Jervis Bay is famous for its gleaming white sand and crystal clear water.  Fittingly, the White Sands Walk connects a string of beaches along the curve of the bay, from Plantation Point to Hyams Beach. We chose Green Point Beach as our starting point for an out and back walk; the beach was our first view of Beecroft Peninsula and Point Perpendicular, across rather choppy water, thanks to a fresh northerly that had been blowing all day.  Starting at the picnic ground, we crossed a long footbridge, then climbed gently through coastal forest.  Soon we were overlooking Green Point from a high vantage point.

The track flattened out, and we reached the access stairs for Chinamans Beach, a long sweep of sand, rock pools, and gently breaking waves. Shedding our shoes, we felt the fine, soft sand slide between our toes.  Gingerly I stood on the shoreline, expecting the water to be cold as it swirled around my feet, but it was lovely.

Back on the bush track, we climbed again, then followed the line of the coast until we reached the next headland.  The track disappeared, and the last few hundred metres were on the road leading to Hyams Beach, the most popular of the Jervis Bay beaches; people are drawn to the cafes and ice cream shops.  The first section of beach is quite small, but I made my way around a rocky point, where numerous sets of stairs gave private access to the homes perched way above the sand.  The beach then widens out to a long expanse.

This was our turnaround point, and we retraced our steps, as the longer return loop track was closed.  But on the way back, I dropped down onto Chinamans Beach to walk its length, and splashed my way through the shallows.  Such soft sand is tough on the calves and ankles, and it felt like quite a workout, especially as I was walking head first into the wind, which threatened to blow my sunhat out to sea. A final climb, back over the last headland, and a gentle forest descent had us back at our starting point two hours later.

After all the exercise, we were ready for a swim, or at least a paddle; we decided that “our” beach at Sanctuary Point would be more sheltered.  And it was – the water was completely calm.  It’s a great spot for kids, being so shallow and protected.  We waded out quite a long way and were still only thigh deep. I suspect we’ll be back there tomorrow evening before dinner.