The Best Places to Visit on a Drive Down the Sapphire Coast

Southern New South Wales is home to vast stretches of remote beaches, national parks brimming with wildlife and small towns with distinctive personalities. As you zig through the region’s lush hinterland and zag towards its golden sands, starting from Narooma in the north down to Wonboyn in the south, you’ll find charming communities, including Mystery Bay, Tilba Tathra and more. Here’s where to stop, what to see and the best things to do as you make your way down the Sapphire Coast.

Narooma

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Known for its creamy oysters and clean surf breaks, Narooma captures the nostalgic feeling of sleepy summer holidays. Sample fresh-from-the-sea gems on a trip with Out of the Blue Oysters or take a boat out to Montague Island to spot loafing fur seals. The inroads of Justin Hemmes’ Merivale group has paved the way for bang-on seafood and good vibes at The Quarterdeck, fish and chips with a view at The Inlet and an outpost of Sydney Cantonese favourite Queen Chow.

Mystery Bay

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Nothing is head-scratching about the appeal of this coast-fringed hamlet 20 minutes further down the A1 from Narooma. Consider camping at the natural sea-fringed Mystery Bay Campground. A five-minute drive into the nearby heritage town of Central Tilba offers ample supplies for a night in the wild, from Tilba Dairy’s handmade cheddar to butter-chicken pies at the Central Tilba Bakery.

Wallaga Lake

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With its scalloped edges and lapping water, Wallaga, the biggest lake in southern NSW, is worth visiting. Learn about its significance for the local Yuin people and discover why holiday-makers come to fish, swim, sail and observe its wildlife. Embark on a two-hour tour of the lake with the Umbarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the area’s First Nations history and culture. Then get your binoculars ready – the tranquil lake attracts flocks of native birds including the Pacific black duck (Umbarra), the emblem of the local Yuin-Monaro people.

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Bermagui

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Squeezed between a sparkling natural harbour and the shadow of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) is the seaside village of Bermagui. Its waters draw anglers for deep-sea game fishing, while swimmers bob in the man-made Blue Pool that’s carved into the bottom of a cliff. Begin with brekkie: Boneless serves excellent coffee and meat-free dishes such as scallion scrambled eggs or join the queue of locals at Honorbread for black tahini scrolls.

Bega

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Head inland to the big country town of Bega where The Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is a big drawcard for turophiles. Once you’ve enjoyed sampling a local cheeseboard, wander down the Bega Heritage Walk and see historic buildings dating back to the 1850s; visit local institution Osteria da Franco (Shop 2/149 Auckland Street) for coffee and cannoli; admire innovative artworks at SECCA (South East Centre for Contemporary Art); and browse boutiques, including Wattle & Hide Homewares and Maggie & Rosie’s Antique Emporium (219 Carp Street).

Tathra

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Fringed by national park to the north and south, Tathra begins at the top of a swooping peninsula and dives into the sea. Wave chasers flock to the south end of Tathra Beach for consistently good surfing conditions while the rest of the morning crowd stop into The Wharf Local café , set on the town’s historic pier, for coffee and toasties. In the afternoon, the heritage-listed Tathra Hotel serves up its own Humpback Brewery beers with a side of salty breeze.

Merimbula

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Merimbula is the stuff of family holiday dreams. There’s a boardwalk that winds through swampy mangroves; a shimmering coastline for day-long dips; and delicious burgers, oysters and beer on tap at Dulcie’s. Between May and November, whales appear and by August, the migration is in full swing; spot them from the headland or take a boat tour with Sapphire Coastal Adventures. The revamped 1970s Hillcrest Motel has the works – pool, tennis court, fire pit and barbecues.

Pambula

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Gastronomy, beaches and wildlife come together to make Pambula a stay-a-while spot. Kangaroos idle on the sands of Pambula Beach and bird watchers observe goshawks, kingfishers and golden whistlers in the Panboola Wetlands. Shuck your own snack on Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tour of Pambula Lake or order a dozen with a tasting paddle at Longstocking Brewery. Locals and visitors alike dust off the sand for Banksia Restaurant where Tetsuya’s-trained chef Huw Jones presents a seasonal fine-dining set menu.

Eden

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Read Shirley Barrett’s novel Rush Oh!, set in Eden’s whaling era, before exploring this historic port. The Eden Killer Whale Museum describes the town’s history and the pod that frequents the town’s waters. Whales are easily spotted from the Eden Lookout, but Cat Balou Cruises operates in Twofold Bay, offering an even closer view. Taste the essence of this coastal paradise at North of Eden distillery, where the signature gin is distilled with oyster shells, saltbush, citrus and spice.

Wonboyn

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You’ll find super-fresh seafood up and down the Sapphire Coast but for the ultimate water-to-plate experience, head to its furthest reaches. In Wonboyn, 30 kilometres south of Eden, you’ll find some of the best lake, estuary, beach and land-based fishing in the country. Pick up a dozen oysters from Wonboyn Oysters, fire up one of the barbecues at Disaster Bay’s scenic picnic spot and feast on your fresh-caught flathead, salmon or bream. For company, you’ll have dolphins and kangaroos.