Hyams Beach: Coast, Trails and Snorkelling Spots

Hyams Beach combines days at the beach with walking trails through the coastal landscape of Jervis Bay. The shoreline is around two kilometres long; at the beach, you can swim, snorkel and enjoy long walks. You can focus your stay entirely on the sea or combine time at the beach with trails and nature watching.

Beach and views

At the northern end of the beach is a rock platform with its own sandy beach and a particularly suitable snorkelling spot. This distinctive landmark gives you a clear point of reference if you want to do more than swim and would also like to snorkel. Hyams Beach also offers views of Point Perpendicular, Bowen Island and the HMAS Creswell naval base. In addition to beach activities, the coast offers views of notable places around the bay.

Coastal trails and nature watching

The White Sands walk and the Scribbly Gum track begin at the Greenfield Beach picnic area and can be extended as far as Hyams Beach. Along the shores of Jervis Bay, they pass white-sand beaches and coastal forest. Both trails offer opportunities for birdwatching and spotting dolphins, although sightings are not guaranteed. If you would like to combine a beach stay with a walk, these trails offer a different perspective on the coastal landscape. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Another birdwatching option is the Hyams Beach Trail, also known as the Bird Spotter’s walk. It is located in Jervis Bay National Park and starts on Lister Crescent at the southern end of the village of Hyams Beach. After about one kilometre, turn off at a junction; from there, it is a short walk to Seamans Beach. The distance of about one kilometre refers to the trail up to the turn-off, not the entire route to the beach.

Marine protection and local history

Jervis Bay Marine Park is home to numerous wild animals, including threatened and protected species that also use the beaches around Hyams Beach. The waters around Hyams Beach are in a Marine Park sanctuary zone, where fishing is not permitted. Check the zoning and current regulations before taking part in activities. This helps you understand the natural environment without assuming that a wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

Local history is also part of the area’s character. The Green Cabins, holiday cottages dating from the interwar period, are listed as local heritage. The former Pacific House, including a sandstone monument and a tree, is also listed as local heritage. These listings provide tangible reference points for the area’s history and add a historical dimension to the impressions of the beach and nature.

Getting there and planning your accommodation

Parking in the village of Hyams Beach is very limited. Alternatively, you can park at Greenfield Beach and take the White Sands walk to Hyams Beach. Check parking and route information before you drive so you can factor this option into your day’s plans. When choosing accommodation, consider whether you would like to focus mainly on time at the beach, snorkelling, coastal trails or nature watching. These priorities can help you tailor your stay in Hyams Beach to your travel plans without limiting your itinerary to a single activity.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Stockinbingal, Tooleybuc, Coolac, Fordwich, Central Coast, Coopers Shoot, Mittagong and Old Bar.

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