The white sand beach made famous for otherworldly light that only appears after dark

Jervis Bay in Australia boasts one of the world's whitest sand beaches, stretching over 1.5 miles and surrounded by stunning bushland with turquoise waters. This beach is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering an abundance of native wildlife and serene trails to explore.

Yet, it's the spectacle that unfolds after sunset that truly sets this beach apart. During certain times of the year, night-time visitors may observe the water seemingly starting to shimmer. Patches of vibrant blue, green and even purple twinkle beneath its surface. This is due to Jervis Bay being among the few locations in Australia where the natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence can be witnessed.

Over the years, the beach has been fortunate enough to host some spectacular displays, and according to Jervis Bay Wild, July 2020 was one of the most impressive years to date, showcasing a dazzling array of colours and sparkles. Typically, these displays are fleeting, making those who manage to catch them incredibly lucky.

Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction within a living cell that produces light. This can occur in cells of marine creatures or even underwater plants.

Specific conditions, typically an accumulation of an algae bloom of plankton, trigger large amounts of bioluminescence, causing the water to glow when disturbed, such as by a wave or splash.

Consequently, the waves washing up on the shore often appear to glow in vivid colours as the water stirs.

Bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon that lights up the sea with a magical glow, is a sight to behold but it only graces certain parts of the world.

When this spectacle arrives in Jervis Bay, Australia, it can be witnessed at several locations including Barfluer Beach just north of Plantation Point, Callala Bay and Blenheim Beach, according to local reports.

This mesmerising display has also been spotted in other parts of Australia such as Preservation Bay, Tasmania and Port Lincoln, South Australia.