Honeymoon Bay Campground: Jervis Bay’s Picture-Perfect Weekend Hideaway
Honeymoon Bay is one of Jervis Bay’s most treasured and unique camping destinations, offering a stunning natural setting with a significant catch: it’s located within the Beecroft Weapons Range. This means access is typically restricted to weekends, public holidays, and NSW school holidays, subject to Defence activities. This exclusivity only adds to its allure. The campground is nestled beside a near-perfect crescent of white sand, fronting a shallow, protected bay with breathtakingly clear, turquoise water. It’s an idyllic spot that feels a world away from anywhere, providing a rustic, back-to-basics camping experience.
The calm waters of the bay make it exceptionally safe for families with young children, and it’s a paradise for swimmers, snorkellers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. The campground itself is a simple, grassy area set among the coastal bushland just metres from the sand. There are no powered sites or luxury amenities here; the focus is entirely on the magnificent natural environment. Waking up to the gentle sound of lapping water and the chatter of native birdlife is the daily reality. Due to its immense popularity and limited availability, securing a spot often requires entering a ballot system during peak summer holidays, while at other times it’s first-come, first-served. For those who plan ahead and time their visit right, a weekend at Honeymoon Bay is an unforgettable experience, representing one of the most beautiful and sought-after coastal campsites in NSW.
Site Information
- Location: Beecroft Peninsula, northern side of Jervis Bay. Access is through a checkpoint on the naval base.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small campervans. Not suitable for large caravans.
- Road Access: Sealed road to the checkpoint, then good quality unsealed roads. 2WD accessible.
- Site Surface: Grass, dirt, and sand.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, but **ONLY** when the range is open to the public (typically weekends, public holidays, and NSW school holidays). Always check access status before travelling.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Varies. Often a 2 or 3-night limit applies.
- Number of Powered Sites: 0
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous unmarked, unpowered sites.
- Facilities: Basic portable toilets, cold water showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking and cooking.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable. Patchy Telstra service is possible.
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, portable chemical toilets.
- Ullage / Dump Point: No.
- Drive Through Sites: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited at all times. Gas and electric cooking equipment only.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
- Number of Sites Available: First come, first served on open weekends. A ballot system is used for the peak summer holiday period.
- Essentials to Bring: All drinking water and food, gas stove, sun protection, insect repellent, photo ID for base access.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly prohibited on the Beecroft Peninsula.
- Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing and diving opportunities from nearby rocks and beaches (when open).
- Short Walks: Yes, to nearby beaches and headlands like Point Perpendicular Lighthouse (when range roads are open).
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs: Currarong Bowling & Recreation Club (~20km), Callala Bay Country Club (~35km), Callala RSL & Country Club (~35km).
- Places to Eat: Zac’s Place fish and chips in Currarong (~20km), cafes and club restaurants in Callala Bay/Beach (~35km).
- Local Attractions: Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, Long Beach, Cabbage Tree Beach, stunning coastal scenery of the Beecroft Peninsula.
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Holiday Haven Currarong (~20km), Callala Beach Holiday Park (~35km).
- Next Free Camps: Very few in the area; this is the primary low-cost option when available.
- Nearest Dump Points: Nowra Showground (~55km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Currarong (~20km, may have limited hours) or full services in Nowra (~55km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Currarong (~20km) or Nowra (~55km).
- Nearest Public Toilets: Currarong village (~20km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very popular. The bay is perfect for cooling off. Bookings via ballot are essential for the main holiday period.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Often considered the best time to visit. Warm sunny days, fewer crowds, and the water is still beautiful for swimming.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold. Days can be crisp and sunny, but nights are chilly. Great for sightseeing if the range is open.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant weather. A beautiful time for coastal walks and seeing the heathland wildflowers.