Holiday houses in Hyams Beach

Australia has more than its fair share of blindingly white stretches of sand. Right at the top, in terms of ability to dazzle, is Hyams Beach, hugging a gentle curve of the Jervis Bay Marine Park on New South Wales’ coast. The sand here is so fine, it squeaks when you walk on it. Only one road leads in and out of the beach’s sleepy namesake village (population 115), and it’s traveled in equal measure by hikers and watersports enthusiasts, arriving here to swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, fish, and stand-up paddleboard. National parkland to the north and south makes this a true beach-meets-bush destination.

The peak season for a getaway in this part of New South Wales is summer (December through February), when the water is at its warmest and sunshine abounds. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with the ocean sitting around the same. Rains pick up in March and June, with the driest months at the end of winter (July and August) and early spring (September). April to May and September to October also offer ideal conditions, with low rainfall, daytime temperatures around 68, water temperatures between 64 and 75, and the chance of spotting humpback whales on their migratory path. Most area treks range from easy to moderate, so running shoes or light hiking shoes are a good idea.

Beaches

While Hyams often steals both the spotlight and the resulting summer crowds for its super-soft sand, the Jervis Bay area hosts 15 other white-sand beaches, some of which you might have entirely to yourself. It’s a short drive from Hyams to powdery stretches near the towns of Huskisson, Vincentia (Orion Beach is a local secret), and Callala Bay. Bring your towel and sun umbrella.

White Sands Walk

Want to take in several beaches on foot? The 1.5-mile White Sands Walk loops from Hyams north through the coastal heathland of Jervis Bay National Park to the Greenfield Beach picnic area in Vincentia, passing the often-deserted Chinamans Beach along the way, a great spot for a cooling swim. To the south lies dramatic Booderee National Park, with many accessible trails leading to lookouts (watch for humpback whales from May through November) and remote beaches, not to mention Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned Botanic Gardens.

Whale Watching

The warm turquoise waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park are home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, which you’ll likely spot splashing around, even when you’re on shore. For a closer look, take a cruise across the bay, where sheltered conditions also nurture fur seals and penguins, and draw humpback whales during their annual migration.