Jervis Bay

OT 2540 • Other Territories

310
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
67.23 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteHistoricBushland

About Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is a unique federal territory on the south coast of New South Wales, established in 1915 when jurisdiction was transferred from New South Wales to the Commonwealth of Australia to give the federal government a coastal port near the landlocked Australian Capital Territory. Covering approximately 68 square kilometres of stunning coastal land, the territory has a population of around 310 and is classified under 'Other Territories' (OT) in Australian administrative divisions. The Jervis Bay Territory is notable for its remarkable natural environment, including pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, and for its significant connection to the Yuin Aboriginal people.

The territory is home to two small communities — Jervis Bay Village and Wreck Bay Village — with around 90% of the land managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council under the Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Act 1986. Booderee National Park, covering much of the territory, draws visitors for its spectacular beaches, snorkelling, whale watching, and walking tracks. The broader Jervis Bay region (including parts of NSW) is widely regarded as one of Australia's most beautiful coastal areas, and the territory's protected status ensures its natural landscape remains largely unspoiled.

Jervis Bay falls under postcode 2540 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA).

📍 Location

Postcode
2540
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
N/A
State Electorate
N/A
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.13°, 150.70°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
67.23 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional bus services — Nowra / Canberra Approx. 40 min to Nowra

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
190 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to Nowra then NSW TrainLink to Canberra (2.5–3 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 30 min to Canberra; approx. 2 hr 30 min to Sydney
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr to Canberra

🛣️ Access via Princes Highway; Nowra is the nearest major service town

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote coastal territory with no retail or commercial services; all shopping and services require travel to Nowra or Huskisson

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
310
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jervis Bay known for? +

Jervis Bay is renowned for its extraordinarily clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and Booderee National Park, which protects much of the territory's coastline and bushland. It is also significant for its connection to the Yuin Aboriginal people and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, which owns approximately 90% of the territory's land.

How far is Jervis Bay from Canberra? +

Jervis Bay Territory is approximately 190 kilometres south-east of the Canberra CBD (Civic), typically around a 2-hour drive, making it a popular weekend destination for ACT residents.

Does Jervis Bay have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Jervis Bay Territory. Limited regional bus connections are available to Nowra (approximately 30 km away), from where NSW TrainLink services connect to Sydney and Canberra. A private vehicle is the most practical way to access the territory.

What is the population of Jervis Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, the Jervis Bay Territory has a population of approximately 310 residents. The territory is made up of two small communities — Jervis Bay Village and Wreck Bay Village — with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprising a significant portion of the population.

Is Jervis Bay a good place to live? +

Jervis Bay Territory offers an exceptionally rare lifestyle — remote coastal living within one of Australia's most beautiful natural environments, with Booderee National Park on the doorstep. It suits those who value natural beauty, community, and solitude over urban convenience, as all major services require travel to Nowra or further afield.

What is the postcode for Jervis Bay? +

The postcode for Jervis Bay Territory is 2540, which is shared with the broader Nowra and South Coast region.