Fact – Jervis Bay has the whitest sand in the world (at Hyam’s Beach). Naturally, I had to visit to see just how white sand could be. Admittedly, I had pre-conceived ideas of Jervis Bay (which I’m sure are shared by almost everyone before they visit the area). Having spent a day there, I am now able to confirm whether these thoughts are truth or merely myths:
- Jervis Bay is pronounced Jar-vis Bay. Don’t ask me why – I have no idea. It might have to do with how certain English words are pronounced in a different way to their spelling.
- Despite its name, Jervis Bay is not a singular curved inlet with a view that can be taken in by one sweep of the shoreline. Jervis Bay territory is a landmass jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, bordered by a body of water (i.e. Jervis Bay), the Pacific Ocean, and St Georges Basin on different sides of the land. The coastline spans 100km in total.
- According to several internet sources, the drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay is 2.5 hours. However, my trip from Sydney CBD to Jervis Bay was closer to a 3hr to 3.5hr drive, including a few short driving breaks.
- Although Jervis Bay’s claim to fame is having the whitest sand in the world, most beaches are secluded and quiet. I visited during a sunny weekend in March with highs of 30 degrees Celsius, expecting crowds to mark their territory with beach umbrellas, sunloungers and towels. Much to my surprise, the beaches were deserted with few tourists and there was an inescapable feeling of tranquility permeating the beaches.
- Options for accommodation include self-contained apartments, beach houses, bread & breakfasts, motels, caravan parks and campsites. The closest semblance of a luxury hotel is Bannisters at Mollymook Beach.
- Jervis Bay boasts a national park (Boodaree National Park) which covers 63 square metres. The park has several campsites, walking trails, and activities including fishing, boating and diving. There is also an abundance of wildlife – I sighted my first wild kangaroos and echidnas in Australia in the national park. Secluded white sand beaches are also tucked away within the park.
- Last but not least, the most asked questions of Jervis Bay, “is the sand really that white? Is it worth travelling the 6 hour return journey from Sydney?” The short answer to both those questions is a resounding yes. Although Hyam’s Beach was officially recorded as having the whitest sand in the world, all beaches in Jervis Bay have amazingly white sand. If you have never been, it is definitely worth paying a visit to see the whitest sand in the world. After all, there’s only one place in the world that holds this record.
Seven Coloured Earth 