Meet the “Deserted-y Dozen” – 12 Unsung Beach Heroes!

With NSW’s Shoalhaven region famously boasting no fewer than 100 beaches, it’s little wonder that when the mercury rises, holidaymakers come rushing to enjoy these spectacular natural wonders.

Of course, with the rise of social media and just good-old-fashioned word of mouth, gone are the days of keeping these gems to ourselves. It HAS meant that more people have been able to enjoy our little slice of paradise – although many of our once “best-kept secrets” are, during peak times, awash with visitors looking to capture their own slice of the #magic.

Luckily, there’s still a way to avoid feeling claustrophobic as you build your sandcastle on your next holiday. If you’re willing to put in a little effort, you may well be rewarded with a completely deserted stretch of sand all to yourself (okay, or at least a big chunk of it). And so, in the spirit of unspoilt unwinding, we present the “deserted-y dozen” – 12 beaches that might not grab the headlines but will capture your heart.

(Oh, and shhhhh, keep them to yourself…)

Nelsons Beach (Vincentia)

This is one of the quieter beaches in Jervis Bay, yet still boasts the spectacular white sands that have made nearby Hyams Beach a household name. You should have plenty of room to spread out with the family, as well as gentle waves for swimming and paddling. Walkers can head north to Huskisson on the Round the Bay Walk, a wide, sealed, shared pathway, or continue south to Greenfield and Jervis Bay National Park on the White Sands Walk. 

Cudmirrah Beach (Sussex Inlet)

Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach (sometimes referred to as Berrara South) backs onto unspoilt bush land just south of the township and Swan Lake. To add to the isolation, it is also only accessible by paddling across the creek from Berrara at low tide. At the southern end of the beach you will find the Berrara mermaid pools which is a magical place to swim.

Seven Mile Beach (Berry)

Okay, so this very big beach may seem like an odd choice, but that’s part of the appeal – you’ll always find a spot all to yourself, and its long flat contour makes it a firm favourite for surf schools, beach cricket and safe splashing. The bushland the beach backs onto is actually a small coastal National Park – with options for everyone. For BBQ and picnic facilities, the Beach Road picnic area is ideal, however there are multiple access points from Gerroa all the way south to Shoalhaven Heads – take your pick!

Wilsons Beach (Currarong)

Wilsons Beach is located in Abrahams Bosom Reserve and can only be accessed on foot from the car park. It takes about an hour to walk and along the way there are other beautiful little sandy coves to visit. The beach forms part of the Wreck Walk where information is signposted about SS Merimbula nearby. This is also a great area for bird life and to spot whales and seals during migration season.

North Beach (Bawley Point)

North Beach is a little known beach (we like this!) that sits between Willinga Point and Nuggan Point near Ulladulla. Bordered by bush land, the beach itself is around 750 metres long and includes the inlet to Willinga Lake, with rocky outcrops at each end. Take the Willinga Lake Walking Track via Nuggen Point or park the car at Willinga Point to access the beach.

Singing Stones Beach (Pretty Beach/Kioloa)

This unique beach is actually a small pebble cove where the pebbles ‘sing’ when tumbled by the waves (hence the name). The stones are mainly made from rhyolite or chert – both hard minerals that help to conduct the sound. Kids and adults will find the sounds relaxing and fun, and the beach is accessible by foot about 800 metres south of Pretty Beach and forms part of the Pretty to Pebbly Beach coastal walking trail, just south of Island Beach. Shhh, keep this one to yourself!

Burns Bay (Pebbly Beach)

Burns Bay is one of the small but beautiful beaches along the Pebbly Beach to Pretty Beach Walk in Murramarang National Park – this one just north of Pebbly Beach itself (sometimes even referred to as Pebbly Beach North). Backed by dense bushland, the beach – like many along this stretch of coast – is made of pebbles, and the often sheltered bay generally has low waves, making for good snorkelling in the right tide. Best accessed on foot from Pebbly Beach.

Termeil Beach (Meroo/Termeil Point)

Making the trip to Termeil Beach is a must – a completely unspoilt and secluded beach surrounded by coastal forest. Pack a picnic and take the kids looking for shells and watch the pied oystercatchers with their distinctive bright orange-red bill feeding along the shoreline. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the peace with a fishing rod in hand, or enjoy swimming and surfing in this beautiful natural setting. You may even spot a dolphin or two!

Pot Holes Beach (Dolphin Point)

Get off the beaten track and discover this small pebbly beach tucked away in the bush. It’s a popular surfing spot amongst the locals, and you can see why when you are sitting out on the water looking back at unspoilt, natural beauty. Once here, you can enjoy surfing, bodyboarding, swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waves. Or bring your fishing gear and see what you can catch from the beach. And for anyone interested in birdwatching, you’re also bound to see plenty of birdlife along the way.

Washerwomans Beach (Bendalong)

This one has the bonus of being able to bring your pet along – and don’t worry about a timetable, as it’s a 24-hour off-leash area, located not for from Bendalong village. The beach extends some 840 metres between Dee Beach and Boat Harbour Beach with trees lining the back of the beach. And the way the beach curves protects it from large swell making it a nice place to swim and take the family (even the furry family members!).

Lobster Jacks Beach (Ulladulla)

Sometimes the best things are right under your nose – and that’s certainly the case with Lobster Jacks, a quiet and hidden beach right on the edge of Ulladulla township. It is bordered by Warden Head, a popular whale watching lookout with lighthouse, and steep cliffs, meaning that yes – accessing the beach can be a challenge. (But it’s oh-so worth it!) You’ll find the best access point to LJB and the entire Warden Head Reserve from Lighthouse Oval on the corner of New and Deering Streets.

Silica Cove (Beecroft Peninsula)

Not far (as the beach-loving crow flies) from the ever-popular Honeymoon Bay, Silica Cove sits near the entrance to Jervis Bay on the southern side of Beecroft Peninsula and is a six kilometre return walk rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage. You might see white bellied sea eagles in the trees as you walk, or spot a resident seal in the water from the beach. This beach is not accessible by car, only on foot or by boat. The shipwreck of the St. Martin de Porres still sits on the rocks on the north side of the beach. We can almost guarantee that THIS beach will not be crowded upon your arrival!