Photo: Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0
Hyams Beach, on the shores of Jervis Bay, is famed for having the whitest sand in the world—a Guinness World Record holder. This dazzling stretch of powder-soft quartz sand meets impossibly clear, turquoise waters, creating a scene that feels more tropical than the New South Wales coast. It's a must-visit for beach lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a quintessential Australian seaside experience.
Highlights & What to See
- The Beach Itself: Sink your toes into the blindingly white sand and swim in the calm, crystalline waters. It's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Booderee National Park: Adjacent to Hyams Beach, this park offers Aboriginal cultural sites, dramatic coastal walks, and the stunning Murrays Beach and Green Patch picnic areas.
- Jervis Bay Marine Park: Take a dolphin-watching cruise or kayak alongside pods of bottlenose dolphins. The bay is also a hotspot for migrating whales (May–November).
- White Sands Walk: A scenic 45-minute coastal path connecting Hyams Beach to Chinamans Beach and Nelson Beach, with lookout points over the bay.
Suggested Time to Spend
You can experience the beach in a few hours, but to truly soak it in, plan for a full day. Arrive early (before 10am) to secure a parking spot, as the beach is popular. Combine with a morning swim and snorkel, a picnic lunch on the sand, and an afternoon walk to Chinamans Beach. For sunset, head to the nearby Huskisson for a drink overlooking the water.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Huskisson: The lively hub of Jervis Bay, with cafés, restaurants, and the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
- Vincentia: A quieter coastal village with good cafés and access to Collingwood Beach.
- Booderee Botanic Gardens: Australia's only Aboriginal-owned botanic garden, showcasing native plants and cultural heritage.
- Shoalhaven Heads: A nature-lover's spot with the Shoalhaven River and Seven Mile Beach National Park.
- Kangaroo Valley: A scenic drive inland to a charming historic village with waterfalls, rainforest walks, and the Hampden Bridge.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Jervis Bay — Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Huskisson — Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Vincentia — Charlie Brewer from Sydney, Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Booderee National Park — Adrian Setterfield / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Kangaroo Valley — user:Grahamec / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Shoalhaven Heads — Repomonkey at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5