Jervis Bay was formed about 15 000 years ago, towards the end of the last Ice Age. As the ice melted and the sea level rose the coastal river system was flooded and the bay was created.
The bay has two fairly distinct landscape types:
- south of Vincentia are high ridges and gullies formed on the Snapper Point sandstone formation, the oldest outcropping rock at Jervis Bay
- north of Vincentia is low lying flat to undulating land of siltstone overlaid with sands and mud. Scattered through the siltstone are exotic rocks thought to have been left by icebergs. This part of the bay has extensive estuarine areas, including Lake Wollumboola.
Lake Wollumboola
Formed following the last Ice Age, this is a large, saline coastal lake that is slowly becoming a freshwater wetland, a process that will still take thousands of years. At this stage of the process, although the lake is saline, it has a number of freshwater soaks around its shores. These soaks are important for the health of many of the thousands of water birds that use the lake.
Among the lake's water birds are migratory species that fly thousands of kilometres from the northern hemisphere. Between October and March these species feed and in many cases breed here. Thirty three species are protected by international agreements, including the endangered little tern.
The waters of the lake are subject to drastic changes. For example, because 60% of Lake Wollumboola is above sea level, most of its water drains out when the sea entrance opens.
The interactions between the changeable lake water and the millions of plants and animals that depend on it form complex and ever varying patterns that are driven by weather, seasonal changes and the erratic occurrence of the opening to the sea.
One example of such interactions relates to the effect of changed water levels on the sea grass and algae. These plants are the basis of the food chain, so the many birds that come to the lake and its shores are dependent on them either directly or indirectly.
The abundance of the algae and sea grass and where they grow varies with changes in water level. When water levels are low and the exposed sea grass dies off, the old grass becomes a rich feeding ground. Small crustaceans and seaweed flies move in to feed and breed. They in turn are followed by birds that feed on the resulting eggs and larvae. The lost sea grass beds are replaced by new beds in other areas that would normally be too deep.
More information: Lake Wollumboola Protection Association
Where to see some of the park's landscapes and features
Greenfield Beach picnic area
Wheelchair access: medium
- Greenfield Beach is the most wheelchair accessible beach in Jervis Bay National Park
- The picnic area is flat and grassy
- Access to the beach is via a short boardwalk
Tucked away behind Greenfield Beach, this picnic area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It’s named after Colin Greenfield who lived in the area from 1942 until the 1970s.
Set up a picnic table, sprawl out on the grass or take a seat in the shelter shed – with its informative panels it doubles as an outdoor classroom. You’ll also find free barbecues to cook your alfresco feast.
Try a spot of birdwatching, work off your lunch on the White Sands walk and Scribbly Gum track, or head to the beach, just steps away. There are showers to wash salt from your skin after a swim or sandcastle session.
Two walking tracks begin at the picnic area - see Walking.
Activities: walking, swimming, snorkelling, picnicking, playing and socialising
Getting there: Pedestrian access to the Greenfield Beach picnic area opens directly off the cul-de-sac at the end of Elizabeth Drive, Vincentia.
- From the Princes Highway, take the Jervis Bay Road turn off and follow signs to Vincentia
- Follow Elizabeth Drive to the cul-de-sac at its end – there are parking bays along the road
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: gas/electric barbecues (free), picnic tables, flush toilets, cold showers, drinking water, trackhead/access point, lookout
Other facilities: 2 open stand showers; shelter shed
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| School excursion | Then and now - Aboriginal culture  This excursion gives students the opportunity to experience Aboriginal Culture with Aboriginal Discovery Rangers, and to develop an understanding of the importance of protecting and respecting culture. Activities include bush tucker and medicine, the role of women, traditional weaving, art, music and dance, men’s business (hunting, tools and didgeridoo), site management and protection.
Difficulty: easy
Parks:
Meeting place: at your School or National Park
Cost: from $7.70 per student More info: Nowra, Phone: (02) 4423 2170 | by arrangement |
| School excursion | What is a national park - state and national parks  This activity addresses syllabus requirements for primary students, through interactive displays, hands-on activities and research. A guided walk with Discovery rangers will explore the natural environment, the impact of fire, the relationship between plants and animals, and habitat change. Students can dress up in the uniforms of various National Parks staff, with discussion on the importance of these jobs, benefits to the park and park visitors, and human impacts on parks. Students can also do a 'minibeast measure', using simple plots to identify and record minibeasts and habitats.
Difficulty: easy
Parks:
Meeting place: at your School or National Park
Cost: start from $7.70 per student Vehicle entry fees apply.
Bookings:
More info: Nowra, Phone: (02) 4423 2170 | by arrangement |
Hammerhead Point picnic area
Wheelchair access: hard
Hammerhead Point picnic area is located just a short walk from Warrain Beach.
Grab a table or spread your blanket on the grass. You can enjoy your sandwiches while nicely sheltered from the elements, thanks to a small sand dune that acts as a windbreak between the beach and the picnic spot.
After a picnic lunch, sit back and relax or enjoy a stroll on the beach. The beach here opens to magnificent reef within the Hammerhead sanctuary zone, part of the Jervis Bay Marine Park. Bring your snorkelling or diving gear for a real treat – there’s a huge array of marine life including dolphins, octopus and stingrays. Bring your binoculars if you're visiting in the winter - Hammerhead Point is a great whale watching spot.
Activities: snorkelling, swimming, whale watching, picnicking, playing and socialising
Getting there: Hammerhead Point is located off Currarong Road, about 9km east of Callala Bay and a few kilometres west of Currarong village. From the Princes Highway:
- Take Forest Road off the highway, then follow the signs towards Currarong
- You’ll find the picnic area a couple of hundred metres along the unsealed road
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, non-flush toilets
