The waters of Jervis Bay range from aquamarine to indigo. Hyams Beach is said to have the whitest sand in the world, but every beach around its perfect arc could lay claim to that promise. There are wildflowers, native animals and birds galore, Aboriginal middens more than 20,000 years old, dunes and quiet coves, and beaches as remarkable for their undisturbed length as for their silica-white sand.

Nature is the main event at Jervis Bay and there's no better way to experience it than from your own tent or van set up on a beachside lot. It's coastal living at its most affordable.

Jervis Bay is a circular Bay 170 km south of Sydney. Its crystal-clear waters are populated by dolphins, seals, penguins and - from June to November - whales. With a depth of 27 metres it's said to be Australia's deepest natural harbour, making it the perfect base for the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, perched on the southern arm that wraps around the 10 km-wide Bay.

The southern part is also where you'll find Booderee National Park (formerly Jervis Bay National Park but now named after the Aboriginal word meaning 'Bay of plenty'), and within it Jervis Bay's best-known camp sites.

Booderee has three campgrounds: Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach. Green Patch, a camping ground that has become synonymous with Jervis Bay, is right on the Bay, and is perfect for enjoying swimming, fishing, bushwalking and soaking up the tranquility of the area. It's famous for its wildlife, in particular the people-friendly crimson rosellas and kangaroos that wander about.

Just around the corner on the southern tip of the Bay is Bristol Point. Popular with large groups (it can accommodate up to 35 people and 11 vehicles per site), this is a tents-only camping ground with no powered sites, which adds to its peaceful atmosphere. There are walking tracks around both camp sites and the rock platform nature trail leads onto Bristol Point's rocky shore.

Cave Beach is different again. Situated on the ocean-facing coast of the Bay, the grassy camp sites under coastal ti-trees are as back to nature as camp sites get. Smell the sea air from your tent; surf, swim or go fishing on the beach; or walk through the rainforest to neighbouring Bherwerre Beach for views along the southern coast, and west to St Georges Basin.

If you want to be right in the heart of Jervis Bay, head for Huskisson's twin parks and throw away your car keys as soon as you arrive. Everything here is within walking distance - the beach is just through the trees, and it's five minutes to the friendly beachside Husky Pub or Huskisson Wharf for 'the world's best fish and chips'.

White Sands Tourist Park is on the shores of Collingwood Beach and Shark Net Beach, whilst Huskisson Tourist Resort is right next to the walkway that leads from Huskisson to Vincentia. Both have superb views of the Bay.

For a real camping experience (with open fires and bush camp sites), away from the summertime hustle and bustle, there are two camping grounds on Currambene Creek, which flows into the Bay just north of Huskisson.

Leisure Haven Caravan Park, just two kilometres from Huskisson, has waterfront camp sites on the creek. Get in your boat and head a kilometre downstream and you'll come out at Jervis Bay - do a spot of fishing and come back to clean your catch and cook it over an open fire.

Hidden Creek Real Camping is a few kilometres upstream in a secluded bush setting, perfect for hammocks during the day and open fires at night.

Just across the creek (though you have drive back towards Nowra to get there by road) is Myola Tourist Park. A short stroll from the beach and surrounded by pristine bushland, Myola is bush camping at its best. Its offerings are peace and quiet; a natural environment including resident wombats, sugar gliders and kangaroos; proximity to the beach and fishing in the creek. What more could a beach camper want?

If you thought luxury and camping were mutually exclusive, head for Paperbark Camp, two kilometres inland from Huskisson. Ten permanent safari-style tents dotted throughout natural bushland beside Currambene Creek give you nature with a touch of class. Sydney chef Paul Bishop provides the culinary treats (dinner and breakfast are included in the room rates), and your bush tent - complete with verandah and ensuite - is the perfect place to unwind from the stresses of city living.

Whether you're into fishing, bushwalking, swimming in pristine waters or seeing a few dolphins in the wild, or you just want to take the kids away on a natural beach holiday, Jervis Bay has something for everyone, and every budget.

Callala Beach is an amazing sandy beach with crystal blue/green water. Very safe and you have a whole stretch to yourselves... Dolphins pods are also regulars.
If you are keen, you can walk to the end of the Huskisson end of the beach and swim across to the pub, as there is no bridge.
Ihgray, Coogee.

If camping here at the right time of year, take a whale and dolphin tour. They operate regularly.
Ronald, Newtown.