Planning your long weekend escape? With NSW set for a mostly warm and sunny Easter, it’s the perfect time to soak up the sun and enjoy an easy coastal walk with breathtaking ocean views. There’s no shortage of options — from iconic trails right outside Sydney to scenic paths through lush rolling hills. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, a fresh new track appears and it’s perfect for mild, autumn days. The White Sands walk is a short and delightfully scenic track in Jervis Bay that weaves through not one, but five gorgeous beaches with some of the whitest sands in Australia and ocean views the whole way through. Here’s what you need to know about the coastal walk.
White Sands Walk
This sublime ocean-adjacent route is one of NSW’s best short walks, and surprisingly remains under the radar. It’s a short 2.5km loop which can be tackled in as little as 30 minutes — or up to 90 if you take your time, and with views that good, you’ll want to. For a faster and crowd-favourite option, kick off your walk at the Greenfield Beach picnic area, meandering past the iconic Hyams Beach before looping back. If you’ve got time to spare and are keen for a longer coastal adventure, start your walk at Plantation Point in Vincentia and follow the track as it connects a string of pristine white-sand beaches all the way to Hyams.
The first white sand beach you’ll come across on this walk is Nelson Beach, with the most striking blue waters and soft white sand. It’s one of Jervis Bay’s quieter spots, so you can spend some time enjoying the pristine coastline here before continuing on to Blenheim Beach — a postcard-perfect stretch fringed by dense bushland and emerald waters perfect for swimming.
The crystal clear waters of Greenfield Beach and the almost-tropical Chinamans Beach await you next on the walk before it eventually winds up at the always-famous Hyams Beach. Both beaches offer a quieter alternative to Hyams with fewer crowds and a laid-back vibe if that’s what you’re after.
Hikers will find signs detailing the local flora and fauna along the way, and sightings of bottlenose dolphins, which are often spotted in these waters. You can also enjoy whale watching in winter. Read more about the White Sands Walk here.
Key features of the White Sands Walk
Where: Jervis Bay National Park
Distance: 2.5km loop
Total time needed: Around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Difficulty level: Easy, no experience required
Things to bring: Water, sunscreen, and a hat
Parking: Available at the Greenfield Beach picnic area
Getting there
Jervis Bay is roughly a 2.5-3 hour drive from Sydney. Some transport options are available, although driving is recommended. Plan your travel on Transport for NSW.