What is the Jervis Bay Territory?
The Jervis Bay Territory is a small federal territory on the New South Wales south coast. It was handed over in 1915 so the national capital would have access to the sea.
The territory covers about 70 square kilometres on the southern shore of Jervis Bay, roughly 200 kilometres south of Sydney. It was meant to provide a port for Canberra, although a planned railway link was never built.
Most of the land is now Booderee National Park, which is jointly managed by the federal government and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, the area's Traditional Owners. The park is known for white beaches, clear water, dolphins and coastal walking tracks.
Navy and laws
The territory is home to HMAS Creswell, the Royal Australian Naval College. It does not have its own government; it is administered by the Commonwealth, and the laws of the Australian Capital Territory apply there.
Did You Know?
Jervis Bay is often said to have some of the whitest sand in the world, especially at Hyams Beach just outside the territory.