Nothing comes quite as close to perfection as a scoop of your favourite frozen dessert in the heat of our hot summer’s day here in Jervis Bay. Whether it’s the rich creaminess of ice cream, the smoothness of gelato, or the light, refreshing zest of sorbet, each has its unique place under the sun.
Before the brain freeze hits, let’s explore what makes these frozen treats so popular!
Ice cream is the classic star, a creamy mix of dairy fats, sugar, and sometimes egg yolks. But here’s a fun fact: the term often covers all kinds of frozen desserts, even those without cream or dairy!
Gelato, for instance, has less cream and a lower milk fat content. Its slower churning adds less air, giving it a silky, velvety texture that’s pure magic.
Then there’s sorbet (pronounced sawr-bey), a fruit-based frozen treat with no dairy or eggs. It’s not just a dessert, it’s often served as a palate cleanser between courses.
Where to Find the Best Premium Artisan Gelato in Jervis Bay
Mercier’s Gelato: It’s a Science and an Art
At Jervis Bay Coffee Co, owner Simon Mercier not only roasts his own beans but has also launched Mercier’s Gelato Coffee and Bar, combining flavours and experiences. Simon’s gelato journey began in 2015 with a retrofitted 1960s caravan, serving gelato and coffee to Jervis Bay locals. In 2018, a pop-up on Currambene Street brought gelato, coffee and outdoor movies together. Today, his restored 1953 Silver Carapark van continues to welcome families on Bowen Street, Huskisson.

Driven by his passion for quality and creativity, Simon recently took matters into his own hands, creating gelatos and sorbets entirely from scratch.
Simon shares: “I approach the process as both a science and an art, there’s no shortcuts, no premixes, no ‘just add water’ solutions. Every ingredient is thoughtfully selected to create the perfect scoop.
“I love experimenting with flavours,” says Simon, from dairy-free vegan matcha and tiger nut milk gelato to Chocolate Ripple Cake inspired by my childhood, there’s always something new. Seasonal favourites like Christmas Pudding and enchanted creations like Unicorn gelato have been big hits.”
Other options like Salted Caramel, Mocha made with house-roasted coffee and classic Vanilla Bean stand out. Simon is even working on a gelato version of their beloved cinnamon scrolls!
His current range of 16 creative gelato flavours that he gives a fresh change from time to time keeps locals and visitors hooked. We loved the Turkish Delight, the rose water flavour was true to flavour with pieces of chocolate in every bite! For five summers, Mercier’s Gelato has been a Huskisson tradition, blending nostalgia and innovation in every scoop. Whether you crave a classic treat or an adventurous flavour, Mercier’s Gelato promises to cool the craving. Most of the flavours are gluten free, for our vegan friends there are mango and berry sorbets available.
GelatoBuoy: Dive Into Dessert After a Bowl of Pasta
The sweetest new addition to the Buoy family is here! Say hello to Gelato Buoy, your ultimate destination for indulgent desserts, officially opened on Boxing Day. Conveniently located right next door to the famous Pasta Buoy on Owen Street Huskisson, this gelato bar has quickly made it into the hearts (and taste buds) of locals and visitors alike.

Gelato Buoy says: “Dessert isn’t just an afterthought, it’s an experience. Inspired by our passion for the art of gelato, we’ve created the dream space where every scoop is a perfect complement to the signature pasta dishes you already love.”
The selection of flavours on offer is constantly changing, including creamy classics and refreshing dairy-free sorbets. Sample the tropical bliss of Mango, the zesty zing of Limoncello or the indulgence of Tiramisu. Other fan-favourites include Pavlova Berries, White Choc Espresso and Stracciatella, to name just a few. And let’s not forget the show-stopper: Raffaello Gelato, a layering of white chocolate gelato, almond-chocolate ganache and toasted coconut.
For sorbet lovers, they have a fruity lineup featuring highlights like Watermelon, Mint and Coconut, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Served exclusively in cups, Gelato Buoy offers scoops for all appetites, from tiny scoops for the little ones to generously sized portions for serious gelato enthusiasts. Take-home tubs of 500ml or one litre are available too.
Huskisson Ice cream Parlour: Gluten Free Cones and a Little History
If traditional ice-cream is more your flavour, then look no further than Husky Ice-cream Parlour, at the White Sands end of Owen Street. Boasting 49 flavours including fruity, nutty and chocolatey options and seven sorbets, the recipes are tested by time – the company was founded in 1958 by an Italian family who brought traditional ice-cream making techniques to Victoria. All the products in this shop have detailed allergen index information and are served by knowledgeable staff.

From Nurse to Ice-ream Shop Owner – A Sweet New Chapter
Owner Kerrie Pratt says: “Eleven years ago, I traded nursing for ice cream. While buying a treat one day, my husband spotted the shop was for sale and declared it time for me to retire. A week later, I left my nursing career behind and embraced this new adventure in a town my family has cherished since the 1960s.
“Running the shop was a steep learning curve, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve worked with an amazing team of students from local schools, watching them grow into confident young adults. They form friendships, learn skills, and keep me updated on technology, while I teach them the importance of respect for each other and our customers.
“Our customers, both locals and tourists, make the job even sweeter. Many families return year after year, sharing their kids’ artwork and friendship bracelets, which I treasure. I love seeing flavour trends evolve, Rainbow and Bubblegum are always favourites, but adventurous tastes are growing. Adults, though, usually stick to their classics!”

The Parlour also serves waffles, sundaes and donuts, all made fresh. Kerrie says the shop has become more than a business; it’s a place of connection, community, and joy.
“Every scoop tells a story, and I’m grateful to be part of it,” she says.
5/72 Owen St, Huskisson NSW 2540
Club Jervis Bay: The Cheesy Grin Pizza and Gelato Bar
The perfect way to top off a delicious meal at Club Jervis Bay, on the waterfront in Huskisson, is with a sweet treat from the Cheesy Grin Gelato Bar. Take a seat and soak in the views of Currambene Creek and across to Myola and the sandy stretch towards Callala Bay.

Duty Manager Brayden is passionate about the delectable artisanal gelato offerings from The Cheesy Pizza and Gelato Bar. Their display fridge proudly showcases a variety of 10 flavours served in a small ice-cream cup.
Brayden says you can choose from single or double scoops from their selection of flavours like mint chocolate, vanilla bean, raspberry, tiramisu, fig and mascarpone, fresh mango, and espresso – that’s just a few highlights. They also serve refreshing lemon sorbet, always a popular palate cleanser. Brayden’s personal favourite is a double scoop combo of coffee espresso and vanilla. Patrons rave about the cookies and cream with salted caramel.
All gelato is sourced from VNC Foods in Nowra.
Whether you love ice-cream, gelato, or sorbet, there’s a frosty treat for every craving. Grab a scoop and enjoy the chill!