Murrays Beach in Booderee National Park is a sheltered, north-facing beach of white sand and calm water. A short bush walk leads to Governor Head Lookout, with views of the Bowen Island penguin colony.
Why visit Murrays Beach in Jervis Bay?
Jervis Bay is known for its white sand beaches, such as Hyams Beach and Callala Beach. But the prettiest one of all might well be Murrays Beach, hidden away in Booderee National Park.
Booderee National Park makes up most of the tiny Jervis Bay Territory, which has different laws and administration to surrounding New South Wales. The national park is jointly managed by Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community.
Booderee National Park entry fee
Murrays Beach is considerably quieter than most Jervis Bay beaches, partly because you need to pay to enter Booderee National Park. A one-day pass costs $20 per vehicle.
It’s also quieter because it’s right at the end of the line. The Murrays Beach car park is at the end of the Jervis Bay Road.
Five great things to do in Jervis Bay
- 🐬 Meet Jervis Bay’s resident bottlenose dolphins – on a dolphin cruise.
- 🐋 On a whale-watching cruise – see the humpback whales on their annual migration.
- 🌊 Admire giant sea cliffs and spot wildlife – on a Jervis Bay Passage cruise.
- 🌌 Take an astronomer-guided stargazing tour – and explore the night sky from the beach.
- 🛶 See wildlife and glide along calm waters – on a half day sea kayaking tour.
How big is Murrays Beach?
Murrays Beach is by no means the biggest beach in Australia – it’s about 510 metres long. But it feels wild, backed by thick vegetation.
It also has the white sands Jervis Bay is famed for.
Why is the water calm at Murrays Beach?
Crucially, the water is usually calm at Murrays Beach, often taking on photogenic teal and turquoise colours. It faces north, when the Jervis Bay swells come in from the south-east.
Murrays Beach is also protected by Bowen Island, which the beach looks out upon over a 700 metre channel.
Swimming at Murrays Beach
You’re not going to do any surfing at Murrays Beach, but swimming is relatively safe. There are no lifeguard patrols, but the water is generally calm.
Just watch out for currents in the channel to Bowen Island.
Governor Head Lookout walk and the Bowen Island penguins
If you want more vigorous activity, then you can walk up to the neighbouring Governor Head Lookout. The bush trail has information signs, delving into Bowen Island and the penguin colony that lives there.
Murrays Beach sea caves
There are also sea caves just around the corner from the beach.
Murrays Beach: key visitor information
Passes and conditions can change. Check the Parks Australia website for Booderee before you go.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the Murrays Beach opening hours? | Booderee National Park is open all year, and no separate opening hours are listed for the beach. |
| How much does it cost to visit Murrays Beach? | You need a Booderee National Park pass. A one-day vehicle pass costs $20, or $10 for concession holders. A one-year pass costs $80, and a two-year pass costs $110. Walkers and cyclists enter free. |
| Where do you buy a Booderee National Park pass? | Buy online in advance. The entry station has been closed, so passes are also sold at the Visitor Centre and from a mobile van at the Jervis Bay Supermarket. Display your printed pass on the dashboard with the QR code visible. |
| Is there parking at Murrays Beach? | Yes. A large car park is at the end of Jervis Bay Road, behind the boat ramp and jetty. |
| How far is Murrays Beach from the Booderee Visitor Centre? | About five minutes by car. |
| How far is the walk from the car park to Murrays Beach? | 300 metres, taking about five minutes on an easy bush trail. |
| How long is the walk to Governor Head Lookout? | 1.1km from the car park, taking about 20 minutes on an easy track. Return the same way. |
| How far is the walk from Murrays Beach to Green Patch? | 4km one way, taking about 1.5 hours. The walk is moderate. |
| Is Murrays Beach patrolled by lifeguards? | No. Surf Life Saving Australia provides no patrols. BeachSafe rates the beach 3 out of 10 for general hazard. |
| How long is Murrays Beach? | About 510 metres, curving between the rocks and the western side of 30-metre-high Governors Head. |
| Can you see penguins at Murrays Beach? | Bowen Island is home to a colony of Little Penguins. Look across the channel from the beach or from Governor Head Lookout. |
| Can you explore the shoreline at low tide? | Yes. From the car park, walk to the boat ramp, then cross the rock platform onto the beach. Low tide reveals marine life and gives access to the sea cave. |
| Are dogs allowed at Murrays Beach? | No. No animals may be brought into Booderee National Park. |
| Is there bird flu at Booderee National Park? | Yes. H5 avian influenza has been detected in the park. Do not touch sick or dead birds or other animals. Report them to a ranger or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. |
Things to do near Murrays Beach
Governor Head Lookout – This lookout has coastal views of more than 180 degrees, and sea eagles often soar overhead.
Hole in the Wall – A 1km out-and-back walk leads to this rock formation, and it takes about 30 minutes.
Green Patch – This camping area has amenities, free electric barbecues and a beach for swimming.
Cape St George Lighthouse ruins – These sandstone ruins are further south in the park, and they are the best place there to watch migrating whales.
Booderee Botanic Gardens – These are Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned and managed botanic gardens.
More New South Wales South Coast travel
- Jervis Bay beach guides: Blenheim Beach, Callala Beach, Greenfield Beach, Hyams Beach.
- The best places to see dolphins in New South Wales.
- When is whale-watching season in Jervis Bay?
- Kiama attractions: Guides to visiting the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool and Bombo Headland in Kiama.
- Bermagui attractions: Guides to visiting Camel Rock and the Bermagui Blue Pool.
