Jervis Bay and surrounds

Jervis Bay is world-famous for its white sand beaches, but what impressed us even more was the delectable retro oasis tucked in behind them.

You get hints of it in Huskisson and Vincentia, right on the shores of the bay — but as you travel further south to towns like Sussex Inlet, you’ll find yourself blinking in disbelief.

You’re startled by the lack of moustaches and 1970s cars because, plot twist — you’re in the year 2019, not 1973.

And what this means — what this really means — is that the op shops are dripping in treasure.
Beautiful, shiny, retro treasure.

From Nowra, we headed east to Culburra Beach for some breakfast and a wander — and by wander, I mean op shop.

There were two ripper spots: Anglicare and the Culburra Bay Community Op Shop, and yes, a few purchases were made. We then continued on to Callala Bay, on the northern shore of Jervis Bay.

We still hadn’t sighted the famous white sand when we found the Vinnies in Callala Bay, so a peruse was had before continuing on. About half an hour later, we arrived in Huskisson — and there we definitely saw the white sand.
In fact, there was nowhere you couldn’t see it. It was everywhere — bright, fine, blindingly perfect.

We based ourselves for two nights in an ultra-retro beach shack aptly named Retro Sands, located in Vincentia — just south along the lip of the bay from Huskisson. Vincentia has its own little hub of shops and cafés, and I’d specifically chosen it for one glorious reason: the bike path that links it to Huskisson, winding right along the shore.

We rented bikes for two days and enjoyed the ride multiple times — even with a toddler and a trailer in tow, it was easy and lovely both ways. (There’s even a film of our journey below, made for NSW Bike Week!)

Our first port of call was Vincentia Village, where we picked up the most amazing hamper from Vincentia Butchery. These legends specialise in pasture-raised, ethically farmed, locally sourced produce — with excellent options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

The hamper was so well put together, I think we got five meals out of it. We kept expressing our gratitude as it just... kept giving.

P.S. There’s a hidden op shop in the alley beside Coles — don’t miss it.

🥾 The White Sands Walk

All stocked up, it was time for adventure. After dropping our supplies back at Retro Sands, we took a short drive around the corner to the Greenfield Beach Picnic Area, the starting point of the White Sands Walk.

There are a few routes you can take, but we headed straight to Chinamans Beach — a stunning 15-minute walk through thick eucalypt forest.

You find yourself pleasantly ambling along, lulled by birdsong and dappled light, oblivious to what’s around the bend — until suddenly, bam, you stumble out onto a bay of diamond-white sand and a sea as clear as white wine.

(Okay, maybe I just really wanted a wine at that point, but still — the water was terrifically clear.)

On arriving at Chinamans Beach, we were lucky enough to have this exquisite beach all to ourselves — surprising, given the warm spring weather.

Chinamans Beach is just north of Hyams, and considering the crowds that Hyams is known for, we’d definitely recommend this relatively isolated paradise instead.

The walk in is easy and accessible for both adults and kids — we even saw a couple calmly pushing a pram along the track. So no, it’s not just for the intrepid. It’s for everyone who enjoys a bit of wow with their walk.

🏡 Sussex Inlet

The next day, we cruise-controlled down to Sussex Inlet, not really knowing what was waiting for us.

At first, you spot the odd house and say, “Wow, that’s kitsch.”
Then suddenly, you’re standing outside the local real estate office, trying to figure out how to buy your own mid-century modern piece of paradise.

More importantly:

There are two op shops
The world’s quirkiest second-hand book store
A local craft shop
And what quickly became our favourite restaurant of the entire trip: Island Sushi

I’d had poke bowls before… but these poke bowls?
They screamed flavour and health in a way no food has done before.
So fresh, so delicious — please, take the short drive out of town and savour this gem.

🌿 Booderee National Park

On our way back to Vincentia, we stopped at Booderee National Park, which covers the southern end of Jervis Bay.

Feeling not particularly intrepid, we parked up at Green Patch Beach and took a short stroll to the water’s edge. Unsurprisingly, the sand was dazzlingly white and the water calm and glassy.

There are plenty of other idyllic beaches and a range of beautiful walks throughout the park if you want to explore further — but even a quick visit delivers full soul reset.

♻️ Huskisson Buy-Back Centre: Op Shop Glory

Before calling it a day, we swung by the Huskisson Buy-Back Centre — and I finally got the chance to fulfil an op shop dream.

Among the bits and bobs?
Three of the most retro stools I’d ever laid eyes on. Totally unexpected… but then again, not really. We were deep in retro heaven.

So for the price of a coffee, we bundled them into the car and sped off like fugitives, half-expecting someone to stop us, shouting, “Wait! There’s been a mistake!”

That never happened. Sean strapped them to the top of the car like a legend.
And the moral of this story?

Shoalhaven Buy-Back Centres are unreal. Visit as many as you can. Just… definitely take a trailer.Eats

Huskisson

5 Little Pigs
DIRECTIONS

Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe
DIRECTIONS

Wild Ginger
DIRECTIONS

Vincentia

Vincentia Butchery & deli
DIRECTIONS

Albert & Miso cafe
DIRECTIONS

Sussex Inlet

Island Sushi
194 Pacificana Drive, Sussex Inlet
Open Tues - Sat 11am - 2pm
(check for winter & summer hours)
DIRECTIONS

Op shops

Culburra Beach & Callala Bay

Anglicare op shop
Canal St, Culburra Beach
Open Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm
Sat 9am - 1pm
DIRECTIONS

Culburra Beach Community op
Canal St, Culburra Beach
Open Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm
Sat 9am - 1pm
DIRECTIONS

Vinnies Callala Bay
59 Emmett St, Callala Bay
Open Mon - Sat 8.30am - 4pm
DIRECTIONS

Huskisson

Uniting Church
53 Hawke St, Huskisson
DIRECTIONS

Recycling & Waste Buy Back Centre
235 Huskisson Rd
Open 10am - 4pm 7 days a week
DIRECTIONS

Sussex Inlet

Inasmuch op shop
195 Jacobs Dr, Sussex Inlet
Open 9am - 1pm Tues - Sat
Closed Sun & Mon
DIRECTIONS

Seek & Find Community Op
2/176 Jacobs Dr, Sussex Inlet
Open Mon - Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm
Sat 9am - 12pm

The Inlet Spot (unique craft store)
Nelson Road, Sussex, Sussex Inlet
Open daily 9.30am - 4pm
DIRECTIONS

Sussex Inlet Buy Back
40 The Spirngs Road
Open 9am - 1pm Sat & Sun
DIRECTIONS

Vincentia

BOP op shop
Vincentia Village (by Coles)
DIRECTIONS

Buy-Back Centres

Recycling & Waste Buy Back Centre
235 Huskisson Rd
Open 10am - 4pm 7 days a week
DIRECTIONS

Sussex Inlet Buy Back
40 The Spirngs Road
Open 9am - 1pm Sat & Sun
DIRECTIONS

Adventure

Chinamans Beach Jervis Bay
we did the White Sands Walk, we parked our car at Greenfield Beach Picnic Area, the walk was a breezy 20mins to the beach
DIRECTIONS

Green Patch Booderee National Park
DIRECTIONS

Jervis Bay Bike Hire
We hired bikes for 2 days while in Jervis Bay, truly is the best way to get around.
The bike path Round The Bay is superb and so easy to cruise along.