The NSW South Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the State, if not the country. From the world renowned white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, to Mollymook's famous surf breaks and everything in-between, there is bound to be a beach close at hand that is just right for you when holidaying in Sussex Inlet.
Cudmirrah Beach - Sussex Inlet
Just a four minute drive from Haven you will find Sussex Inlet's Cudmirrah Beach and the Sussex Inlet Surf Life Saving Club which is patrolled on weekends in the warmer months. Extending from the sandstone headland in Sussex Inlet, the 3km strip of sand extends towards the villages of Cudmirrah and Berrara.
The beach is popular with surfers, with the more advanced surfers generally catching their waves near the headland, and the beginners sticking with the calmer waters near Cudmirrah.
Hyams Beach - Jervis Bay
By far the region's most visited beach, Hyams has earned her reputation as the best beach on the South Coast for good reason. Boasting some of the whitest sands to rival the whitest sand beaches in the world, and the clearest aqua waters, this beach is a must visit.
If you have the time, take the Hyams Beach Trail to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding National Park.
Hyams does tend to get busy in the high tourist seasons, so if you would prefer to beat the crowds, we have listed some other excellent Jervis Bay beaches nearby in our list below.
Greenfield Beach - Jervis Bay
Located just slightly north of Hyams Beach to the south of the town of Vincentia, this gem is completely surrounded by National Park, and although it may be small, its crystal clear waters and white sands are still stunning and definitely worth the visit.
Take the the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track for some scenic bay views and dolphin spotting, plus a walk in the surrounding tall woodland and coastal forest.
Greenfield is accessed via a short walk. There is a grassed picnic area with free electric BBQ, wheelchair access and bathroom facilities, and the protected ocean waters make a great spot for a swim or snorkel.
This is our pick when you are trying to escape the crowds at Hyams, although Blenheim next door to the north and Chinaman's to the south are equally superb.
Murrays Beach - Booderee National Park
One of the best places to go to fully appreciate the surrounding native wildlife would have to be Murrays Beach at the southern most end of the bay. Protected by the headland and the nearby wildlife haven of Bowen Island, Murrays waters are perfect for a swim or snorkel with the whole family.
The beach is accessed via a short bush track from the carpark, and is surrounded by various walks that take you along low tide, head to Governor Head lookout for the best views of Bowen Island with its penguins and seals, or try the Munyunga waraga dhugan (loop walk) to explore the plants, animals, culture and history of the incredible Booderee.
Please note that none of the beaches of Booderee are patrolled.
Green Patch Beach - Booderee National Park
The perfect place to take the whole family, Green Patch has accessible access to the sand and has family friendly bathroom facilities and BBQs making it a great spot to spend the entire day.
Many visitors report sitings of wallabies, echidnas and a range of parrots, plus the rock pools and platform of the southern end create the perfect habitat for small octopus, squid and plenty of fish, whilst the calm waters are a great spot for the kids to learn to snorkel.
Mollymook Beach - Mollymook
The world famous surf beach of Mollymook will be on the must visit list for keen surfers visiting the area. The 2km stretch of golden sands is home to a range of surfing events and surf lifesaving carnivals throughout the year, and both the northern and southern end are patrolled throughout the peak seasons in the warmer months.
For the best surf locals head to the mid section “Golfie” reef.
If you are heading there with the kids, the southern end near the Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club has a children's playground in the foreshore park.
Moona Moona Beach - Huskisson
Moona Moona Creek and beach are hands down one of the best swimming spots on the South Coast for families with young children to visit. A great stop along the shared cycleway from Huskisson to Vincentia, the waters of the creek are clear and shallow, especially at low tide, so suitable with toddlers and babies, and the gentle waves of the beach to the north are perfect for younger children.
Plus the bonus is there is a children's playground with BBQ area, and nearby eateries to grab takeaway, so you could easily spend the whole day here.
Image from Visit Shoalhaven
Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach
Technically not a beach but we wanted to add it anyway, the inlet waters the join St Georges Basin to the Tasman Sea, and where the town of Sussex Inlet takes its name, feature small stretches of sand on the banks of the crystal clear waterway making a great spot for a swim, kayak or paddleboard for those holidaying in the town.
The best spots are to the north of Haven Holiday Resort accessed from the resort directly or Alamein Walk, or across the channel just before the waters bend before joining the nearby ocean, however take care when swimming at this spot as the currents can be hazardous.
Discover more things to do when visiting Sussex Inlet on the NSW South Coast
