The sugary-soft shorelines of Hyams Beach are on everyone’s radar. The mighty Jervis Bay gem draws hordes of tourists and locals alike thanks to its blinding white sand and turquoise waters that beckon beachgoers all year round. But with all those crowds comes harder to find parking, noise and litter and so on. If you’re still keen to soak in the beauty without dealing with the crowds, there’s an easy solution: keep driving until you reach Long Beach. Here you will find that same pearly white sand enveloping the beach, sparkling waters ideal for wading, and coastal scenery but of a more discreet nature. While it has much in common with Hyams, it benefits from far fewer crowds. If you’re looking for an unspoiled beach without battling scores of selfie-takers, make Long Beach your next warm-weather escape.
Long Beach, Shoalhaven
Stretching for two kilometres, Long Beach is well, long. But it has plenty more to offer than just that. The crescent shaped spot is a classic white sand beach flanked by crystalline blue waters and framed by trees for a perfectly pleasant experience. The water here is so clear, it almost resembles a swimming pool. Among the quieter white sand beaches in NSW, swimmers and divers also come here for the underwater scenery and water-based activities. Walking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling are all popular activities for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The beach is partially shaded by trees, providing ample cover for enjoying a leisurely picnic in the sun, building sandcastles or just going on a long coastal walk. Long Beach also remains relatively under-touristed compared to the Booderee and Vincentia areas of Jervis Bay, which draw many crowds, particularly during the summer months.
If you want more beachy adventures, hop in your car and drive for around 15 minutes to the dreamy Chinamans Beach which also offers soft white sands and fewer crowds relative to Hyams.
Best time to visit
Long Beach is excellent to visit any time of the year but especially lovely when the weather is warmer and more beach-optimal. Spring and summer are ideal for the perfect beach experience especially the months between November to April. The cooler months present the same waves and scenery but with even fewer crowds if that’s what you’re after. Read more about it here here.
Getting there
Long Beach can be found on on Beecroft Peninsula and the drive from Sydney takes around 2.5 – 3 hours via M1 depending on traffic. The nearest town to the beach is Batemans Bay which is 6.3km away or approximately a 10 to 15 minute drive. Parking can be a pain at Hyams but thankfully, Long Beach is conveniently accessible with car parks available at the North and South ends.