Some of the best parts of Jervis Bay are only reached on foot. The White Sands Walk is the easiest way in: a short coastal loop past white sand and clear water, then back through tall forest, all in an hour or so.
Spring is a lovely time to do it. The days are longer, the bush is alive with birds and the beaches along the way are still quiet. Here’s what to expect on the White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay, how to make it longer if you are keen, and where to stay so it is an easy morning out.
Where the White Sands Walk starts
The walk sits in Jervis Bay National Park and starts at the Greenfield Beach picnic area. It is a different park from Booderee National Park, which sits further south, so do not confuse the two when you set your map.
From Greenfield Beach the track heads south along the edge of the bay. It pairs with the Scribbly Gum track, which brings you back inland to where you started. Together they make one loop.
What the loop is like
According to NSW National Parks, the full loop is about 2.5km and takes between 30 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on how often you stop.
- The coastal leg. The White Sands Walk runs past Chinamans Beach, with water views at points along the track. Pack your swimmers if you fancy a dip on the way, and keep an eye on the water: it is a top spot for birdwatching and for glimpsing dolphins in the bay.
- The forest leg. The Scribbly Gum track turns away from the coast and loops back through coastal forest and woodland to the top of the Greenfield Beach picnic area. The lucky ones spot possums and gliders.
- The effort. Both tracks are easy, but the Scribbly Gum track is steeper and has more steps.
Make the White Sands Walk longer
If an hour is not enough, there are two good ways to stretch it out.
Walk on to Hyams Beach. From Chinamans Beach you can follow the path to Cyrus Street and through the village of Hyams Beach to its famous sand. It turns a short loop into a proper morning out.
Start further north at Plantation Point. A council walking track runs from Plantation Point to Greenfield Beach by way of Blenheim Beach, with several lookouts along the way. Link it to the national park tracks for a longer walk along the bay.
For more on the beaches you will pass, see our guide to the best beaches in Jervis Bay.
What to bring and what to know
Jervis Bay National Park is always open, but it can close at times because of bad weather or fire danger. Check the park alerts on the NSW National Parks website before you set out, especially on a hot, windy spring day.
- A hat, sunscreen and drinking water.
- Swimmers and a towel if the water looks inviting.
- Comfortable shoes for the steps on the Scribbly Gum track.
- Leave the bikes behind. Bicycles, including e-bikes and fat bikes, are not permitted on the track, and riders must dismount and walk.
Where to stay near the White Sands Walk
You do not need to stay right on the track. Every one of our homes is a short drive from Greenfield Beach, so you can be on the track early and back in time for a long lunch.
- In Huskisson: Heart of Husky sleeps four and suits couples, while Daffodil on Owen sleeps eight for families. After the walk, the cafes and the waterfront are a short stroll away.
- With a pool, sauna and cabana: Bluebell in Huskisson sleeps eight in Huskisson, and a dip in the pool is a very good way to finish a warm spring walk.
- On the quiet side of the bay: Erowal Bay Cottage sleeps six and Killarney at Old Erowal Bay sleeps eight, with Hyams Beach a short drive away.
Walk it this spring
The White Sands Walk is Jervis Bay in miniature: white sand, clear water, dolphins if you are lucky and a cool stretch of forest to finish. Make a weekend of it. Browse our five holiday homes and book your spring stay on Airbnb.
