Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is famous for having the whitest sand in the world, a title it was apparently bestowed by the Guinness World Records. While the rumour has run rampant for decades, and one that NSW and Sydneysiders love to feel smug about, it’s not quite true. In fact, there is no “world’s whitest sand” category in the Guinness World Records to begin with. That aside, we wouldn’t blame you if you’ve believed the rumour. The beach’s long stretch of white sand, sparkling coast and turquoise waters make it a repeat weekend destination for those living in and around Sydney. And yes, the sand is very white — amongst the whitest you’ll find on Australian beaches. It was also recently voted in the top 10 best beaches in the world by the travel site Big 7 thanks to its stunning white silica sand.
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
The Hyams Beach village is located in the city of Shoalhaven and it’s packed with seaside vistas and water adventures. You can also expect frequent sightings of whales and dolphins in and around Jervis Bay between the months of May and November. It’s 180 km south of Sydney or a 2.5-hour drive, following the jaw-dropping Grand Pacific Drive, one of the most picturesque in the country.
Once there, you’ll find a long beach with spectacular powdery white sand, vivid blue waters and plenty of flora and fauna around. The small and secluded village has an equally tiny population of about 112 people but thanks to social media popularity, you’ll find it packed to the rafters with tourists and out-of-towners, especially over weekends and holidays. It’s also surrounded by plenty of attractions including the Jervis Bay National Park and the Booderee National Park which give the place an abundance of wildlife, native forests and stunning walking trails.
Things to do in Hyams Beach
Wondering what you can do in this coastal paradise? To explore the miles of coastline ahead of you, try the White Sands Walk, an hour-long walk that will take you past bays and beaches and all the views.
Sit back, relax and dig your toes in the soft white sands or head out for an adventure. The pristine waters are ideal for swimming, diving, snorkelling and long walks on the beach plus you’ll be surrounded by beautiful views stretching towards Point Perpendicular, Bowen Island and the Navy base at HMAS Creswell. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Callala, Orion and Barfleur Beach are some equally pretty spots in the vicinity, complete with sparkling white sand, but with far fewer people. If you’re looking to make a holiday out of it, check out the best accommodation options at Hyams Beach here.
How to get to Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach is easily accessible from Sydney. The driving distance is between 2.5 hours to 3 hours (if you don’t get stuck in traffic) and there are some public transport options available as well. You can take the train from Central Station to Bomaderry Station and hop on a bus to get to Hyams Beach. The total journey would be around 5 hours.
Parking at the beach is limited so if you’re visiting during peak season, Visit NSW recommends parking at Greenfield Beach and taking the White Sands Walk to get to the beach. Get more information about Hyams Beach here and on the Visit NSW website.
If you’re wondering where to find the whitest sand in Australia, that’s a debate that is yet to be settled but Lucky Bay in Western Australia, Whitehaven Beach in Queensland and Bay of Fires in Tasmania are often cited as some of the best.