Have you ever dreamed of walking on the whitest sand in the world, feeling the softness under your feet, and admiring the contrast with the turquoise water? If so, you need to visit Hyams Beach, a stunning coastal paradise in Jervis Bay, New South Wales. In this article, you will discover how to get to Hyams Beach, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in this amazing destination. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escape, or a family-friendly vacation, Hyams Beach has something for everyone.
How to Get to Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach is located about 200 km south of Sydney, on the southern shore of Jervis Bay. You can easily reach Hyams Beach by car, bus, train, or plane, depending on your preference and budget.
By car:
Driving to Hyams Beach is the most convenient and flexible option, as you can enjoy the scenic route and stop at other attractions along the way. The drive from Sydney takes about 2.5 hours via the Princes Highway, or about 3 hours via the Grand Pacific Drive, which offers spectacular views of the coast and the Sea Cliff Bridge. You can also rent a car from Sydney Airport or other locations in the city. Parking is available at Hyams Beach, but it can get crowded during peak seasons, so arrive early or book a spot in advance.
By bus:
Taking a bus to Hyams Beach is a cheaper and more eco-friendly option, but it takes longer and requires more transfers. You can catch a bus from Sydney Central Station to Nowra, which takes about 3.5 hours, and then change to another bus to Huskisson, which takes about 40 minutes. From Huskisson, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to Hyams Beach, which takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a tour or a shuttle service from Sydney that includes Hyams Beach and other attractions in Jervis Bay.
By train:
Taking a train to Hyams Beach is another affordable and comfortable option, but it also takes longer and requires more transfers. You can catch a train from Sydney Central Station to Bomaderry, which takes about 3 hours, and then change to a bus to Huskisson, which takes about 40 minutes. From Huskisson, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to Hyams Beach, which takes about 15 minutes.
By plane:
Flying to Hyams Beach is the fastest and most convenient option, but it is also the most expensive and least eco-friendly option. You can fly from Sydney Airport to Jervis Bay Airport, which takes about 45 minutes, and then take a taxi or a shuttle to Hyams Beach, which takes about 20 minutes. You can also fly from other major cities in Australia, such as Melbourne, Brisbane, or Canberra, to Jervis Bay Airport, with a stopover in Sydney.
When planning your trip to Hyams Beach, consider the following tips and advice:
The best time to visit Hyams Beach is from September to May, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is calm and clear. The peak season is from December to February, when the beach is crowded and the prices are higher. The off-season is from June to August, when the weather is cooler and wetter, and the water is rougher and colder. However, you can still enjoy whale watching and other activities during this time.
Pack light and comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops for the beach. You may also want to bring a jacket, a sweater, and long pants for the evenings and the cooler months. Don’t forget your camera, phone, charger, and power adapter, as well as your passport, driver’s license, and travel insurance if you are coming from overseas.
Expect to pay around $150 to $300 per night for accommodation, $20 to $50 per meal for food, and $50 to $100 per activity for entertainment in Hyams Beach. You can save money by booking in advance, travelling in the off-season, and choosing cheaper options such as camping, self-catering, and free activities.
Where to Stay in Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach offers a range of accommodation options to suit different tastes, budgets, and needs. You can choose from seaside cottages, beach houses, apartments, motels, hotels, resorts, or camping grounds. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hyams Beach and the nearby towns of Huskisson and Vincentia:
Hyams Beach Seaside Cottages:
These charming and cozy cottages are located right on the beach, offering stunning views and easy access to the sand and the water. Each cottage has a queen bed, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a fireplace, a TV, and a private veranda. You can enjoy the tranquility and privacy of your own cottage, or mingle with other guests in the communal garden and barbecue area. The cottages are ideal for couples, solo travellers, or small groups who want a romantic and relaxing getaway. Prices start from $250 per night.
Hyams Beach Holiday Apartments:
These spacious and modern apartments are located a short walk from the beach, offering comfort and convenience for your stay. Each apartment has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining area, a bathroom, a laundry, a TV, and a balcony or a patio. You can enjoy the facilities and amenities of the complex, such as the swimming pool, the tennis court, the playground, and the parking lot. The apartments are ideal for families, couples, or groups who want a home away from home. Prices start from $200 per night.
Jervis Bay Motel:
This friendly and affordable motel is located in the heart of Huskisson, a lively and charming town that is the gateway to Jervis Bay. Each room has a queen bed, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a toaster, a TV, and a private bathroom. You can enjoy the views and the breeze from your balcony or patio, or relax in the garden and the lounge area. The motel is close to shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Huskisson Wharf, where you can catch a boat to explore the bay. The motel is ideal for travellers who want a convenient and comfortable base to explore the area. Prices start from $100 per night.
Jervis Bay Retreat:
This luxurious and elegant resort is located in Vincentia, a quiet and scenic town that overlooks Jervis Bay. Each room has a king bed, a spa bath, a fireplace, a TV, and a private balcony. You can enjoy the facilities and services of the resort, such as the restaurant, the bar, the spa, the gym, the pool, and the golf course. You can also join the activities and tours that the resort organizes, such as yoga, kayaking, fishing, and wine tasting. The resort is ideal for travellers who want a pampering and indulgent stay. Prices start from $300 per night.
Booderee National Park Camping Grounds:
These natural and eco-friendly camping grounds are located in the Booderee National Park, a stunning and diverse park that is home to many native plants and animals. You can choose from three camping sites: Green Patch, Bristol Point, and Cave Beach. Each site has a number of campsites, some with power and water, and some without. You can enjoy the facilities and amenities of the camping grounds, such as the toilets, showers, barbecue areas, picnic tables, and fire pits. You can also enjoy the attractions and activities of the park, such as the beaches, the walks, the lighthouse, and the botanic garden. The camping grounds are ideal for travellers who want a rustic and adventurous stay. Prices start from $15 per night.
Where to Eat in Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach offers a variety of cafes and restaurants to satisfy your appetite and taste buds. You can choose from local and international cuisines, such as seafood, pizza, Thai, Indian, and more. Here are some of the best places to eat in Hyams Beach and the surrounding area:
Hyams Beach Cafe:
This cozy and casual cafe is located right on the beach, offering delicious breakfast and lunch options, as well as coffee, tea, and smoothies. You can enjoy the views and the breeze from the outdoor seating, or relax in the indoor seating. The cafe serves fresh and local ingredients, such as eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. You can also try their specialty, the Hyams Beach Burger, which is a beef patty with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and aioli, served with chips. The cafe is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and prices range from $10 to $20 per dish.
The Quarters Huskisson:
This stylish and modern restaurant is located in the heart of Huskisson, offering fine dining and stunning views of the bay. You can enjoy the ambiance and the service from the indoor or outdoor seating, or book a private room for a special occasion. The restaurant serves contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. You can also choose from a variety of wines, beers, cocktails, and mocktails to complement your meal. The restaurant is open from 12 pm to 10 pm, and prices range from $20 to $50 per dish.
Kanpai Japanese Restaurant:
This authentic and friendly restaurant is located in Vincentia, offering a taste of Japan in Jervis Bay. You can enjoy the atmosphere and the hospitality from the indoor or outdoor seating, or order takeaway or delivery for your convenience. The restaurant serves traditional and fusion Japanese dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, teriyaki, ramen, udon, and more. You can also try their specialty, the Kanpai Bento Box, which is a combination of sushi, sashimi, chicken katsu, salad, rice, and miso soup. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 9 pm, and prices range from $10 to $30 per dish.
Things to Do in Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach offers a plethora of activities and attractions to keep you entertained and amazed. You can enjoy the natural beauty, the marine life, and the outdoor adventures that Hyams Beach and Jervis Bay have to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Hyams Beach:
Swimming and Snorkelling:
Hyams Beach is famous for its white sand and clear water, which make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You can dip into the water and cool off, or explore the underwater world and see the colorful corals, fish, and other creatures. You can also swim with the friendly dolphins, who often visit the beach and the bay. You can bring your own snorkelling gear, or rent it from the local shops or operators. Swimming and snorkelling are suitable for all ages and skill levels, and are free or cheap to do.
Diving and Kayaking:
Hyams Beach is also a great spot for diving and kayaking, which allow you to see more of the bay and its marine life. You can dive into the depths and see the amazing reefs, caves, and wrecks, or kayak on the surface and see the dolphins, seals, and penguins. You can also join a guided tour or a lesson, which will provide you with the equipment, the instruction, and the safety. Diving and kayaking are suitable for intermediate to advanced skill levels, and cost around $50 to $100 per person.
Fishing and Whale Watching:
Hyams Beach is also a popular destination for fishing and whale watching, which give you the chance to catch or see some of the biggest and most impressive animals in the ocean. You can fish from the shore, the jetty, or the boat, and catch a variety of fish, such as bream, snapper, flathead, and more. You can also watch the whales from the shore, the boat, or the air, and see them breach, spout, and splash. You can bring your own fishing gear, or rent it from the local shops or operators. You can also book a whale watching tour or a flight, which will provide you with the best views and the commentary. Fishing and whale watching are suitable for all ages and skill levels, and cost around $20 to $200 per person.
Walking and Cycling:
Hyams Beach is surrounded by beautiful and diverse landscapes, which you can explore by walking or cycling. You can follow the White Sands Walk, which is a 2.5 km trail that connects Hyams Beach with other beaches and towns in the area. You can also follow the Booderee National Park Walks, which are a series of trails that take you to the beaches, the lighthouse, the botanic garden, and the wildlife in the park. You can bring your own bike, or rent it from the local shops or operators. Walking and cycling are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and are free or cheap to do.
Hyams Beach is a perfect destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and relaxation. You can enjoy the whitest sand in the world, the crystal-clear water, the diverse marine life, and the scenic walks and trails. You can also find comfortable and affordable accommodation, delicious and varied food, and friendly and helpful locals. Hyams Beach is a place that you will never forget and will want to return to again and again.
What are you waiting for? Book your trip to Hyams Beach today and experience the whitest sand in the world for yourself. To get started, fill out the form below and get a free guide on how to plan your Hyams Beach vacation. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
