Sun, Sand & Shenanigans: That One Time We Tried to Go to Hyams Beach | January 2025
It was one of those perfect sunny days in January, the kind that makes you want to drop everything and head straight for the coast. With the end of summer fast approaching, my friends and I decided to make the most of it with a spontaneous road trip down to Jervis Bay. The plan was simple: have a picnic, go for a swim, and just soak in the relaxed beach vibes.
What made the day even more memorable was that it was my very first time driving outside of Sydney. It's honestly a bit of a milestone for me. The drive was around two hours, and the journey itself was half the fun. We played music, did a mini karaoke inside the car, and took in the scenic views that stretched along the coast and countryside. About halfway there, we stopped in the charming little town of Berry for a quick coffee break and a visit to the famous Donut Van. .It was the perfect pit stop with its cute cafes, friendly locals, and that unmistakable small-town charm. 10/10 would recommend.
Then came The Great Hyams Beach Plot Twist.
As we neared Jervis Bay, we quickly realised we weren’t the only ones with the brilliant idea of a beach day. The area was packed. So many people had flocked to the famous Hyams Beach that there was an actual queue just to get in. Since we had driven down in separate cars, only half our group managed to make it in, while Chris and I were left waiting outside.
Not ones to let a little detour ruin our day, we decided to check out a nearby spot suggested by the staff called Greenfield Beach. And honestly? It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Greenfield Beach was a hidden gem!!! It was much quieter, beautifully tucked away, and every bit as stunning. The water was crystal clear, the sand soft and white, and the atmosphere was peaceful. Chris and I went for a swim, laid back on the sand, and had our own little moment of rest and relaxation away from the crowds. It felt like we had stumbled upon our own secret slice of paradise.
After a while, we decided to try our luck again at Hyams Beach. Fortunately, the crowd had eased up by then, and we were finally reunited with the rest of the group. We were sun-kissed, slightly hungry, and extremely ready for a late lunch, which we devoured at a nearby park like a bunch of overgrown kids at a school picnic. LOL.
Around 3 PM, we began our drive back to Sydney. The sky had started to turn grey and windy, hinting at rain on the horizon. We did get caught in the heavy rain while on the road, but we made it back in one piece, slightly sandy, fully exhausted, and feeling like we’d just won at summer.
Moral of the story: Always have a backup beach. And maybe leave at 6 AM next time.