After a weekend defined by full car parks, long brunch queues and the steady hum of summer visitors, we decided to take a different route. Instead of joining the throng along Owen Street in Huskisson, we slipped quietly off the main strip in search of something a little calmer, a little more local and quietly excellent.
From waterfront breakfasts to post-swim lunches, these are the spots we tried with friends over Jervis Bay’s busy festive season – short drives with breathing space, good food at a slower pace. Not only did these three cafes offer good coffee and thoughtful menus, but also a sense of ease that felt increasingly rare during peak season.
Each had its own rhythm and personality, yet all shared the same appeal, they were just far enough from the crowds to feel like a small discovery rather than a compromise.
For anyone navigating Jervis Bay during its busiest moments, these cafes offer a refreshing alternative. They make it easier to choose where to go and remind us that some of the region’s most rewarding experiences often sit just beyond the obvious routes.
Waggy’s Waterfront Cafe
Tues-Sun 9am-3pm, 4 Island Point Rd, St Georges Basin
A Waterfront Local Where Regulars Gather
Right on the water at St Georges Basin, Waggy’s Cafe is the definition of a locals’ hangout. Relaxed, friendly and unpretentious, it draws a steady stream of regulars dropping in after morning walks or paddles and it’s just an easy 16-minute drive from Huskisson.
Seating spans indoors and alfresco tables under the trees, with sun umbrellas offering relief on warmer days. There’s plenty of space to settle in by the water’s edge, with an open, family-friendly layout and pet-friendly options rounding out the appeal.
The menu leans in to classic Australian cafe fare with thoughtful, healthier options woven through. The vegan bowl $23 is a standout, generous and well balanced, with pickled red cabbage and roasted pumpkin lifting falafel into something quietly memorable.
For heartier appetites, the Waggy’s beef burger $27 comes stacked with a juicy house-made patty, American cheese, beetroot, caramelised onion and special sauce, served with chips.
Fish of the day $28 offers grilled, crumbed or battered options alongside chips and fresh salad.
Gluten‑free options are available, just ask the team.
Plenty of easy parking seals the deal.
Local tip: Go mid-morning or early lunch for a quieter table by the water.
The Cooked Goose
Mon-Sun 8am-4pm, 76 Cyrus St, Hyams Beach
A Beach-Day Essential Just Steps from The Sand
Just metres from one of the South Coast’s most celebrated beaches, The Cooked Goose is as much a part of a Hyams Beach day as sand between your toes. Casual and coastal, it’s an easy refuel stop for swimmers, walkers and families looking to stay beachside rather than head back toward town.
The cafe’s light-filled interior pairs with an easygoing outdoor area, offering a mix of shelter and sea air. Seating is unfussy and welcoming, with a long communal table inside adding to the relaxed flow.
The spiced pumpkin $22 fits neatly into a post-holiday reset, roasted sweet pumpkin layered with hummus, greens, dukkah and pomegranate for freshness and crunch.
The squid citrus salad $26 tastes like summer in the bay, combining fresh slivers of chilli, crispy shallots, roasted sweet beetroot, feta and fresh herbs.
After a swim or long coastal walk, the Hyams special beef burger $26 hits the mark, stacked with the lot – beef patty, bacon, egg, pineapple and BBQ sauce with gluten-free options available.
Local tip: Expect a bustling scene at peak hours; if seating is limited, opt for takeaway and head to the sand. There is limited parking at the café entrance and along the street.
Fishwicks
Mon–Sun 6.30am–4pm, Unit 1/77 The Lake Cct, Culburra Beach
A Cult Coastal Cafe Worth The Drive
When escaping the bustle of Owen Street, Fishwicks is an easy 35-minute drive east of Nowra. Set just back from the surf near Lake Wollumboola, this Culburra Beach favourite has quietly built a cult following for its polished cafe classics, local seafood sensibility and strong coffee culture.
Chef-driven but never pretentious, Fishwicks excels at dishes that feel right after a morning beach walk or post-surf lunch. The cafe itself is relaxed and practical, with a small indoor dining room and shaded outdoor tables suited to sandy feet and slow coffees.
At lunch, a handful of dishes anchor the menu.
The Szechuan pepper chilli squid $18, with just enough spice to coat each tender piece with an Asian-style noodle salad and housemade, sharp nahm jim dressing.
The Baja fish burrito, priced at $18, brings together spiced grilled fish, house-made tomato relish, hummus, fresh salad and a hint of mint, all wrapped in a warm pita and finished with garlic-lime yoghurt.
Burger lovers gravitate to the beef burger $18 with vintage cheddar, pickles, mustard and chutney served on toasted buns that locals rave about, crisp and sturdy enough to hold their own.
They also offer gluten‑free choices, just ask the team what is available when you arrive.
A good get up and go – think Laneways Coffee, it’s a big hit with plenty of Laneway followers.
Their generous portions and an easy coastal pace makes Fishwicks a solid, worth-the-drive pick.
Locals Tip: this cafe has that real surf beach vibe and they run on all engines – you rarely wait more than 25 minutes in peak season and that’s straight from head chef and owner Gaz Fishwick.
On a final note
We raise a toast to all the hospitality teams across the Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay, those who brave long hours away from their families, sweltering kitchens, and endless service with a smile. Your dedication keeps our tables full and our south coast communities vibrant, and memorable.
