Discover the magic of Jervis Bay dolphin watching, a short drive from Sydney and home to some of Australia’s best marine life encounters. With around 100 resident bottlenose dolphins and crystal clear waters, Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s best destinations for wild dolphin watching. This guide covers top spots for dolphin watching in and around Jervis Bay, complete with what to expect at each location, ensuring a memorable and responsible experience.
The best time of year for dolphin watching in Jervis Bay generally falls between October and April, when weather conditions are ideal, and waters are calm. Dolphins are visible throughout the year, but these warmer months offer higher chances of sightings.
For the best experience, consider watching during early mornings or late afternoons, when dolphins tend to be more active.
Hammerhead Point Picnic Area in Jervis Bay National Park offers a well-positioned raised platform for dolphin watching in Jervis Bay. A short, sandy path leads to the platform, which includes two benches and a railing for safe viewing. As a designated sanctuary zone, this area supports the protection of marine life and provides excellent visibility over the water, with slight obstructions from shrubs on the northern side. Dolphins, including common and bottlenose species, are frequently seen closer to shore throughout the year, while Humpback and Southern Right whales often pass through during migration, sometimes with newborn calves.
Greenfield Beach Picnic Area, connected to the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track, offers a scenic natural area for dolphin watching in Jervis Bay. The primary lookout consists of a raised natural area with a small stone wall and bench, giving a partial view of Greenfield Beach and Jervis Bay where resident dolphins (of which there are over 100!) are often seen. The picnic area has various amenities, including accessible parking, public bathrooms, showers, and free barbecues. Although the beach access is wheelchair-friendly, the sand tracks are more challenging for those with mobility limitations.
Situated on the cliffs above Gerringong, this raised viewing platform offers spectacular views for Jervis Bay dolphin watching. Although primarily known as a whale-watching spot, visitors frequently see both common and bottlenose dolphins, with pods of dolphins often spotted during mid-morning. The platform includes railings, a bench, and informational boards, making it a comfortable and educational spot to watch marine life.