Snorkelling at Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

Murray’s Beach is one of the many white sand beaches of the Jervis Bay Territory. Its white sands and pristine waters, teeming with marine life, make it a good destination for those looking to dive beneath the surface.

Marine Life at Murrays Beach

Murray’s Beach has a rich biodiversity. There are grassy fields, sandy areas, and rock formations, each home to specific species. The warm, clear waters are home to a kaleidoscope of fish species, including luderick, bream, and the Eastern Blue Groper. It’s not uncommon to spot a playful dolphin or even a migrating whale in the deeper waters.

While exploring, look out for the weedy sea dragon, an exotic creature that resembles a piece of floating seaweed but is, in fact, a relative of the seahorse. Further out, among the sea grasses and sandy bottom, you’ll find larger species such as stingrays and the Common Sydney Octopus. Remember to respect the marine life and maintain a safe distance.

How to get to Murrays Beach

Murray’s Beach is located on the South Coast of New South Wales, in the Jervis Bay Territory. Driving south from Sydney, it’s about a three-hour trip through beautiful scenery (See journey map from Sydney). From Canberra, it’s approximately a two and a half-hour drive (journey map from Canberra).

Using public transport from Sydney, you can take the train to Kiama, change there for a train to Bomaderry, then a bus to one off the towns outside the national park. Vincentia is one of the town on the bay that is closest to the national park (See journey map by train). However, busses do not operate within the national park, so having a car to explore the national park is recommend. You can hire a car from Nowra.

Once in Jervis Bay, follow the signs to Booderee National Park. There is a small entry fee to entering the national park. Once inside, Murray’s Beach is a short drive away. Parking is available on site, a short bushwalking’s leads to the beach.

What facilities are available

Facilities at Murray’s Beach in Jervis Bay are basic but do the job. There is a toilet block and two showers. The block has probably seen better days, but it does the job.

From Reefranger

The snorkelling at Murrays Beach is certainly worth it. When I visited the it was a low tide so visibility was not perfect. I choose to snorkel on the western end of the beach near Bowen Island. Locals later told me it might have been better to doing the western side, snorkelling to the right hand side of the boat ramp. Will probably give that a try soon. Thanks to a encounter with an Octopus, this trip was still very much worth it.

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