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.

a Hillcrest Merimbula vehicle — 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.

a chic bedroom at Hillcrest Merimbula — 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.

a pool at Coast Resort Merimbula — 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.

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.

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.

the bedroom at Lotte’s Hjem — 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.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

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