Lesser-known Jervis Bay beaches to sink your toes into

Murrays Beach 

Managed by Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, Booderee National Park is a stunning swathe of wilderness hugging the south coast of Jervis Bay. The jewel in the national park crown? Murrays Beach, a postcard-worthy swathe of pearly white sand carved around a protected bay and sheltered by Bowen Island. These conditions mean that the water is always calm, perfect for swimmers, snorkellers and families. With this as your base, explore a wide range of hiking trails, from the Munyunga waraga dhugan loop walk to various low tide walks. Keep watch for dolphins and other wildlife.  

Bowen Island and Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay - Credit: Filippo Rivetti

Greenfield Beach 

Bring your sunglasses when you visit Greenfield Beach – between the turquoise colour of the water and the impossibly white sand, things can get rather blinding. You’ll want to linger in the picnic area, which comes with barbecue facilities. Then set off on the 2.5km White Sands walk and Scribbly Gum track, two interconnected trails through Jervis Bay National Park that link a series of (you guessed it) blissfully white beaches. Bring your bathing suit to cool off, or extend your amble all the way to Hyams Beach.  

Greenfield Beach, Vincentia

Honeymoon Bay 

From the air, the small, sheltered Honeymoon Bay resembles an opal, ringed with blues and golds that fade into a perfect crescent of sand. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, minus the surf. And if you want to linger, there’s a campground just steps from the sand. Take note: It books out quickly over the summer months, so get in fast. You’re just a short distance from Currarong, the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and all manner of walking trails.  

Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay, South Coast

Cave Beach 

Also within Booderee National Park, Cave Beach is a dramatic coastal enclave backed by enormous cave-carved cliffs – perfect for dolphin spotting. Thanks to reliable waves, it’s a magnet for surfers, many of whom linger here in the scenic campground, which comes with basic amenities including fresh water, toilets and cold showers. Lace up your hiking shoes and explore the area, including Sussex Inlet and nearby Bherwerre Beach.  

Cave Beach, Jervis Bay 

Green Patch Beach 

Thanks to its calm conditions and oh-so-soft sand within Booderee National Park, Green Patch Beach is hugely popular with families – and people who want a leisurely swim or snorkel, minus big waves. Pack a picnic or make the most of shaded barbecue facilities, then head out to explore the rock pools where you’ll likely spot octopuses and fish; other wildlife regularly spotted here include wallabies, echidnas and all manner of bird life. There’s also a camping ground, with toilets, showers and barbecue facilities.  

Green Patch Beach, Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay

Hole-in-the-Wall Beach 

This immaculate stretch of sand takes its name from the sandstone rock wall with a hole in it, at the eastern end of the beach. It’s popular for photography, especially in the morning. At other times of the day, Hole-in-the-Wall Beach a great place for snorkelling and exploring the walking trails that lace Booderee National Park, taking you up extraordinary sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and through bushland home to a plethora of native wildlife.   

Hole in the Wall Beach, Jervis Bay - Credit: Andy Hutchinson

Blenheim Beach 

One of the beaches along the White Sands walk through Jervis Bay National Park, Blenheim is quite the stunner. Locals know that this is one of the best places to snorkel in the region, so be sure to pack your equipment – a great way to cool off while on your hike. The cove is surrounded by native forest, offering a true bush-to-beach experience, replete with all manner of wildlife, marine and otherwise.   

Blenheim Beach, Vincentia
 

Chinamans Beach 

Hyams Beach may steal the spotlight, but it could be argued that the sand at Chinamans Beach is even whiter – if that’s possible! And it’s made even more dazzling by the colour of the water, a surreal shade of turquoise. Not surprisingly, it forms part of the White Sands walk from Vincentia to Hyams Beach, and is a great place to linger for a swim, snorkel or picnic lunch.  

Chinamans Beach, Jervis Bay - Credit: Andrew Gregory

Best of the rest 

The greater Shoalhaven region is packed with dozens more equally attractive beaches, whether you’re a surfer, snorkeller, swimmer or sand-sitter.  

If you like the waves, the southern end of Seven Mile Beach has reliable beginner swells and is pet-friendly. Or take a lesson with surf legend Pam Burridge at Mollymook and Narrawallee. To find the best waves, ask a local. Enquire at the Southern Man surf shop in Ulladulla about conditions around Bawley Point or Ocean & Earth in Sussex Inlet for tips around Cudmirrah. Culburra Beach is a breeding ground for surf champions like Owen, Mikey and Tyler Wright. The breaks are at their best in winter. 

Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven Heads

Hop on a stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Jervis Bay or one of the area’s beautiful inlets, lakes and estuaries. There are stand-up paddleboarding tours and lessons available with Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle in Huskisson and Coastal Paddle Surf Narrawallee. 

Huskisson, Jervis Bay - Credit: Above Down Under by Kramer Photography

Join a Bush Surfaris tour and a local guide will take you to their favourite surf, SUP and yoga spots. Look out for the famous ‘surfing kangaroos’ at Pebbly, Pretty and Depot beaches in Murramarang National Park. 

Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park