Banish Bendalong to the recesses of your memory, shut up about Jervis Bay, and let Byron die a peaceful Death By Influencer: there’s a new turquoise haven in town, and it’s not one you’re likely to have heard of.
That’s right: what if I told you there is a place in NSW that’s prettier than the Maldives?
Bawley Beach is the new ‘it’ stretch of sand in town. Left image: @josh_burkinshaw, right image: @tayylorcooper
The beach in question is unassuming. It’s got a fishing platform off the southern end, a short stretch of sand in the middle, and a rock platform with trees extending almost to the water’s edge to the north.
So far, so south coast.
But if you catch it in nice light, it looks ethereal.
On a sunny, calm day, the Shoalhaven sand shines brighter than the sun, and the water is more flamboyant than a Matt Preston blazer.
Whether it’s aquamarine, cerulean, turquoise or cornflour blue – it really doesn’t matter. It depends on the caprices of the sky (and the clouds may change that on an every-ten-minute basis).
The road down to the carpark is only short, but it’s more pothole ridden than some of the worst stretches of war torn Afghanistan (at least it was when I visited).
I even, (at the next beach down), scratched up my awning so badly by driving too close to the bushes (in an attempt to avoid the gaping chasms in the ground), it looked like I’d been struck by a missile.
Once you park and walk down to the beach though, you will be rewarded by the kind of serenity you might associate with Nusa Penida, or – if we’re being really dramatic – the Maldives.
Like Jervis Bay, but way more chill. Left image: @chloee_aubin, right image: @she.who.explores
There are also some fancy accomodations now popping up nearby, capitalising on the serenity, and offering things like barefoot weddings and outdoor baths. There’s almost a Byron Bay (before it exploded) feel about it.
I’ve been here twice (once camping on a nearby beach, and once in a Hipcamp on a nearby farm) and I can attest it’s far more relaxed than the main beach at Jervis Bay (Hyams) and literal worlds apart from Byron Bay.
The only thing stopping you from having the perfect ‘mermaid core’ experience is the fishermen chumming the waters, making snorkelling feel a little bit sketchy.
Tell me you’re not getting Byron Bay vibes from this? Images via Instagram (@thejacksonranch_)
Before I go any further about this fanciful paradise, where is it, exactly?
Bawley Beach.
Videos of this humble stretch of sand, which is located in Bawley Point (a small town about an hour’s drive south of Jervis Bay) are bouncing around online, with one TikTok user claiming it is “the most beautiful beach in southern nsw with resident stingrays.”
Though it can also be grey and stormy, she is right in that it often has stingrays. In fact you could argue it’s like Bendalong Boat Ramp but better (it’s less well known, so there will be less tourists trying to get photos).
As one TikTok user commented: “This is supposed to be SECRET, SHH.”
If that illicit grain of information has your wanderlust flowing, here are six more South Coast gems that are so picturesque they don’t seem real.
1. Steamers Beach, Jervis Bay
Steamers Beach is a bit of a hike to get to, but absolutely worth the movement of the legs. It’s a national park beach in Jervis Bay with a headland trail, cliffs and yellow sand. Interestingly, Parks Australia says: “The dunes are an unusual colour for Booderee and are thought to have been dumped there by a tsunami.” To get there, park at Steamers Beach car park, then take the 2.3 km trail. Swim here at your own risk only: it is known for its isolation, strong currents, and large sharks.
2. Whiting Beach, Jervis Bay
With its emerald waters, a small waterfall (sometimes) and views for days, Whiting Beach, Jervis Bay is a more protected enclave than Steamers Beach. It’s about a two hour walk from Steamers Car Park.
Whiting Beach is perfect for snorkelling or swimming, and the hike to get there makes diving into the water feel all the more satisfying.
3. Bendalong Beach
It may not have many cafes (just one) or restaurants (by my count, none) but Bendalong more than makes up for this with its boat ramp. While “life affirming” comparisons with The Maldives or Bora Bora might be a stretch, it’s a very special spot, thanks to the rays, which swim very close to shore.
4. Bushrangers Bay, Shell Cove
Bushrangers Bay is a seriously good snorkelling spot. Left image: @mezcalitooo, right image: @katelionshark
If you are a fan of snorkelling and rock pools, and the thought of swimming with sharks has you curious, not running for the hills, then you have to head to Bushrangers Bay, which is located in Shellharbour. It’s a well known place for seeing grey nurse sharks, and is a great protected cove (especially the inner part) to cool off in summer.
5. Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay
This hidden jewel is arguably the cream of the crop of Jervis Bay’s beaches. A little more out of the way than Hyams, it still has pristine white sand, translucent waters, and colourful fish. Sometimes you can spot wobbegongs and rays too. It looks out onto Bowen Island, where there is a penguin colony.
6. Killalea’s ‘Secret’ Rock Pool, Shell Cove
This one, barely a 2-hour drive out of Sydney (an hour and a half if you’re lucky), is another spot that intrepid tourists are flocking to. Although it involves a tricky rock scramble and keeping a close eye on the waves and the tides, it looks stunning. It’s located in the Killalea state park, around the corner from The Farm beach, another beautiful spot in its own right.
Source : Escape
