Sydney to Jervis Bay Self Guided Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrive Otford, cycle to Wollongong

   Make your way to Otford, just over an hour by train from the centre of Sydney. On arrival, you will be met by a tour representative who will hand over your bike and take your luggage.

   The cycle begins with a short ascent before you take in the coast on a superb stretch of road including the Sea Cliff Bridge which is suspended over the Pacific Ocean. From Thirroul, a popular seaside suburb and surf beach made popular by English author D. H. Lawrence, you follow a cycleway hugging the coast all the way to the heart of Wollongong. There are plenty of cafes overlooking the coast to stop for a cold drink, an ice-cream or a coffee.

   Overnight in Wollongong

   • 20.5 miles
   • Accommodation in Wollongong
2. Day 2Cycle along the coast to Kiama

   The cycle today continues along the spectacular coast, passing beautiful beaches and the outskirts of Wollongong. Enroute you can visit the Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest Buddhist Temples in the Southern Hemisphere. You can stop here for a tea break and explore the temple, paying respect to the Buddha's and lighting the incense available.

   Back on the bikes, the route takes you past Lake Illawarra from where you head into the hilly environs of Kiama, via Bombo. Kiama is in a stunning setting and famous for it's coastal cliffs and blowholes that you can visit tomorrow. Spend the night in Kiama, where there is a choice of pubs and restaurants to choose from for dinner.

   • 26.7 miles
   • Accommodation in Kiama
3. Day 3Visit the Kiama Blowhole, then cycle to Berry via Seven Mile Beach

   Kiama is a wonderful area to explore with rugged coastal cliffs making for a lovely walk, spectacular surf beaches, ancient rainforest and the famous blowholes. After a leisurely breakfast, you can head down to the coastline to visit the famous Kiama Blowhole. The name Kiama allegedly means “where the sea makes a noise”. When you see the blowholes it will become obvious why. On a good day, it can spray water 20 metres (65ft) or more into the air.

   After some time spent exploring the area it is back to the bikes for the cycle to Gerringong. The cycle starts out on the highway for a few kilometres until you reach the turnoff to Gerringong. (If you wish to avoid the highway section you will need to catch the train from Kiama to Gerrigong or alternatively walk the coastal route with your bikes transferred to Gerringong - subject to tides and must be prebooked).

   From Gerringong, you'll descend into Gerroa which has marvellous coastal views and is a nice place to stop for a coffee and refuelling before crossing the Crooked River, and cycling past Seven Mile beach. This 12.5km (7.7mi) stretch of white sandy beach is one of the longest beach stretches found on the Southern Coast and was used by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith as a runway for the first commercial flight from Australia to New Zealand. It is a great spot for a break and swim before you continue inland to Berry, your destination for the night. After lunch and  sampling the fine local produce, an afternoon walk on the Drawing Room Rocks is recommended.
   

   • 16.8 miles
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   • Accommodation in Berry
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4Continue cycling to Nowra with optional loop to Greenwell Point

   It's going to be a spectacular cycling day which can be done at a leisurely pace. After breakfast, we recommend you take some time to explore Berry before you start the relatively flat cycle to Nowra. There’s not much climbing today, so it’s a nice easy ride on a quiet road. There are a number of sites you can stop and take in including Coolangatta Estate winery and Two Figs Winery (check opening times - usually from late morning), then follow the Shoalhaven River and cross over it into Nowra where you can stop for lunch or a coffee.

   Nowra is the largest coastal town in the Shoalhaven region. Surrounded by rich farmland and vineyards, it is perfect for exploring at handlebar level. Only a short distance from the delightful centre lies the stunning beaches of the NSW South Coast. An optional loop is recommended to Greenwell Point, past dairy farms and the Shoalhaven River following a flat road. The small fishing town is famous for its fresh seafood and thriving trawler fleet. Relax in town, sample oysters and take a walk along the Crookhaven River, before returning to your accommodation in Nowra.

   • 17.4 - 23.6 miles
   • Accommodation in Nowra
   • Breakfast

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     Award winning winery en route

     Enjoy not only the scenery but the finest wines as well in the Shoalhaven region

5. Day 5Cycle to the coastal town of Huskisson featuring some of the world's whitest sand beaches

   The cycle today heads away from the coast through south Nowra toward the aerodrome. You may wish to make an optional stop at the Fleet Air Museum. It is well worth a visit and has around 30 aircraft on display, a basic helicopter simulator which you can have a go on, and more. From here, it’s a ride along a beautiful back road featuring classic Australian bush scenery with eucalyptus trees and farmlands either side. You then cross the highway and head back towards the coast and the run into the bustling coastal town of Huskisson and nearby Jervis Bay. The beaches here are a must-visit, the beach sand is some of the whitest sand found anywhere in the world!

   • 30.4 miles
   • Accommodation in Huskisson

   • 

     Humpback whale season

     Travel during the migration season from May to September and you might just see humpback whales at Jervis Bay

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     Hyams Beach

     Get lured in by the gorgeous white sand which is said to be the whitest in the world

6. Day 6Explore Jervis Bay on a cycle route showcasing the jewels of the Bay

   Its recommended to begin early on this cycle route as the road can get quite busy, particularly in the holiday season. The loop cycle takes you first along the foreshore from Huskisson through to Vincentia on a dedicated cycle route with almost constant views of the bay. Continuing through Jervis Bay National Park, there is an option to take an offroad short cut or continue on the paved road which takes you all the way to Murrays beach at the southern end of Jervis Bay. Enroute you can stop at Hyams Beach, which is said to have the whitest sand in the world. Other sights that can be reached via walking tracks are 'Hole in the Wall', Governor Head Lookout and the ruins of the Cape St George Lighthouse.

   During whale watching season from May to September, walk out to the cliffs to spot humpback whales. And if you feel like swimming, Murrays Beach is within the Booderee National Park  and is ideal for some water fun and relaxation.

   Return to Huskisson for overnight accommodation.
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • Accommodation in Huskisson
7. Day 7Optional whale/dolphin cruise in the morning and trip conclusion

   The Jervis Bay Marine Park is teaming with a vast array of marine life including bottle nose Dolphins and in the season, hump back whales. You can use this morning to take a dolphin watching cruise around Jervis Bay (or join a whale watching tour if you're travelling between mid-May to mid-November).

   The trip concludes today in Huskisson. Return by local bus to the train station at Bomaderry where there are services to Sydney (change at Kiama). Alternatively, a private transfer can be arranged back to Otford.