Murray's Beach

Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2022, No. 9.

Jervis Bay is considered one of the most beautiful, large natural bays anywhere on the Australian coast.

“Officially maintained by the Australian Capital Territory, but many hours from Canberra, the expansive bay is lined with arguably Australia’s whitest sand and offers dependably safe swimming waters. Remarkably, in the late ‘60s, this pristine coast was slated by suited Canberra boffins to become a major industrial hub complete with steel works and our first nuclear power plant to generate weapons grade plutonium, under a directive from the Commonwealth. Fortunately, it’s great natural beauty was spared. Like many of our beaches, this region is held sacred by First Nations peoples and many still live and work within the area, and Booderee National Park and is now under the management of its traditional custodians. Murrays Beach has much to recommend it over its Instagram famous and crowded neighbour of Hyams Beach. There is a modest daily fee to enter this part of the National Park but the visual reward at the end of the 300-metre walk in is priceless. The water is usually calm here and family friendly. Murrays is also protected by Bowen Island, which the beach looks out upon over the wide J-Bay entrance channel. Nearby, you’ll find sea caves, a boat ramp and peaceful bush walking tracks.”

⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.