White Sands Walk: 3 Beautiful Trail Options To Explore Jervis Bay

The White Sands Walk is possibly the most well-known coastal trail in Jervis Bay. And for good reason. This spectacular walk beach hops along many of Jervis Bay’s finest white sand beaches, offering stunning views of the sparkling turquoise water as the well-trodden paths dip in and out of beautiful coastal forest. There are three variations of the walk. These include the White Sands Walk, Extended White Sands Walk and White Sands Walk & Scribbly Gum Track.

In this guide, we’ll cover details about all three walking options, telling you everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Read Jervis Bay Walks: 13 Easy Hikes Not To Miss

About White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay

The White Sands Walk is the premier walking track in Jervis Bay. This beautiful coastal walk provides immense views of glorious white sand beaches and dazzling turquoise waters. Indeed, you’ll struggle to find a more idyllic and relaxing coastal walk in NSW, Australia.

The traditional White Sands Walk falls within Jervis Bay National Park and meanders the coast from Greenfield Beach down to famous Hyams Beach. At just 2km long, it’s certainly an easy addition to your fun-filled day in Jervis Bay. But, if you have a little more time, there are some easy ways to extend the walk. The most common is to add the Scribbly Gum Track to the White Sands Walk. Adding perhaps another 500 metres to the walk – you’ll hardly notice the extra steps.

Additionally, it’s possible to extend the entire White Sands Walk, which can also include adding the Scribbly Gum Track. That’s personally what Dan and I did, and so what we recommend you do too. Beginning from Plantation Point in Vincentia, you’ll see even more of the incredible beaches along this stretch of Jervis Bay, as you slowly head south over 3.6km, to Hyams Beach. Certainly, if the weather allows, you could spend the whole day walking the Extended Whites Sands Walk, stopping for a dip at each beach as you get to it.

White Sands Walk Overview: 3 Route Options

Below, we’ve outlined what to expect on the White Sands Walk, whichever variation you choose to do. Feel free to click on the links to take you to a longer description of that particular walk.

White Sands Walk

Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach: Trail description

Extended White Sands Walk

Plantation Point to Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach: Trail description

White Sands Walk & Scribbly Gum Track

Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach via Scribbly Gum Track: Trail description

1. White Sands Walk Description

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 2km
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Trailhead: Greenfield Beach Picnic Area
• Difficulty: Grade 3
• Map: AllTrails

The White Sands Walk starts from Greenfield Beach Picnic Area within Jervis Bay National Park. You can either take the trail down to the beach and check out this incredible white sand beach in Jervis Bay before you get going, or, follow the trail signs and begin the White Sands Walk.

You’ll follow along a well-walked path, meandering through tree cover, which teases views of the turquoise waters of Jervis Bay. Having walked this trail multiple times in all types of weather, be warned, there can be some boggy sections after a heavy downpour.

Soon enough, you’ll pass an offshoot trail known as the Chinamans Beach Lookout Track. From here, you’ll see the wide rock platforms at the northern end of Chinamans Beach and have extensive views across Jervis Bay. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot a dolphin or two.

Rejoin the trail and then continue south along the White Sands Walk. You can either descend the steps at the northern end of Chinamans Beach and walk across the sand, or, follow the trail running in the coastal forest behind it. Chinamans Beach is one of Jervis Bays’ best beaches. Certainly, Dan and I rate it higher than Hyams Beach, so we recommend visiting, whether along the White Sands Walk or at another time.

At the southern end of Chinamans Beach, the trail briefly leaves the natural surroundings of the beach and bush and heads down Cyrus Street to Hyams Beach Town. Then, from here, you can access Hyams Beach. Enjoy!

To complete the walk, simply retrace the trail back to Greenfield Beach Picnic Area.

Read more: Greenfield Beach – Make This Your Jervis Bay Beach Of Choice

2. Extended White Sands Walk Description

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 7km
• Time: 2–3 hours
• Trailhead: Plantation Point Reserve
• Difficulty: Grade 3
• Map: Google Maps

We think the Extended White Sands Walk is even better than the standard White Sands Walk. That’s because you get to enjoy even more of Jervis Bay’s incredible white sand beaches, as well as some rather epic orange cliff walls.

The longer walk begins in Vincentia at Plantation Point, outside of Jervis Bay National Park. From here, you’ll curve around onto Nelsons Beach. This beach is actually one of the largest beaches in Jervis Bay and features towering orange-red cliff walls topped with dense coastal forest. Set against a white sand and turquoise water backdrop, the cliffs look quite remarkable. Indeed, these cliffs alone make this extended walk well worth it.

At the southern end of Nelsons Beach, take the stone steps on the rock platforms and follow up onto the cliff top. If you don’t want to walk the entire length of the beach, then there’s an alternative White Sands Walk path that follows along the cliff top of Nelsons Beach instead.

Once at the top of the steps, the Extended White Sands Walk follows a bush trail before emerging at Blenheim Beach Reserve. Then, walk through the reserve and access Blenheim Beach via a set of steps at its northern end.

Blenheim Beach

Blenheim Beach is absolutely breathtaking and is a worthy addition to the White Sands Walk. Exit at the southern end and pick up the walking track again. If, for some reason, you don’t want to access the beach, then you can continue along the White Sands walking trail from the Blenheim Beach Reserve, which hugs closely behind the beach instead.

The White Sands Walk then enjoys an extended period within the coastal forest setting on Jervis Bay, enjoying views as they dance in and out of the tree cover. Soon enough, you’ll reach the Greenfield Picnic Area, where you can continue the walk as described above.

Read more: Blenheim Beach – A Top Alternative To Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

3. White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track Description

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 2.5km
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Trailhead: Greenfield Beach Picnic Reserve
• Difficulty: Grade 3
• Map: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

The Scribbly Gum Track and White Sands Walk are interconnected walking trails, so it makes sense to add the Scribbly Gum Walking Track to the White Sands Walk. Essentially, once you embark on the return walk from Hyams Beach, back to Greenfields Beach, you can join a small offshoot trail through Scribbly Gum forest.

After passing Chinamans Beach and the short Chinamans Beach Lookout Track, you’ll see a trail heading to the left away from the White Sands walking trail. This is the Scribbly Gum Track and creates just a small detour that joins back with the White Sands Walking Track at Greenfields Beach Picnic Area.

Following the Scribbly Gum Track might lead further from the coast, but the forest pathways are quite wonderful. You’ll get to spot the fantastic Scribbly Gum trees, that look as though they’ve been, well, scribbled all over. But, these interesting markings are the work of Scribbly Gum Moth larvae, as it burrows beneath the bark.

The Scribbly Gum Track is a steeper return option than the White Sands Walk, with more stepped sections. Although, anyone with a basic level of fitness won’t find the walk too challenging.

Once back at Greenfields Beach, we recommend a swim, if you haven’t been tempted into the waters of Jervis Bay already that is.

Of course, if like us, you decide to add the Scribbly Gum Track to the Extended White Sands Walk (which you should), then simply continue back to Plantation Point.

White Sands Walk, Vincentia Recap

The White Sands Walk is easily one of the best ways to explore this part of Jervis Bay. Of course, we think joining the Extended White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track is the best route option. This way, you get to experience all of the main attractions.

Given the trails are interconnected, it’s very simple to add or omit certain parts of the walk. But, whichever trail you choose, this coastal walk will blow you away. Just remember your swimmers, you’ll likely be needing them!

Where Is the White Sands Walk, Jervis Bay?

The White Sands Walk is located in the town of Vincentia, Jervis Bay. You’ll find that Jervis Bay is around 200km south of Sydney in New South Wales, taking around 2.5–3 hours to drive to. Feel free to click on the interactive map below to help plan your journey.

How to Get to White Sands Walk: Directions

Whether you begin the White Sands Walk at Greenfield Beach or Plantation Point, the easiest way to get there is to drive. From Sydney, you’ll take the M1 south to Bomaderry, before picking up the A1 Jervis Bay Road and Naval College Road. At the roundabout, take The Wool Road to Vincentia. Then, follow Elizabeth Drive to Greenfield Beach Picnic Area, or head for Plantation Point Drive for the extended walk.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

White Sands Walk Parking

Greenfield Beach Picnic Area: there’s no specific parking at Greenfield Beach Picnic Area. Instead, you’ll find parking bays on Elizabeth Drive and Sutton Street as you head towards the reserve. Also, Greenfield Beach Picnic Area has public toilets, BBQ facilities and beach showers.

Plantation Point Reserve: you’ll find a large car park at Plantation Point Reserve. The reserve also has public toilets, picnic and BBQ facilities, a water refill station and a playground.

Additional parking and public toilets can be found at Blenheim Beach. Certainly, you can pick up the White Sands Walk from here. Also, you can park at Hyams Beach, and do the walk in reverse.

Public Transport

Of course, if you don’t have a vehicle and don’t want to hire one, then it’s possible to take public transport to Jervis Bay from Sydney. But, be warned, with a total journey time of just over five hours and a few changes, it’s not a quick trip.

First, take the train from Sydney to Kiama. At Kiama, take the bus to Bomaderry. Then, from Bomaderry, take the #102 bus to Vincentia, and alight at this bus stop next to Nelsons Beach. Then, you’ll need to walk to Plantation Point or Greenfield Beach to start the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track.

You can check public transport options at Transport NSW.

Read more: How To Get From Sydney To Jervis Bay

What to Pack

Below are a few of the packing essentials we take when out walking. For the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track, you’ll also need 1–2L of water, sunscreen, a hat and of course, swimmers and a towel.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Where to Stay in Jervis Bay

If heading to Jervis Bay to do the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track, then it makes sense to stay in either Vincentia or Hyams Beach. Below are some of our top picks for accommodation in this area. Alternatively, you’ll find even more accommodation options in nearby Huskisson.

Camping Close to White Sands Walk

If camping is more of your thing, then head to Jervis Bay Holiday Park or Holiday Haven White Sands in Huskisson. For more basic camping nestled on the Jervis Bay coastline, head to Booderee National Park.

FAQs

Below, we’ll answer a couple of the most frequently asked questions about doing the White Sands Walk.

How Long Is the White Sands Walk?

The walk distance varies slightly depending on the route you choose. The standard White Sands Walk is 2km, with the Scribbly Gum Track it’s around 2.5km and the extended walk is around 7km.

Is White Sands Walk Pram Friendly?

No, the walk is not pram or wheelchair-friendly.

Are Dogs Allowed At White Sands Walk?

Dogs aren’t allowed on the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track between Greenfield Beach and Hyams Beach. That’s because this section of the trail falls within Jervis Bay National Park. Dogs are permitted between Plantation Point and at a point before reaching Greenfield Beach, although it’s a good idea to keep them on a leash.

More Beaches in Jervis Bay

If you think the beaches along the White Sands Walk are drool-worthy, you should check out the below beaches in Jervis Bay too.

• Iluka Beach: head into Booderee National Park for this dreamy beach.
• Murrays Beach: our favourite beach in Booderee National Park.
• Green Patch Beach: beautiful beach and fabulous camping location at Green Patch Point.
• Cave Beach: beach caves and surf breaks in Booderee National Park.
• Steamers Beach: this excellent beach requires a short hike, which is well worth it.
• Honeymoon Bay: a well-known half-moon-shaped bay on the Beecroft Weapons Range.

Read more: Best Beaches In Jervis Bay

Other Things to Do Nearby

There’s plenty to keep you entertained on a trip down to Jervis Bay. Below are some of our top picks.

• Booderee National Park: explore one of the most beautiful coastal national parks along the South Coast of NSW (although Booderee is technically ACT), full of more picturesque beaches and awesome coastal walks.
• Gosangs Tunnel & Mermaid Inlet: awesome tunnel and cave view out across the South Pacific Ocean.
• Granite Falls: the perfect wet weather activity when visiting Jervis Bay.
• Tianjara Falls: another incredible waterfall in Morton National Park and just outside of Jervis Bay.
• Visit Huskisson: a popular hub in Jervis Bay and an excellent town for cute cafes, boat trips and of course, the famous Husky pub.

Bonus Tips

• When to visit: school and public holidays are the busiest times for this walk. Aim to walk midweek or in the shoulder season. But, summer is the best time to swim at each of the beaches. Winter brings its own magic though, with whale migration season. We’ve personally enjoyed this walk in both the summer and the winter.
• Wildlife: keep a look out for dolphins and whales, especially during the May to November migration period. Also, the birdlife in the coastal forest is amazing. As too is the marine life if you stop for a swim at the beaches.
• Unpatrolled beaches: aside from Hyams Beach, the beaches along the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track aren’t patrolled.

More on the NSW South Coast

• 13 Best Wollongong Lookouts Including Lesser-Known Viewpoints
• 10 Epic Kiama Beaches (With Parking, Surfing & Patrol Details)
• Killalea Regional Park: The 8 Best Things to Do
• The 23 BEST Southern Highlands Waterfalls Near Kangaroo Valley
• Kiama Coastal Walk: Everything You Need to Know
• Beowa National Park (Formerly Ben Boyd National Park) Guide

What do you think of the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track in Jervis Bay? Let us know in the comments section below.

We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.