If you have been dreaming of the quintessential Australian fishing village holiday then a quick trip to Huskisson might be what you are seeking. Located approximately 179 Kilometers from Sydney on the pristine shores of Jervis Bay sits a rustic, friendly experience.

Huskisson forms the typical sleepy holiday resort and fishing village with many natural attractions and services within a short drive. The main street has many cafes and seafood restaurants and the Husky Pub, which forms the social center piece of the town. Here you can sit and wish away your worries whilst sipping a cold beer on the shores of one of Australia's most pristine marine parks.

The Jervis Bay district was originally inhabited by the Dhurga Aborigines and European exploration did not commence until 1812, around the site which is now known as Nowra. The town remained largely undeveloped until the 1840's when the soaring wool price formed the need for a large track between it and Sydney. Convicts where sent from the nearby penal colony to cut a road from Nowra to nearby Huskisson to provide transport for the wool. This road later became known as the Wool Road and still remains today.

The Wool road was used to ship the wool to Sydney direct from Jervis Bay rather than subject the markets to the time delay of horse and cart. As a result of these improvements there was much belief in the development of a local economy in Huskisson. Although the town was laid out along with the wool road, it was not to be settled for a further twelve years.

Today Huskisson is a vibrant and friendly community of over 2,000 residents. Its main industries include tourism and operations related to the pristine marine park. Huskisson sports many attractions and local delights including the famous Lady Denham Ferry.

The Lady Denham Museum is one of the premier tourist attractions on the NSW South Coast. The museum documents the rich history of wooden shipbuilding in the town. Shipbuilding was Huskisson's prime economic activity up until the early 1920's. In fact almost all of the wooden based Sydney ferries were constructed there.

The diving in Jervis Bay is second to none and provides an excellent location for all experience levels. Some diving locations include black rock, and a sunken World War Two figher plane.With three dive shops located in the main street you will never be without equipment or instruction.

Jervis bay also boasts the White Sands Easter Carnival held at White Sands Park every April. The celebration focuses on the family unit and provides stalls and activites in a fete format. The carnival is comepletely free of entry cost and is an excellent family activity.

The weather in Jervis Bay is variable and its generally best to visit during the summer months. Due to the towns location on the South Coast it is important to note that Weather can change in a moments notice and the area is known for receiving volatile winds. A traveller should always check the relevant forecasts before attempting to reach the town.

Accomodation is generally available in the town during the winter months. In the summer season it can be difficult to obtain lodgings without a booking. The warm weather and faimly demand in the region generally means that you will have trouble finding accomodation without a confirmed booking. The average cost of accomodation is in the $85 - $120 per night range for a comfortable motel style room.

It should be noted that Huskisson is relatively free of crime and is generally noted as being a safe location. Although crime is indeed low, it does suffer from petty youth crime, like many coastal NSW towns. The police presence at night is limited and it is recommended that you do not walk alone at night. Having said that, instances of crime is almost always petty and is not something that a potential visitor should be concerned with.

Jervis Bay and Huskisson can be reached with a variety of means. Rental cars can be obtained in Sydney and it is a short 2.5 hour drive. Train service also connects Nowra with Sydney although a visitor would need to connect with the local bus service to Huskisson.

Huskisson is indeed a friendly and laid back coastal town and is always welcoming to tourists of all nationalities. With the clement weather and myriad of natural attractions Huskisson makes the ideal family location for a much needed weekend break. So why not take the time for a weekend getaway?

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Steve Rowland is the administrator and web master of Huskisson