New South Wales is home to some dreamy white sand beaches! You might have heard of Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, known to have the whitest sand in the world (which is actually not true, but more on that later), but there are quite a few more along the long coastline. A lot more!
Let me show you my favorite white sand beaches in New South Wales in this post.
But first of all, what makes the sand white?
Well, the sand on the beaches come from local rocks and shell fragments. Sand formed by quartz is whiter than other types of sand, and the finer the quartz, the whiter the sand. Pristine environment helps, but the geology of the area also matters: if rivers carry organic matter and clay, the sand won’t be perfectly white. Sand made from shell or coral fragments is not as white either.
This stunning white sand has three other typical characteristics: it squeaks under your feet (which is funny), it doesn’t get hot (which is convenient for barefoot walkers) and it’s extremely sticky (which is a bit annoying, so take a shower or use talcum powder to get rid of it).
10 best white sand beaches in New South Wales
If there’s a perfect white sand beach somewhere, then there are likely to be more in the area. That’s the case for most amazing white sand beaches I found in New South Wales, so I’ll list some of the most beautiful beaches from those areas (but just beware that there’s a lot more).
What I won’t include though is Hyams Beach. Yes, it’s a beautiful beach and quite famous for its pristine white sand. But no, it’s not the whitest sand in Australia (that at Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand, Western Australia), and it’s one of those Australian beaches that gets too much hype.
Frankly, we visited Hyams Beach on our first Australian road trip and we were very much impressed. Fast forward a few years, moving to Sydney, exploring New South Wales more deeply and returning to Hyams Beach – it doesn’t feel that special. Not because it’s less beautiful than it was, but because the New South Wales coastline is home to incredible beaches, and I can easily name quite a few that I love more than Hyams Beach. That’s what I’ll do, focusing on the stunning white sand beaches in this article.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t visit Hyams Beach, and if it’s your first road trip on the east coast, you probably will. It’s a wonderful beach and wouldn’t disappoint. (And just because Australians think it got too crowded… well, Australians have no idea of how a crowded beach looks.) But the fact that other beaches are not as famous as Hyams Beach doesn’t mean they are less fabulous or less unique. It only means you’re in Australia where natural beauties are abundant, yet tourists mostly only visit Bondi Beach, or Hyams Beach. This post is an encouragement to explore some of the lesser-known gems of the amazing eastern Australian coast.
So here comes my list of the best white sand beaches, from south to north along the NSW coastline:
Murrays Beach, Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay
- Why love it? safe swimming, good snorkeling, untouched nature, romantic coves, fabulous colors, some natural shade – and dolphins love it, too
- Swimming? yes (unpatrolled)
- Snorkeling? yes
- Surfing? no
- Walking required? yes, about 300 m one-way
- Toilets: no
- Picnic tables: yes, right behind the beach, shaded by huge eucalyptus trees
- Accommodation: Dungowan Holiday Accommodation, Erowal Bay or camping in Booderee National Park
Even though Hyams Beach gets most of the hype, the beaches of Jervis Bay are all pristine white sand beaches, and my favorite one is Murrays Beach. The snow white sand and the azure blue make a composition that feels otherworldly here, and it’s backed up by an old eucalyptus forest on the hillside, teeming with life: parrots, kookaburras, songbirds and shy wallabies.
Protected by Governor Head and Bowen Island, Murrays Beach is one of the most protected beaches in Jervis Bay, making it quite pleasant and safe for swimming. (But beware that it’s an unpatrolled beach.) There’s a reef right in front of the shore, offering good snorkeling opportunities. You have good chances to meet playful dolphins in the water, as well, because they like the shores of Jervis Bay.
It’s located inside Booderee National Park, and you need to purchase a park pass to enter (not the NSW Parks pass, but a different one, since this park is managed by Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community). Do this online in advance, then print out your ticket.
Here’s our guide to spend the best day at Murrays Beach!
Walking is required to reach Murrays Beach, so you’re guaranteed to never find it crowded. It’s only a 300 meter walk through a shady forest, and you might even pull a beach cart down, though there are a few stairs and the occasional roots. If you’d hike more, take the trail to Governor Head through the lovely coastal forest, or do the full 5.4 km loop Murrays Walking Trail.
Green Patch Beach & Iluka Beach, Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay
- Why love it? scenery, somewhat protected, very protected lagoon, right behind the campground, lots of amenities (electric BBQs, shaded picnic area and benches, toilets and showers)
- Swimming? yes (unpatrolled)
- Snorkeling? no
- Surfing? no
- Walking required? short walk from the beach parking
- Toilets: yes (behind Green Patch Beach)
- Picnic tables: yes (behind Green Patch Beach)
- Accommodation: Dungowan Holiday Accommodation, Erowal Bay or camping in Booderee National Park
I can’t help including yet another one of the stunning white sand beaches in Jervis Bay. Actually, two, but they’re in the same bay, and in Booderee National Park. For some reason, the northern section of the bay is called Iluka Beach and the southern section is called Green Patch Beach. It’s one long stretch of sand – soft, white sand and clear, azure waters.
Green Patch Beach is a bit more protected thanks to its orientation, but waves can get rough if it’s windy. Neither of them are as protected as Murrays Beach, and neither of them are patrolled.
Behind Green Patch Beach you find large grassy lawns and shaded picnic areas with benches and electric BBQs. There’s a large toilet block, too. Oh, and the Green Patch campground is a short walk away. At the southern end of the beach there’s a very shallow lagoon which gets warm and is a favorite among young kids.
Iluka Beach is longer and has a more remote vibe, simply because it takes longer to get to and facilities are further away. On our last visit we saw some seaweed and seagrass washed out on Green Patch Beach, while Iluka Beach was mostly free of them, because it has a bit different orientation. Though it’s part of the marine ecosystem, the rotting seaweed doesn’t look pretty and doesn’t smell good either. If it’s such a huge amount that bothers you, try to find a beach with a different orientation.
Pelican’s Beach, Central Coast
- Why love it? untouched nature, scenic sand dunes
- Swimming? no (unpatrolled)
- Snorkeling? no
- Surfing? yes
- Walking required? short walk from the parking lot at the end of Pelican Beach Road
- Toilets: no
- Picnic tables: no
- Accommodation: cabins at Norah Head Holiday Park
Pelican’s Beach is a long, isolated beach that feels like a million miles away from civilization, yet it’s easily reachable by car. Being on the Central Coast, it’s even a nice day trip from Sydney, maybe combined with the walk to Norah Head.
I wouldn’t even think of swimming here, but the powerful waves crashing onto the sandy shore are mesmerizing. Soft, white sand, that is. And the wind built dunes from it behind the beach, where coastal shrubs grow and pig faces bloom in spring.
It’s not exactly a swimming beach (and I wouldn’t recommend swimming here at all, rather just wading and exploring the rock pools at the side of the bay), but a scenic, wild beach that allows you to appreciate the untamed power of the ocean, take a romantic stroll in that soft sand. Bring a wind jacket, too, just in case.
Don’t miss the Pelican Beach Road lookout, just a few steps away from the parking area. You’ll get a lovely view of Pelican’s Beach and the sand dunes from above.
Zenith Beach, Port Stephens
- Why love it? somewhat protected, incredible scenery, remote vibe, fabulous colors – and dolphins love it, too
- Swimming? yes, when conditions are calm enough (unpatrolled)
- Snorkeling? no
- Surfing? yes
- Walking required? yes, about 100 m one-way
- Toilets: no
- Picnic tables: no
- Accommodation: Seabreeze Hotel, Nelson Bay
Zenith Beach is a small but breathtaking stretch of sand nestled between two steep headlands in Tomaree National Park. It’s one of those places you see photos of and wonder if it can possibly look as good in real life. It looks better. The headlands give it such a dramatic feel. Oh, and dolphins love this area, too, they can swim quite close to shore.
The beach has perfectly white sand, and you’re surrounded by all the shades of blue and green. It’s protected enough to have a swim if conditions are calm. However, the waves can be large and powerful, and it’s not a patrolled beach either, so be cautious and swim at your own risk.
Parking can be challenging, but Zenith Beach never gets crowded, people spread out easily. It takes a short walk to reach the beach from the parking lot. There are no facilities by the beach, so bring enough water and food.
If you’d like to have this magical view of Zenith Beach from above, do the 1.1 km walk to Tomaree Head. The view from this summit is among the most breathtaking coastal vistas we’ve ever seen. Not in Australia, but anywhere, ever. The southward facing viewing platform has a perfect bird eye view of four turquoise sandy bays and the green hills between them, the bay of Port Stephens, Fingal Island and the Fingal Spit. There’s another viewpoint that’s facing north. It offers a lovely view of the Yacaaba Head and Boondelbah island.
Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest
- Why love it? very protected bay, shallow entrance, fabulous colors
- Swimming? yes (unpatrolled)
- Snorkeling? no
- Surfing? no
- Walking required? no
- Toilets: yes (Jimmys Beach Reserve)
- Picnic tables: yes (Jimmys Beach Reserve)
- Accommodation: Hawks Nest Motel, Hawks Nest
The Hawks Nest is just across the bay from Nelson Bay, but it takes about an hour to drive from one to the other, because you need to drive around the large bay. So while both areas are lovely weekend trips (or even day trips) from Sydney, it’s worth visiting them on separate occasions.
Jimmys Beach is one of the most sheltered ones you’d find in the area, because it’s located inside Port Stephens Bay. It’s a ~5 km long stretch of fine white sand, from the mouth of the Myall River to Yacaaba Headland. The water is perfectly clear and relatively shallow, and the entrance is smooth and gradual, so it’s an ideal beach for families.
The best area for swimming is roughly in the middle, because the water near the shore gets too shallow as you head towards Yacaaba Headland, and seaweed is often washed up. As protected as it is, Jimmys Beach is not patrolled. But there’s usually very little surf.
Jimmys Beach Reserve is right behind the beach and offers convenient facilities: picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets, playgrounds and even outdoor showers. Locate it on the map before you park, otherwise you might need to walk a lot for a toilet on such a long beach.
Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest
- Why love it? endless walks on the long, scenic beach, solitude and remote vibe
- Swimming? no
- Snorkeling? no
- Surfing? yes
- Walking required? short walk from parking (at the end of Beach Road)
- Toilets: no
- Picnic tables: no
- Accommodation: Hawks Nest Motel, Hawks Nest
Glistening white sand and turquoise water as far as the eye can see: Bennetts Beach is on the opposite side of the Yacaaba Headland from Jimmys Beach. You can actually walk from one to the other, and it’s a scenic walk through the sand dunes. But other than their white sand and picturesque backdrop, the two beaches can’t be more different. Bennetts Beach faces the open waters and often has strong winds and large waves. If you think Jimmys Beach is long, then how about ~14 km long Bennetts Beach, running from Seal Rocks to Yacaaba Head?
While Jimmys Beach is usually lively on a sunny day (though I wouldn’t call it crowded, because there’s enough space to spread out), Bennetts Beach never seems to have anyone on it. It’s not the best choice for swimming, but perfectly suited to solitary walks in the soft sand.
You can also walk up to Yacaaba Headland on a woodland trail. Sadly, the views are not as impressive as from Tomaree Head, because trees obstruct them, but we could still take a peek at the beautiful coastline among the branches.
Mungo Beach, Myall Lakes National Park, Barrington Coast
- Why love it? endless walks on the long, windswept beach, high sand dunes, 4WD driving, solitude and remote vibe
- Swimming? no
- Snorkeling? no
- Surfing? yes
- Walking required? short walk from parking at one of the three access points (Mungo Brush car park, Dees Corner and Sandy Point near Dark Point)
- Toilets: no
- Picnic tables: no
- Accommodation: NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park or camping at Mungo Brush campground (Myall Lakes National Park)
Mungo Beach is the third longest beach in New South Wales, running 18 km north from Dark Point to Big Gibber Headland. Anyone craving solitude and serenity, will feel like they found a slice of paradise. There’s no bustling crowds or urban noise, just the soft, white sand, the clear, blue water and the sound of the wind and waves.
It’s a wild, unspoilt, windswept beach, best for long walks, or scenic 4WD drives on the beach. The high sand dunes behind it are quite picturesque, especially near Dark Point. The Dark Point walking track was our favorite attraction at Mungo Beach. It’s a 2 km return track through the sand dunes to Dark Point (also called Little Gibber), overlooking Broughton Island. The walk starts at the carpark on Mungo Brush Road.
Mungo Beach is known to have frequent big surf, rips and currents, so swimming is often hazardous. We admired the waves and dipped our toes in, and wading is usually safe, too, if you make sure the water is under your waist.
Blueys Beach, Barrington Coast
- Why love it? incredible colors, easy access, consistent waves for surfing
- Swimming? maybe
- Snorkeling? no
- Surfing? yes
- Walking required? no
- Toilets: yes
- Picnic tables: no
- Accommodation: Blueys Retreat in Blueys Beach
Nestled along the pristine Mid-North Coast near Forster, Blueys Beach is a slice of paradise with soft, white sand, turquoise water and green hills in the background. It’s almost a kilometer long (so quite a small one by Aussie standards) and a favorite of surfers thanks to its consistent waves. Depending on conditions you might be able to swim, too, but it’s not a patrolled beach, so assess conditions carefully.
The colors are incredible, both of the sand and the water, and you find tidal pools and rocks with intricate patterns sculpted by the waves and the wind at the southern end of the bay.
The charm of Blueys extends beyond the beach. The quaint village behind it is dotted with boutique cafés, local markets, and accommodations ranging from cozy cottages to luxury retreats.
Elizabeth Beach, Booti Booti National Park, Barrington Coast
- Why love it? easily accessible, sheltered beach with essential amenities and a wild feel
- Swimming? yes
- Snorkeling? maybe
- Surfing? maybe
- Walking required? no
- Toilets: yes
- Picnic tables: yes
- Accommodation: The Beach House at Lizzie
Elizabeth Beach, located in Booti Booti National Park near Forster, is a secluded, pristine getaway that’s also conveniently accessible by car. The 600-meter stretch of white sand is framed by lush, rainforest-covered hills. Its orientation and the coastal cliffs provide some shelter from winds and strong currents, making it one of the best swimming beaches on the Barrington Coast. It’s even patrolled by lifeguards between October and April. Add the contrast of the white sand and the turquoise water, and you get perfection.
If you enjoy coastal hikes, the 7.3 km Booti Hill and Wallis Lake loop trail is a must-try. The path winds through a picturesque coastal rainforest, with an optional short but steep detour to Elizabeth Bay. I definitely like pairing a hike with some beach time, especially during cooler months or on overcast days, and Elizabeth Beach is an ideal one for this combination.
Wategos Beach, Byron Bay
- Why love it? postcard perfect, sheltered, calm beach
- Swimming? yes
- Snorkeling? maybe
- Surfing? yes
- Walking required? no
- Toilets: yes
- Picnic tables: yes
- Accommodation: Clarkes Beach Holiday Park
Byron Bay beaches are among the most popular swimming and surfing beaches in Australia, and for a good reason. And a short distance from busy Main Beach, you’ll find Wategos. It’s a gorgeous little patch of white sand – so little in fact that it almost disappears at high tide.
Being so sheltered, it’s great for families, swimmers, paddlers and even beginner surfers. Local bottlenose dolphins like it, too. There are (free) electric barbecues and picnic tables for your enjoyment behind the beach.
Neighboring Little Wategos Beach is fun to explore, too.
You can park directly at Wategos Beach if you’re lucky. However, there’s high demand, a 4-hour limit and quite an expensive parking fee!
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