. 

2025 is the 30th anniversary of the park being handed back to the local Wreck Bay Aboriginal community. For me, that’s what makes this area so special – the chance to learn how the Dhurga Traditional Owners lived at one with the land.

Start planning your winter trip to Booderee National Park and see if you can squeeze in all the best activities while you’re there.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Cave Beach lookout

How to Get to Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is found in Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast. It takes about three hours to drive from Sydney or Canberra. The park is open year-round; it’s packed out in summer but nearly empty in winter!

Where to Stay in Booderee National Park

Within Booderee National Park itself, there are three campgrounds, all non-powered sites that need to be booked in advance. For those looking to stay indoors or somewhere with power, Jervis Bay Village is only a short drive out of the park boundary.

The cost of a campsite per night scales between $180-$35, depending on the size of the site and if it’s peak, shoulder, or off-peak season.

Green Patch

Green Patch is the most popular campground of the three, as it’s a very short walk to the gorgeous Green Patch Beach. There are both standard (5 people) and large (10 people) drive-in and walk-in campsites available.

Amenities include:

• Fresh water
• Public toilets
• Hot showers
• Sheltered BBQs

Bristol Point

Bristol Point Campground is a short drive from Green Patch and is often a little quieter. Although access to the beach isn’t as direct, there’s still a sparkling view of the water through the towering trees. This campground has both standard and large walk-in campsites and large drive-in campsites.

Amenities include:

• Public toilets
• Hot & cold showers
• Fresh water
• Wood fireplaces
• BBQs

Cave Beach

Please note! Cave Beach Campground is currently closed for upgrades. Check the Booderee website for updates.

Cave Beach Campground is the quietest of the three campgrounds as campers need to carry their gear in 300m from the car park to the campground. It’s found on the opposite side of the park from Green Patch and Bristol Point, but gives access to Cave Beach, one of the few surfing spots in the park.

Amenities include:

• Fresh water
• Toilets
• Cold showers
• Sheltered gas BBQ area
• Wood BBQs

Read more: Ditch The Crowds at Jervis Bay’s Cave Beach

Essential Gear for Exploring Booderee National Park

• Camping gear
• Swimmers (and winter wettie!)
• Surfboard 
• Snorkel/diving gear
• Camera and binoculars for wildlife spotting
• Hiking shoes
• Kayak/boat

Things to Do in Booderee National Park

Browse the Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens in Booderee are completely underrated and provide sanctuary to a diverse array of plant life and critters. In fact, I’ve had some of my best Booderee wildlife encounters in these gardens.

Explore different habitats through a variety of peaceful walking trails, then fire up the BBQ at the picnic area for lunch. 

2025 also marked the 25th anniversary of the proclamation of the Botanic Gardens. Get out there and celebrate this natural beauty!

Enjoy Pristine White Sand Beaches Without The Crowds

Booderee has some of the best beaches you’ll find on the South Coast! I love the way the classic coastal scrub and forest come right up to the white sand – it’s definitely an escape to nature here.

As you’d expect, in summer, the crowds at popular beaches like Green Patch can rival Bondi Beach. OK, maybe Bondi in winter, but still pretty busy. Pick a beautiful winter’s day, and if you’re lucky, you could have this glorious stretch of white and aqua all to yourself.

Kittys Beach

Surf the Winter Swells

The NSW South Coast is renowned for its solid swells over winter. Cave Beach gets the most swell action out of the Booderee beaches, so if you’re confident on the board, or even if you’re still learning, check out Cave Beach for some beautiful lines and minimal lineups.

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

Those who prefer a bit of SUP action will find plenty of calmer waters on the protected beaches within Jervis Bay, such as Green Patch and Murrays Beach.

Cave Beach

Get Your Scuba (or Snorkel) On

Booderee is renowned for its stunningly clear waters. Combine this with a healthy collection of rocky shorelines and reefs, and the fact that Jervis Bay is also a marine park with lots of protected areas and sanctuary zones, and you’ve got yourself world-class diving and snorkelling. 

Scottish Rocks, Murrays Beach, and Green Patch are some prime locations for scuba and snorkelling. Just make sure to pack the winter wettie!

Explore by Boat

While we’re on marine activities, definitely consider exploring the park via boat to access some harder-to-reach places.

Set sail from Murrays boat ramp and head out around Governor Head. As you travel south past the looming sea cliffs, you’ll be treated to some unique views of Cape St George Lighthouse.

Continue south and you’ll be able to access Steamers Beach and Kittys Beach – generally only accessible on foot. These remote locations are perfect for an isolated picnic lunch and bush walk.

Governor Head

Bushwalk in Comfort

I’m not a fan of hot, steamy weather, so I jump at the chance to do extended hikes over winter when the weather’s cooler. Booderee has a range of beautiful walking trails to explore, and with the reduced winter crowds, you’ll enjoy having these trails mostly to yourself. Plus, winter hiking means less risk of snakes! 

From a few hundred metres to a few kilometres long, length doesn’t decide beauty here! No matter where you walk, you’ll be greeted with gorgeous bush and beach scenes. 

For a more extended adventure, I highly recommend the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan trail. This 2.5 hour loop takes in forest trails, panoramic views from Governor Head, and some great opportunities for wildlife spotting.

FAQs Booderee National Park

Is Booderee National Park worth it?

Absolutely! This national park is pristinely kept in joint management with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community and the federal government. Its white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise water are renowned and the dense bush is gorgeous. There’s also a lot of animals in the park, so keep your eyes peeled.

How to enter Booderee National Park?

The entry to Booderee National Park is where Naval College Road turns into Jervis Bay Road. You’ll need a parks pass to enter, from $20 per vehicle ($10 concession). This can be purchased online before you arrive, or at the visitor centre or entry station.

What animals live in Booderee National Park?

Animals you could possibly spot in Booderee National Park include Eastern Grey kangaroos, Swamp wallabies, Echidnas, Fur seals, Humpback whales, Southern Right whales, Bottle-nosed dolphin, Eastern quoll, and Eastern Snake-necked turtle.

How long is the White Sands Walk?

Although not technically within the boundary of Booderee National Park, the White Sands Walk is quite close by in Jervis Bay National Park, and it is a 2.5km loop.

Photos by Jon Harris in partnership with Booderee National Park

Exploring NSW’s South Coast? Go Further

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• Mt Gulaga – Climbing the Sacred and Steep South Coast Summit
• Light to Light Walk – 3 Days Coastal Hiking on the NSW South Coast