Overview
Rock platforms at Murrays Beach, Booderee National Park
Booderee National Park, formerly Jervis Bay National Park, is a small coastal park on the southern side of Jervis Bay. It covers the majority of the Bherwerre Peninsula, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow neck that runs between Jervis Bay and St Georges Basin. It is administered by the federal environment department, as that part of the Jervis Bay area is federal territory and not part of NSW.
Much of the peninsula is sand dunes, held in place by a variety of vegetation including heath, woodland and forests of blackbutt and southern mahogany. The southern coast fronts the sea, and is fringed by ocean beaches, typically separated by imposing sandstone cliffs. The northern side of the park faces Jervis Bay, and features numerous white sandy beaches and outcroppings of conglomerate and sandstone.
Access
Activities
Bushwalking
Booderee is a great location for easy walks. Numerous short tracks lead down to many of the beaches on both the sea and the bay side, including Hole in the Wall, Scottish Rocks, Cave Beach and Bherwerre Beach. There is less in the way of longer walks, with the Murrays Beach Loop and Steamers Beach Loop being the main ones. The Botanic Gardens are also a pleasant stroll.
Canoeing/Kayaking
The waters of Jervis Bay and the surrounding coast are excellent for paddling. The bay is typically sheltered and easy paddling can be had near the shore. The south coast faces the open sea, and is best for experienced paddlers with sea kayaks.
Camping
There are three camping areas in the park, at Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach. These all incur camping fees, and typically need to be booked ahead in school holidays, and weekends in the warmer months. Cave Beach is about a 5 minute walk from the cars, while Bristol Point is a very short walk and Green Patch has a mix of car and short walk camping sites.
Walks
Steamers Beach Loop
Time: 6 hrs Distance: 16km Fitness: EM Skill: E Ascent: 130m
A long but fairly easy walk taking in a number of beaches and coastal cliffs