The Ultimate Guide to the Husky Ferry Jervis Bay
The Activity Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
| Distance/Duration | 10-minute transit crossing or 2-hour sunset cruise |
| Difficulty Level | Highly Accessible / Leisurely (Wheelchair/Pram Friendly) |
| Surface Type | Calm Creek Waters (Open-air flat-bottomed boat) |
| Dog Friendly | Yes (Bikes, Prams, and Dogs ride free!) |
| Closest Town/Parking | Huskisson (1 Currambene St) & Myola (Catherine St) |
Our rating: The absolute best way in the bay to skip the holiday traffic while sipping a cold drink on the water at golden hour.
Introduction
There is a highly specific moment when a coastal getaway transitions from “traveling” to “truly vacationing.” It usually hits you right as you step off the timber planks of the Huskisson Wharf. The rhythmic hum of the outboard motor kicks in, the smell of salt spray mingles perfectly with the surrounding eucalyptus, and the unmistakable clinking of cold glass bottles rings out as friends toast to the weekend.
For travelers making the descent from the busy streets of Sydney or the frosty mornings of Canberra, the drive down the highway is the necessary transition to reach our slice of paradise. But the moment you step aboard the Husky Ferry, the city and all its chaotic energy melt away entirely. You aren’t just crossing a creek; you are actively participating in the slow, joyful rhythm of South Coast living.
Positioned perfectly as the connective tissue between the bustling, cafe-lined hub of Huskisson and the sleepy, untouched beauty of Myola, the Husky Ferry is incredibly close to our premier accommodation hubs. Whether you are staying right in the heart of “Husky” or tucked away in the leafy streets of Vincentia, this iconic local vessel is your floating front-row seat to the tranquil ecosystems of Jervis Bay. It is the ultimate antidote to modern, fast-paced life, offering a chance to sit back, feel the sun on your face, and let the gentle currents dictate the pace of your afternoon.
Deep Dive: Cruising Currambene Creek on the Husky Ferry
The “What & Where”
To understand the logistical magic of the Husky Ferry, you have to understand the geography of Jervis Bay. Huskisson sits on one side of the spectacular Currambene Creek, while Myola rests quietly on the other. By car, during the peak summer season, driving between the two can take upwards of 30 minutes. By water? It is a breathtakingly scenic 10-minute glide. Operating daily during school holidays and on weekends throughout the year, the ferry serves as both a highly practical water taxi and a beloved tour operator, saving you the drive and keeping your holiday entirely car-free.
The Environmental Context
Currambene Creek is a vital artery flowing directly into the world-renowned Jervis Bay Marine Park. The water here is famous for its striking clarity. If you look closely at the Husky Ferry—affectionately named the Kelly Marie—you’ll see exactly why this is a local institution. It’s a sturdy, flat-bottomed vessel with an open-air canopy. On a pristine afternoon, the brilliant red “HUSKY FERRY” lettering painted on the white hull reflects perfectly against the deep, glassy blue surface of the creek. With a backdrop of lush, native green mangroves and a flawless, cloudless sky, it’s a living postcard of the Shoalhaven region.
Step-by-Step Experience
- The Departure: The journey begins at the Huskisson Wharf (or the Myola rockwall, depending on your origin). There are no stuffy waiting rooms or complex boarding procedures. You simply walk down the ramp, greet the legendary Captain Dave, and find a spot on the sturdy timber benches. As seen on any given weekend, the vibe is overwhelmingly casual—passengers in light summer wear, raising a cold beer or a soda, with huge smiles and friendly waves.
- The Scenic Glide: Once the lines are cast off, the true magic begins. The open-air design means you aren’t stuck behind fogged-up glass. You are out in the elements. This is the perfect vantage point to spot the local giants: massive, graceful stingrays that glide just beneath the surface of the turquoise channels, soldier crabs marching along the sandbanks, and sea eagles circling overhead.
- The Final Destination (Or The Cruise): If you are taking the transit ferry, you’ll arrive at Myola ready to explore the endless, white-sand stretch of Callala Beach. However, if you’ve booked the 2-hour Sunset Cruise, the journey goes further upstream, diving deep into the winding mangrove forests before turning back to catch the sky exploding in shades of bruised purple and vibrant orange over the bay.
Safety First
While Currambene Creek is generally incredibly calm and protected from the open ocean swells, it is a tidal waterway. While the Husky Ferry is fully equipped with safety gear for the crossing, if you are disembarking at Myola to swim at the creek mouth, be highly aware of the outgoing tide, which can be swift. Always swim to your ability, as the creek waters are unpatrolled.
The Local Insider’s Edge
Captain Dave’s Co-Pilot: If you are traveling with kids, quietly ask Captain Dave if they can have a turn at the helm. He is famously fantastic with children and often lets them help “steer” the boat under his watchful eye, making for an unforgettable holiday memory.
The Stingray Hotspots: Don’t just look straight out to the horizon; look straight down. The sandy flats right near the Huskisson Wharf departure point are world-class for spotting giant smooth stingrays resting on the bottom.
BYO Brilliance: The sunset cruises are strictly BYO. The local secret is to grab a fresh seafood platter from the Jervis Bay Seafood or a charcuterie spread from a local deli, pair it with a bottle of Shoalhaven wine, and enjoy a floating picnic.
The “Golden Hour”
If photography is your goal, book the sunset cruise. Between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM (depending on the season), the harsh midday glare softens into a buttery, golden light that makes the water sparkle and casts a warm glow over the entire vessel. This is also when the local birdlife is most active, returning to the mangroves to roost for the evening.
Seasonality
In the height of summer (December to February), the vibe is high-energy, sun-drenched, and wonderfully social. However, winter on the Husky Ferry is a tightly held local secret. The crisp, cool air makes the sky incredibly clear, resulting in some of the most dramatic, vibrant sunsets of the year—just bring a warm jacket!
What to Pack
Polarized Sunglasses: Essential for cutting the glare on the water so you can see the marine life below.
A Soft Cooler Bag: Perfect for your BYO drinks and snacks on the sunset cruise.
Windbreaker/Light Jacket: Even after a hot summer day, the coastal breeze on the water can get surprisingly cool once the sun dips below the tree line.
Stay with Experience Jervis Bay
After an afternoon feeling the salt breeze on the Husky Ferry, you don’t want to break the spell by returning to a cramped hotel room. You want to carry that relaxed, waterfront energy seamlessly into your evening. At Experience Jervis Bay, we believe your accommodation should be an extension of your natural surroundings. We provide the perfect basecamp so you can transition from exploring the bay to unwinding on your private deck with effortless ease.
The “Activity-Based” Stay Matchmaker
- For the Active Explorer: If your plan is to use the ferry as a shortcut to hike the pristine trails around Callala Beach and Myola, you need a functional, comfortable space to return to. We highly recommend our centrally located Huskisson apartments and homes. These properties put you mere footsteps from the ferry wharf, meaning you can leave the car keys on the counter for your entire stay. Look for our homes featuring outdoor showers—perfect for washing off the salt and sand before stepping inside to relax.
- For the Family Adventurer: Families absolutely love the Husky Ferry because it turns a simple commute into a thrilling boat ride for the kids. If you are traveling with the whole crew, explore our spacious holiday homes in Vincentia and Myola. We offer sprawling properties with massive, secure backyards, fully equipped kitchens for family dinners, and expansive outdoor entertainment decks. Choosing a home on the Myola side means you can enjoy the quiet, sleepy village atmosphere while still having quick, 10-minute ferry access to the pubs and restaurants of Husky.
- For the Relaxation Seeker: Did the sunset cruise leave you craving more water views? Keep the tranquility flowing by booking one of our premium waterfront luxury properties. Imagine waking up, brewing a fresh espresso, and stepping out onto a private balcony to watch the morning tide roll in over Jervis Bay. These homes feature deep soaking bathtubs, premium linens, and uninterrupted ocean panoramas, ensuring your “holiday mode” remains permanently switched on.
The “Perfect Pairing”
When you step off the Husky Ferry back onto dry land, the afternoon is far from over. If you disembark at the Huskisson Wharf, you are perfectly positioned for a post-activity treat. Take a short stroll up the hill to the iconic Husky Pub (The Huskisson Hotel) for a sunset cocktail overlooking the water you were just cruising on. Alternatively, if you want to keep the casual, local vibe rolling, take a 5-minute drive to the industrial estate to visit Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Their sun-drenched beer garden, rotating food trucks, and award-winning local craft beers are the exact right follow-up to a salty afternoon on the creek.
