Hyams Beach is a tiny village in Jervis Bay with an outsized reputation. Tens of thousands of holidaymakers from all over the world flock here every year, in all seasons, to see the whitest sands, the most luxurious holiday houses and the clearest turquoise seas. If you are planning a visit soon, here are some of the highlights to whet your appetite.
The Cooked Goose Café
Hyams Beach’s only shop is the cafe/general store The Cooked Goose, open 8-3 daily and located centrally on the village’s main street, Cyril Street.
The licensed café serves their own coffee blend alongside classic breakfast and lunch options, and it’s no surprise that this place is insanely popular during peak holiday periods and parking is scarce – though if you are lucky enough to be staying in the village, it’s a short walk from pretty much every direction.
It’s worth noting there is no water view from the premises, but that hardly seems to matter when you’re there – the café prides itself on the quality of its locally sourced produce, and eating here is a pleasure.
There’s a convenient takeaway window and often fresh artwork from local artists on display along the walls and even in merchandise-form on the shelves of the general store.
Speaking of the store, it stocks a few basics like sunscreen, a variety of milks and coffee, chips, and generous-sized fridge for cold drinks and a good selection of ice creams.
While the building and renovation mini-boom continues along the south coast, the Goose is popular with tradies who pop in for a bacon & egg roll or a classic toastie and an iced coffee. The gf options for these are very edible too. There’s usually a special or two on the blackboard, and a sweet treat for afters.
The sunny front porch area has ample seating with lap rugs provided in cooler weather – this west-facing spot is a winner in winter.
Cocktails are available from 11am if you are really in party mode and they priced well at $18.
Deluxe beach houses for the perfect getaway
Splurge on a sublime beach house in the village of Hyams Bay for the ultimate Jervis Bay getaway.
Horizons at Hyams is a luxurious, four-bedroom house with direct beach access, an infinity pool and a natural bushland setting that takes your breath away.
Wake up at dawn to share the sunrise over the Bay with locals such as wallabies and the dawn chorus of parrots and kookaburras. Walk along the famous white sands directly from the property, and enjoy a drink on the pool deck or fireside to wind down after ‘hectic’ day.
There’s plenty of on-site parking and the cafe is a short walk away.
Expect to pay for the experience, $1,800+ per night with peak season minimums of 4-7 nights depending on the season. But it’s totally worth it. Available to book through holidayscollection.com.au
Whitest sand claim to fame
It’s often reported that Hyams Beach has “the whitest sand in the world” but is this really true?
The sand certainly has a unique sheen especially on a clear sunny day, it almost sparkles. But it ranks only 9th whitest in Australia (let alone the world) and there is no category for “whitest sand” in the Guinness Book of Records.
Now we’ve cleared that up, Hyams Beach sand is powdery soft and snowy white and there’s no doubt this delicate scallop of NSW coastline is stunning and popular with the ‘grammers.
There are no less than 16 “white sand” beaches in Jervis Bay that are equal to the beauty of Hyams Beach and Shoalhaven Tourism runs a “100 Beach Challenge”.
White Sands Walk
One of the most spectacular coastal walks in Jervis Bay is the White Sands Walk. Part path, part bushland track but mostly flat and fairly easy, this walk combines the best views, native birds and interesting flora at any time of year.
Start at the Greenfields Beach picnic area (there’s some parking there, as well as a public bbq and picnic tables) and walk south where the 2.5km track finishes at Hyams Beach.
You can find a map here.
