Merimbula Could Be the NSW Coast's Most Under-the-radar Spot
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Short Point Beach
Merimbula
The Sapphire Coast offers everything that beach holiday dreams are made of. Sandy beaches stretched along a ruggedly beautiful coastline, spectacular wilderness, coastal lakes, delicious seafood and some of the best whale watching in the country.
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Places to stay
Merimbula is perched in the middle of the picturesque Sapphire Coast, and is the gateway to the many lakes and beaches of the region as well as charming seaside towns and national parks stretching from Bermagui and Tathra in the north, to Eden and the Victorian border in the south.
There are few resorts or hotels on this stretch of coast, but motels, holiday apartments and Airbnbs are plentiful. Whether you’re embarking on a solo escape or taking the entire family for a classic beach holiday, you’re sure to find accommodation perfect for your needs in this part of New South Wales.
If you’re planning an outdoor escape, why not pitch a tent or rent a cabin at one of the family holiday parks in each of the seaside towns – such as Merimbula’s NRMA Beach Holiday ResortOpens in a new tab or window or Reflections Holiday ParkOpens in a new tab or window in Bermagui.
Alternatively, keep the creature comforts of home with an Airbnb or self-contained apartment — or if a bit of luxury and romance is what brings you to these shores, you can’t go past Coast Resort MerimbulaOpens in a new tab or window
Things to do
Spend your day on the sand or take a dip in Bermagui’s famous Blue PoolOpens in a new tab or window, or in crystal-clear water at one of dozens of beaches. Head out on a day of fishing or rent a kayak and explore the Kiah River or one of Merimbula’s famous coastal lakes – Merimbula Lake to the south or Back Lake to the north.
Learn to scuba dive and explore ocean caves with sea dragons and manta rays at Dive EdenOpens in a new tab or window A must-do activity is whale watching in winter and spring, on either a cruise or follow the migration from shore at one of the many lookouts.
If you’re looking for fresh forest air, drive south and discover the enormous Beowa National Park with short walking tracks like the 1km Pinnacles Loop Walking Track only 15 minutes' drive from Merimbula, or longer day trails. For a real challenge, the 31km Light to Light Walk will take you from the historic Ben Boyd Tower to Green Cape Light station over three days. Be sure to check the National Parks alerts and guidelines Opens in a new tab or windowbefore you begin.
Visit Bermagui and take the 1.5km path to view the striking landmark of Horsehead Rock, thought to be one of the oldest rocks in New South Wales and over 500 million years old. For an experience that brings you closer to the history of the land, follow the Bundian Way Story Trail in Eden, a 1.8km self-guided walk through native bushland, learning indigenous stories along the way.
Where to go
Merimbula is the perfect starting point for your holiday and the best place to fly into, but the entire Sapphire Coast region is well worth exploring. Whether it’s on land or sea, you’ll find many corners to discover along this stunning stretch of coast.
Take a drive north to the towns of Bermagui, Tathra or Pambula or south to Eden and the Beowa National Park. If you’re visiting in spring, then pack your binoculars because the whale-watching here is some of the best in Australia, with tours and vantage points stretched all along the Sapphire Coast.
Whale watching
The Sapphire Coast is one of Australia’s best whale-watching destinations, especially in the spring months when majestic humpback whales pass with calves in tow on their migration south towards Antarctica.
Boat tours depart from towns including Merimbula, Bermagui, Pambula or Tathra. A visit to Eden is a particularly good choice to celebrate all things whale migration, with several operators taking whale watching boat tours daily as well as the Eden Killer Whale TrailOpens in a new tab or window and Killer Whale MuseumOpens in a new tab or window
If you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land, head to the Tathra cliffs or one of the many seaside lookouts for a picnic or walk with a good chance of spotting the gentle giants from land.
Food and drink
For fresh seafood, locally produced cheese and local produce, this is the region for you.
In Pambula you’ll realise all your oyster dreams with Broadwater Oysters at Pambula LakeOpens in a new tab or window, Wheeler’s Oyster FarmOpens in a new tab or window and Captain Sponges Magical Oyster ToursOpens in a new tab or window all in and around town — with the latter two offering informative tours before inviting you to tuck into freshly-shucked samples.
Valentina, a hatted restaurant offers modern cusine, fine cocktails in a divine setting or for Japanese visit Umi-Ko and dine in tasty izakaya.
For a seafood treat in Merimbula, stock up on the catch of the day with fish and chips at Fishpen Takeaway on Marine Parade. If cheese is what tempts your tastebuds, visit the iconic Bega Cheese around a thirty-minute drive from Merimbula.
Getting around
From the airport: Merimbula Airport is located 2km from the city centre and a taxi rank is available at the airport terminal, which is a convenient choice if you're staying in Merimbula.
Even if you’re staying close by, you’re going to want to explore the national parks and coastal towns of the region, so the best plan is to hire a car.
In and around the city: With a car, you will reach Tathra, Pambula and Eden all within a 30-minute drive, or Bermagui or Ben Boyd National Park within an hour.
To get around town and travel between coastal towns without a car, FlexibusOpens in a new tab or window and Sapphire Coast BuslinesOpens in a new tab or window also service the region but be sure to check their websites for schedules and further details.
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Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as at 25 January 2024 but is subject to change.
Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.