Jervis Bay Pet-Friendly Guide (Dog Beaches & Accommodation)
Bringing Your Dog to Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is a fantastic destination for dog owners — but it requires some planning. Not all beaches allow dogs, the rules change between council-managed areas and national park land, and accommodation options vary widely in their pet policies.
Get the details right and your dog will have an incredible time. Ignore them and you’ll spend the trip being turned away from beaches or copping fines. Here’s everything you need to know.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Shoalhaven City Council manages the beaches outside Booderee National Park, and each has specific rules about when and where dogs are allowed. Rules are enforced — rangers patrol regularly, especially in summer.
Off-Leash Beaches
Callala Beach (off-leash section) The northern end of Callala Beach permits off-leash dogs at all times. It’s a long, calm stretch of sand on the northern shore of the bay with shallow water — perfect for dogs who like to splash around. The beach is rarely crowded, giving your dog room to run.
Plantation Point, Vincentia The rock shelf area at Plantation Point allows off-leash dogs. It’s not a traditional sandy beach — more a series of flat rock platforms and small sandy pockets — but dogs love exploring the rock pools and wading in the shallows.
Moona Moona Creek The beach area near the mouth of Moona Moona Creek (near Huskisson) has an off-leash zone. The creek offers calm, shallow water for dogs who prefer fresh water, and the sandy flats at low tide are great for running.
On-Leash Beaches
Collingwood Beach, Vincentia Dogs are allowed on-leash along the full length of Collingwood Beach. The 2km stretch of sand with a paved path behind makes for a great morning walk with your dog. Keep them on the lead and pick up after them — the beach is well-used by families.
Huskisson Beach Dogs are permitted on-leash outside of designated swimming areas. The beach is close to town, so you can combine a morning walk with coffee from one of the Huskisson cafes.
Callala Beach (leash-required sections) The sections of Callala Beach outside the off-leash zone require dogs on-leash. Signs mark the boundaries.
Where Dogs Are NOT Allowed
Booderee National Park — No dogs permitted at all. This is the big one. Booderee is a federal national park and dogs are completely banned — not on beaches, not on trails, not in the campgrounds, not even in car parks. This includes Murrays Beach, Cave Beach, and all the trails within the park.
This matters because many of Jervis Bay’s most popular beaches are inside Booderee. If you’re travelling with a dog, those beaches are off the itinerary.
Hyams Beach has restrictions during peak periods. Check the current Shoalhaven Council signage for seasonal rules.
Greenfield Beach does not permit dogs.
Marine park sanctuary zones — dogs are not permitted in marked sanctuary zones along the foreshore.
Always check signs at beach access points. Rules can change seasonally, and council may impose temporary restrictions during holidays or nesting seasons.
Dog-Friendly Walks
Since Booderee National Park trails are off-limits with dogs, you’ll need alternatives.
Collingwood Beach path — A flat, paved 2km path along the beachfront in Vincentia. Dogs on-leash. Easy, scenic, and accessible.
Callala Bay foreshore — A pleasant walk along the foreshore with bay views. Dogs on-leash on the path, off-leash on the designated beach section.
Huskisson to Vincentia shared path — A sealed cycling and walking path that connects the two towns. Dogs on-leash. About 3km one way, mostly flat. Good for a morning stroll with a coffee stop at either end.
Nowra riverside walks — If you’re happy to drive 20 minutes inland, the Shoalhaven River walks around Nowra allow dogs on-leash and offer a different landscape — river gums, sandstone cliffs, and birdlife.
For the full range of walking trails in the area (including those inside Booderee where dogs aren’t allowed), see our hiking and walking guide.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
The pet-friendly accommodation market in Jervis Bay has grown significantly. Here are the main options.
Holiday Rentals
The most common option for dog owners. Numerous houses and apartments across Huskisson, Vincentia, Sanctuary Point, and Callala Bay accept pets — usually with conditions.
What to expect:
- A pet bond or cleaning fee ($50-$150 is typical)
- Dogs may be restricted to outdoor areas in some properties
- Fenced yards are available but not universal — filter for this when searching
- Maximum number of pets (usually 1-2)
- Dogs must not be left unattended in the property
Search on Stayz, Airbnb, and local booking sites using pet-friendly filters. Book early for holiday periods — pet-friendly properties are in high demand and fill fast.
Top tip: Properties in Callala Bay are often the best bet for dog owners. The off-leash beach is walking distance from most of the village, the area is quieter than Huskisson or Vincentia, and accommodation tends to be more affordable.
Caravan Parks and Campgrounds
Huskisson Beach Tourist Resort accepts dogs in some sites during off-peak periods. Check their current pet policy — it can change seasonally.
Shoalhaven area caravan parks — Several parks in the broader Shoalhaven region (Nowra, Shoalhaven Heads, Sussex Inlet) accept dogs. These are a 20-30 minute drive from Jervis Bay proper.
Important: Booderee National Park campgrounds do not allow dogs. If you’re planning a camping trip, see our camping guide and filter for pet-friendly options outside the park.
Motels and Hotels
Pet policies at motels and hotels in the area vary. Some Huskisson motels accept small dogs — call ahead rather than relying on website information, as policies change frequently.
Larger accommodation properties like Paperbark Camp and Bangalay Luxury Villas do not accept pets.
Practical Tips for Dog Owners
Bring poo bags. Every beach and trail expects you to pick up after your dog. Bins are available at most beach access points and parks. There’s no excuse.
Water and shade. Jervis Bay gets hot in summer. Bring a water bowl, carry fresh water, and avoid the beach in the middle of the day when sand can burn paw pads. Stick to morning and late afternoon outings in warm weather.
Ticks. The South Coast bushland is tick territory, including paralysis ticks. Ensure your dog’s tick prevention is current before you travel. Check your dog thoroughly after every bushwalk — ears, armpits, between toes, and around the face.
Wildlife. The area is home to kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and various bird species. Keep your dog on-leash in bushland areas and be alert for wildlife on walking trails, especially at dawn and dusk.
Beach hazards. Bluebottles (Portuguese man-of-war) wash up on ocean-facing beaches. Dogs sometimes try to eat them — keep an eye out, especially after easterly winds. Stingrays are present in shallow bay waters. They’re not aggressive but can sting if stepped on.
Kennels and pet sitting. If you want to visit Booderee National Park or spend a day at a dog-restricted beach, local pet sitting services can mind your dog. The Nowra area has boarding kennels and pet minding services. Arrange well in advance during holiday periods.
Planning Your Trip
The best approach for a Jervis Bay holiday with a dog is to base yourself in Callala Bay or Vincentia, where you have easy access to dog-friendly beaches and walks, plus the path network connecting the main towns.
Plan your days around the dog rules: mornings on the dog-friendly beaches, afternoons exploring Huskisson for lunch and shopping (many cafes have outdoor areas where well-behaved dogs are welcome), and reserve any Booderee visits for days when you can arrange pet care.
For help planning the broader trip, check our complete guide to Jervis Bay — just note which activities are and aren’t feasible with a four-legged companion.
Final Thoughts
Jervis Bay with a dog is absolutely worth it — the beaches are beautiful, the walks are scenic, and many locals are dog owners who’ll appreciate seeing a well-behaved visitor. The key is respecting the rules, picking the right accommodation, and accepting that some of the bay’s highlights (particularly Booderee National Park) aren’t accessible with pets.
Plan around the restrictions rather than fighting them, and you’ll both have a great time.