Best of the beaches
Collingwood Beach is in the centre of Vincentia. There are a number of access points and perhaps best of all, a paved pedestrian path above the beach which makes for a beautiful way to clock up some kilometres. This is your access to the entire Bay. In the north, amble to Moona Moona Creek and into Husky; heading south of Collingwood, discover Orion Beach, then Plantation Point, before meeting the start of White Sands Walk on Jervis St. This track winds along the coast all the way to Hyams Beach, where, after 5.5km from Collingwood Beach, you can hit the beach or café. Collingwood itself stretches for 2km and is a great spot to soak up the rays or play in the rock pools. If you’re an early riser, get to the beach for sunrise and walk to the northern end: at this time of day you’re in with a good shot of seeing dolphins.
Orion Beach is just south of Collingwood: a white sand paradise made up of small bays divided by rock formations that make for great swimming spots. At low tide you can walk around most of the rocks and stay on the sand until you find your perfect hideaway. This is a prime spot for seeing dolphins close to the shore and plenty of rays in the shallows.
Barfleur Beach, just to the south of Orion before Plantation Point, goes almost unnoticed but is a lovely, peaceful spot to watch the world go by. The shallows are relatively sheltered and picnic and barbecue areas, a playground and toilets are a short walk away at Plantation Point.
Nelsons Beach and Plantation Point. Plantation Point crowns the ambling bays of Vincentia with its dramatic rocks and breathtaking views. The rocks are a great place to explore with kids and the nearby waters are a favourite spot with dolphins. Nelsons Beach on the southern side faces out to the headlands so feels more ocean than Bay. Perhaps the best bit of the point is the grassy reserve above the beach: plenty of parking, public barbecues and toilets, a kids’ playground and lush grass for a picnic. Nelsons is a dog beach with off-leash times in the mornings and afternoons. In summer, look out for the pop up by Jervis Bay Brewing Co at the Sailing Club.
Blenheim Beach. Hit the sands at Blenheim and you’ll truly feel like you’re where the bush meets the beach: lush green trees and crystal white sands, with free parking, a kids’ playground, toilets and shower, picnic and barbecue facilities. Access it from White Sands Walk via the bush path at Jervis St or drive to the carpark by the beach. It is often more sheltered when a northerly is coming in and is nearly always a great spot to join the locals and do some laps.
Greenfield Beach feels a bit like Blenheim’s southern, bigger sister: another deep beach of beautiful sand and greenery, beautiful rock pools and a picnic area behind. Stay on White Sands Walk from Blenheim or turn down Sutton Street from the end of Elizabeth Drive.
Chinamans Beach is a long piece of beach perfection that stretches from the end of the bush track on the White Sands Walk to the beginning of Hyams Beach village. Somehow it seems a little overlooked, probably because it’s so close to the famous Hyams Beach: the crowds pass it by, which only means more sand to yourself. There are no toilets right at Chinamans; amenities are a short walk away at Hyams.
Hyams Beach. It’s thanks to Hyams that Jervis Bay became famous, with its sparkling white sands and crystal clear turquoise water. Pack your sunnies, the reflection is dazzling. Hyams stretches for 2.8km and deserves every bit of its fame; keep a look out for dolphins playing in the waves. We also love the smaller Little Hyams beach at the boat ramp at the northern end, where there’s kids’ play equipment on the grass. Hyams has become incredibly popular and entry to the small village is often limited: head down very early, especially in peak season, or take White Sands Walk through the bush.
Huskisson Beach stretches from the north of Moona Moona Creek towards Husky. Park at the north of the creek at the playground and walk along the water’s edge. It services the caravan parks so is well set up with picnic areas and toilets, and in the right conditions it’s one of the few spots in the Bay where you’ll sometimes find surfers. It’s also a dog beach with off-leash times morning and afternoon.
Moona Moona Creek, at the north end of Collingwood Beach, has a huge grassy area, a playground, toilets, public barbecues and a picnic area. The creek is popular with families for a splash, especially at low tide.
Shark Net Beach, right in the heart of Huskisson below White Sands Park, is often quite calm as it’s tucked away. On busy summer days it’s the launch pad for the paddle board and kayak hire companies, and the grassy hill above it is an awesome spot for takeaway fish’n’chips or ice cream.
Beating the breeze. With so many beaches all facing different directions across the Bay, there’s usually a way to escape the breeze that can pick up, especially in the afternoons. In a strong northerly, avoid the southern end of Collingwood. Changing ends of a beach can uncover a sheltered spot: on Blenheim in a south-easterly, the southern end is far more sheltered. It’s also usually calmer in the mornings.