The Best Accommodation In Merimbula

The best Merimbula accommodation is all about proximity to the waterways that serve as a playground for visitors to the seaside town. Here are some of the best places to stay in and around Merimbula.

Merimbula has long been a hit with weekenders from Victoria and the ACT. But the seaside village has also become a go-to getaway spot for visitors from around NSW who are extending their search for pristine places to stay and play. Merimbula is within the country of the Yuin-Monaro Nations on NSW’s Sapphire Coast. From resorts and motels to holiday homes and Airbnbs, and camping and caravan parks, here are some of the best Merimbula accommodation options for a Sapphire Coast stay.

1. Hillcrest Merimbula

Wear your best kaftan, crank that ‘70s playlist and pour yourself a glass of bubbles to enjoy on the balcony of your Exhale Deluxe suite at Hillcrest Merimbula – one of our top unique stays in NSW.

Have a well-deserved break at Hillcrest Merimbula.

The rooms at the roadside motel have had a beautiful nip and tuck, with the pared-back interior including pops of colour inspired by the pink sandstone that is necklaced around Merimbula’s seaside surrounds. The chic boutique hotel, built in 1969, has 29 rooms and a one-bedroom apartment, pool, tennis court, fire pit and playground.

Stay in one of the chic rooms of Hillcrest Merimbula. (Image: Robbie Duncan – No Bad Days Photography)

2. Coast Resort Merimbula

In need of a serious break in idyllic surroundings? Book a weekend away at Coast Resort Merimbula, which has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments. The coastal resort will suit road-trippers who want to see more of Merimbula. The activities list is huge in Merimbula and its surroundings.

the bedroom pool apartment at Coast Resort Merimbula

Step outside your bedroom pool apartment for a few laps.

As well as being a short walk from ocean beaches and inland waterways, it is near some of the best places to eat and drink in Merimbula. There’s a lap pool, and tennis court, too.

Sit on a sun lounger by the pool at Coast Resort Merimbula.

3. The South Seas Motel

It started with the Hillcrest Merimbula, and it continued with South Seas Motel Merimbula, one of Australia’s many retrofitted properties that pay tribute to our nostalgic road-tripping past. One of the best features of the pet-friendly motel in Merimbula is the solar-heated pool; it’s decked out with sun loungers and set against the backdrop of a juicy tangerine-tinted wall.

the property exterior of the South Seas Motel, Merimbula

Stay in the chic South Seas Motel.

Pull up right outside your comfortable room and engineer that gatho around the barbie. Like most of Australia’s best retro motels, the function of The South Seas Motel is far more impressive than its simple form might suggest.

an aerial view of the South Seas Motel, Merimbula

The retro motel is pet-friendly.

4. Surfside Holiday Apartments Merimbula

Those looking for a budget-friendly beachside holiday in Merimbula will appreciate the pricing at Surfside Holiday Apartments Merimbula, which is just minutes away from Merimbula Lake. The apartments are also within walking distance from the centre of Merimbula and Main Beach is so close the sound of the ocean echoes against the windows. Time your visit to coincide with the Merimbula Seaside Market & Fair held in nearby Ford Park on the third Sunday of the month.

5. The Love Shack

Start your day’s activities early so you can then kick back and retire to the comfort of the Love Shack, a pretty one-bedroom cottage in Pambula Beach, just a 10-minute drive from Merimbula.

the bedroom at The Love Shack, Merimbula

Get cosy in a one-bedroom cottage in The Love Shack.

Here, you can enjoy soaring views of sea, sand and sky in complete privacy and comfort from this humble beach shack on a hill, which will facilitate hours of quality time with that special someone.

the kitchen at The Love Shack, Merimbula

Prepare your meals at the Love Shack’s fully-equipped kitchen.

6. Tathra Beach Eco Camp

Want to marvel at the starry skies while toasting marshmallows around a communal campfire while in Merimbula? The Tathra Beach Eco Camp, about a half-hour drive from Merimbula, is set in the heart of the Australian bush with dedicated nature areas where sightings of kangaroos are virtually guaranteed.

Tathra Beach Eco Camp is set in the heart of the Australian bush.

The eco architecture here includes a range of camping options from powered and unpowered camp and caravan sites to spacious Bellbird and Driftwood tents, Gumnut Pods and cute Banksia Cabins.

the bedroom at Tathra Beach Eco Camp, Merimbula

Retire to the comfort of your bed at Tathra Beach Eco Camp.

7. Hotel Australasia

Hotel Australasia in nearby Eden is positioned to take advantage of all the Sapphire Coast has to offer. The refurbished boutique hotel is one of Eden’s grand old dames, a storied hotel that has been welcoming visitors for more than a century. The hotel was saved from demolition in 2019 by a local builder who has given it a multimillion-dollar transformation. The décor leans into old-world luxury and the elegance of the era: think claw-footed bathtubs, pressed-metal ceilings and sash windows. Hotel Australasia includes Pikes Italian Bistro named in honour of its original owner, female entrepreneur Sabina Pike, and the John Hines Bar which nods to the hotel’s original builder.

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8. Sugar Rock Ranch

The Sugar Rock Ranch reflects authentic Australian vernacular traditions. The rustic accommodation was built by hand using timber felled and milled on the Eden property. And it lies close to the surrounding wilderness.

the property exterior of Sugar Rock Ranch, Merimbula

Stay close to the wilderness at Sugar Rock Ranch.

If you want to choose somewhere to switch off, the Sugar Rock Ranch is an ideal centre from which to ramble down to the jetty at the dam. Alternatively, you can ponder the universe around the private fire pit. Forget Netflix. The ‘Barn Studio’ cabin has a library, vinyl record player and board games like Yahtzee.

the cabin interior at Sugar Rock Ranch, Merimbula

The cabins at Sugar Rock Ranch evoke a rustic charm.

9. The Homestead

This robust property has been part of the Bega community for more than 150 years. And although The Homestead looks quite humble from the outside, the inside of the newly restored property carries a kind of stoic, elegant sensibility from our pioneering past. And the attention to detail is impressive, from each tiny vintage teaspoon to the iconic quartz bath, chef’s kitchen and abundant rose garden. Feed the chooks. Gaze at the stars. And chat to the local real estate agents about that tree change.

The Homestead offers barefoot luxury sequestered in nature.

10. Lotte’s Hjem

Lotte’s Hjem is the sister property to The Homestead and one of the real gems of the Sapphire Coast. It’s located in Pambula just a short drive from Merimbula and halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. And it’s got Escape to the Country written all over it.

the property exterior of Lotte’s Hjem, Merimbula

Lotte’s Hjem is sequestered between lush greenery. (Image: Luisa Brimble)

The owners saw the value in the weatherboard cottage and circled op shops and antique dealers to furnish it with treasures. As a result, Lotte’s Hjem pays an aesthetic tribute to the past. Harvest herbs and vegetables from the garden. Cosy up around the slow-combustion fireplace. Take a long bath. And relax.

Cosy up to the chic bedroom at Lotte’s Hjem. (Image: Luisa Brimble)

11. Albacore Apartments

The spacious balconies at Albacore Apartments are what this property is all about. And the floor plans are dictated by those panoramic views over Merimbula Lake.

a top view of the pool at Albacore Apartments, Merimbula

The pool at Albacore Apartments invites you for a dip.

Each apartment plays into the indoor-outdoor open-plan living aesthetic that makes entertaining such a joy. The one- and two-bedroom apartments are fitted with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines and dryers and can accommodate a maximum of five guests with the addition of a fold-out bed.

the interior of Albacore Apartments, Merimbula

Albacore Apartments is stylish.

12. The Palms Apartments Merimbula

Each apartment at The Palms Apartments Merimbula has two bedrooms and sleeps up to four people. The location in the heart of Merimbula makes these apartments a great place to base yourself while on the Sapphire Coast. But the fully self-contained crash pads are also so comfortable you can stay in and dedicate your day to relaxing.

the stylish interior of The Palms Apartments Merimbula

Spend your beachside holiday at The Palms Apartments Merimbula.

Families who want a flop-and-drop holiday will love the solar-heated pool, laundry (essential) and fully operational kitchen. The fact The Palms Apartments Merimbula is just a short walk from some of Merimbula’s best restaurants is also a plus.

13. All Decked Out at Penguin Mews

All Decked out at Penguin Mews is designed to showcase Merimbula accommodation at its best. This quintessential Aussie beach pad has a cool contemporary palette of warm whites and taupe tones that complement the incredible blue-on-blue views over Merimbula Lake and Bar Beach.

the living and dining room at All Decked Out at Penguin Mews, Merimbula

All Decked Out at Penguin Mews has a cool contemporary palette.

What better way to end another delightful day than with drinks around the covered barbecue area? A handful of great local restaurants are also easily reached on foot.

the main bedroom at All Decked Out at Penguin Mews

Curl up in the chic pink-hued bedroom at All Decked Out at Penguin Mews.

14. NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

If you’re searching for Merimbula accommodation overlooking the sea, the NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort provides an excellent base. It’s one of the best spots for caravanning, camping or glamping on the Sapphire Coast. The seaside resort is positioned on a headland under big skies, close to the region’s lakes, beaches and biodiversity.

an oceanview spa villa at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

Stay in an oceanview spa villa.

In addition to its poolside condos, ocean-view bungalows, powered and unpowered sites, the NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort now has a range of new accessible clifftop villas that are simply furnished in contemporary coastal style. It also has four new stylish safari tents featuring outdoor baths designed to take advantage of those killer coastal views.

It’s time to literally park your travel plans with a stay in one of the following Merimbula caravan parks.

Merimbula caravan parks offer a lot more than just places to park your van. In fact, like a lot of Australia’s campgrounds and van parks, Merimbula caravan parks feature some of the best beachfront accommodation in the entire country.

According to Tourism Research Australia, caravan holidays are making a comeback after COVID-19, with spend at an all-time high of $10.5 billion in June 2022. Perhaps it’s due to #cossylivs (cost of living) pressures. Or nostalgic memories of road trips.

Whatever the reason, the excitement of sleeping in a caravan kitted out with retro vibes is real. And don’t worry. If you don’t have a caravan, motorhome or home on wheels, you can also opt to stay in a cabin. We won’t tell your righteous #vanlifer mates. Here are some of the best caravan parks and campgrounds in and around Merimbula.

1. Discovery Park Pambula

Caravan parks and campgrounds have come of age, with many batting the concept of roughing it into the long grass and gleaning loyal followers while doing so. A stay in a caravan distils a summer holiday down to the basics where clear skies and lazy days beside the beach feel like life’s greatest luxuries.

an aerial view of Discovery Park Pambula

Discovery Park Pambula is just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

Hidden away within the northern tip of Beowa National Park, guests of Discovery Parks Pambula are reminded that relaxation doesn’t need a wi-fi password. Within walking distance are secluded hiking trails, rugged bays, surf beaches and twinkling lakes. Accommodation options include deluxe and superior cabins and spacious powered and unpowered sites.

Meet resident kangaroos at Discovery Parks Pambula Beach.

2. NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

The NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort has broad appeal whether you’ve got a caravan in tow, want a simple grass site to camp out with the kids or prefer a swanky spa villa with ocean views. While kids will love the heated resort-style pool and water park, parents will also appreciate the food trucks serving pizzas on Friday nights.

an aerial view of NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

Soak up tropical vibes at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort.

The holiday resort is like a mini master-planned city with million-dollar views and a range of accommodation such as the accessible clifftop cabins near some of Merimbula’s best beaches. There’s also the three-bedroom Beach House with a spa, The Escape, which has an outdoor bath and sleeps eight. And the two-bedroom ocean-view Spa Villas and new glamping tents. Hire an e-bike and head to one of Merimbula’s many marvellous bars and restaurants.

a bathtub at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

Dip in your private outdoor tub.

3. Merimbula Lake Holiday Park

The beauty of camping or towing a caravan around the Sapphire Coast is that you can go at your own pace, as there’s a lot to see and do in and around Merimbula. You’ve got the esky packed with snacks and fizzy drinks, a couple of beach balls and a cricket bat, some fishing gear, and surfboards.

What more do you need? The pet-friendly Merimbula Lake Holiday Park has extra-large powered and unpowered sites with lots of space for guests to spread out and watch the play of light on the water. The park’s colour scheme is all blues and greens, the surrounding bush brimming with birdsong. Get amongst it. Adventure awaits. It’s one of the best Merimbula accommodation options on offer.

4. Tween Waters Merimbula

Activities are strictly optional at Tween Waters Merimbula on the Fishpen Peninsular, adjacent to Merimbula Beach. Do as much or as little as you like at the Merimbula caravan park which also has cabins, a new motel, and campsites.

While the holiday park is close to the foodie-focused town centre, just a short walk away, it also has a BBQ area, recreation room, pool and bouncing cushion to keep everyone in the family happy. Oh, and bring your doggo; the park is pet-friendly. Want to make your getaway even more off-grid? Tween Waters is renowned for being a great place to kitesurf over summer.

5. Tasman Holiday Parks Merimbula

For many of us, childhood memories revolve around camping, barefoot beach hikes, and being immersed in nature under canvas or in a camper with those we love. While Australian caravan parks these days offer more elevated accommodation options, the idea is still to keep our holidays pretty pared back.

Despite being minutes from Merimbula, Tasman Holiday Parks Merimbula feels very secluded. Camp out under the stars or stay in a family-friendly cabin, cottage, holiday unit, bungalow or villa. The park is tucked away near a pocket of pretty bushland. Not feeling all that adventurous? You can hang out in the heated indoor pool and spa. Or challenge the kids to a game of giant chess or checkers.

6. Tanja Lagoon Camp

Although Tanja Lagoon Camp is closer to Tathra than Merimbula, it’s worth the short trek. Spend the morning picking up goodies along the Gourmet Coast Trail which meanders around Merimbula, Bermagui, Narooma and Batemans Bay. Then plug Tanja Lagoon Camp into your satnav and beeline to your luxury safari tent on the edge of a wild, coastal lagoon.

guests enjoying the Tanja Lagoon Camp luxury accommodation with Navigate Expeditions

Beeline to your luxe safari tent at Tanja Lagoon Camp. (Image: Destination NSW)

Staying here is a community-minded decision as the luxury safari tent accommodation treads lightly on the earth with just four self-contained safari tents, two eco cabins, and a communal meeting place for groups.

an aerial view of Tanja Lagoon Camp, Merimbula

Stay at Tanja Lagoon Camp in the middle of an oasis. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Kangarutha Farm (Tathra)

Expect fresh white linen, and views across paddocks stubbled with native grasses and filled with kangaroos at one of the pretty bellbird glamping sites at Kangarutha Farm, just five minutes from Tathra. There are also a small number of rustic bush camps and paddock sites dotted around the farm, hidden on a sprawling property amid dense bushland.

an aerial view of Kangarutha Farm (Tathra)

Kangarutha Farm (Tathra) is dotted with rustic bush camps and paddock sites. (Image: Jessica Taunton; Navigate Tourism)

It’s all about location at the farm, which is overlooking a dam just a 20-minute drive from Merimbula. Hiking and biking are two of the most popular things to do in the area. Expect to meet some top-level Lycra-clad adventurers who come here to connect directly to the Tathra-Kalaru bike track and Tathra’s many hiking trails.

two people sitting by the bonfire and drinking wine

Sip wine by the bonfire. (Image: Jessica Taunton; Navigate Tourism)

HOT TIP: Merimbula doesn’t really have camping spots outside of the caravan parks. If you want to look further afield the best spots are all in the National Parks. Gillards, Aragannu, Bournda and Saltwater are favourites, although they are not that close to Merimbula.

Merimbula accommodation: 14 stays for a bliss-filled seaside escape