I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, though I have never been one for snow. Or cold. Hate ice. I don’t think I even own a parka. No, I am dreaming of a Christmas spent at Hyams Beach, a beach with the whitest sand in the world according to The Guinness Book of World Records, a Christmas spent in a bikini and sunglasses. (One would most definitely need strong sunglasses for the glare.)

Sand castles or snowmen?

Located in New South Wales, Australia (roughly 3 hours from Sydney), Hyams Beach sits on the shores of Jervis Bay. Here, all beaches face east to the Pacific Ocean; the sand is unbelievably fine, soft and sugary, not to mention white, almost blindingly so.

The water 'aint half bad either.

While the area is a hot spot for tourists, it has maintained its pristine beauty in part due to local national parks. The village of Hyams Beach is bordered on the north by Jervis Bay National Park and Booderee National Park, then Botanic Gardens to the south. In all, the beach and surrounding village has the feel of undisturbed bush with an abundance of native plants, animals and birdlife, perfect for a white Christmas. Or a white New Years. Easter. A white Tuesday, really–perfect for anytime.

Photo credits in order of appearance: Agent Smith’s photostream, Monique Barber’s photostream, via Flickr.