The Sapphire Coast makes a case for an immersive break with our guide to Merimbula’s best Airbnbs.

Finding a Merimbula Airbnb that feels like home is a must for those who like to holiday with all the mod cons. Most of the best Airbnbs in Merimbula are by the beach. Yes, there are some unique holiday homes and great caravan parks on the Sapphire Coast. But the coastal community also attracts travellers who are drawn to the idea of a simple seaside holiday. Bonus points if your accommodation is near to Sapphire Coast treasures worth exploring.

1. Dunes Retreat

Think boathouse. Think beach shack. This magical Merimbula Airbnb is at the rear of a block occupied by the hosts. But there’s plenty of space and a large private garden to soak up some rays, too.

The dinky Dunes Retreat has two bedrooms with district views and sleeps four, so is perfect for families. There’s also a chicken coop, fruit orchard and trampoline for kids. Merimbula’s restaurants and cafes are also just a short stroll away.

2. Beach Cottage

Digital nomads wanting to try before they buy should road-test this Merimbula Airbnb for a weekend. The Beach Cottage is an easy stroll to Bar Beach and Short Point for surfing as well as the local cafes and shops.

The cottage boasts bay and lake views and has a telly with Amazon, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV. The two-bedroom cottage is dog-friendly and has a fully fenced backyard. Cook up a storm in the dinky kitchen. Curl up in the sunroom with a good book. And enjoy the serenity.

3. Bellbird House

All up, there are over 550 Merimbula Airbnbs to choose from. So the fact this tranquil home is featured as a Guest Favourite means it makes the cut. The interiors of Bellbird House look like they could feature on a Coastal Style mood board.

Add to this the soundtrack of native whipbirds and bellbirds and you have some calming head noise for your holiday. The open-plan living arrangements and proximity to the beach and town are also worth a mention. The house sleeps seven guests and has wi-fi, Netflix and Binge, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.

4. Shack with a View

Being able to check the surf from the couch makes this Shack with a View one of the most popular Airbnbs in Merimbula. In fact, about 95 per cent of guests gave the property a five-star rating. The pet-friendly home sleeps four and has a sleek, compact kitchen, open-plan living area and patio.

Best of all is the fact you can walk from the front door to Bar Beach in minutes. Grab a coffee from the Bar Beach Kiosk while you’re there: it’s one of the best cafes in Merimbula.

5. Heather Merimbula

Heather is named after the rich purple blooms that carpet the ground in Scotland. The brand-new Merimbula Airbnb sleeps eight and has a monochromatic palette of greys and whites with the occasional pop of pink.

The distinctly modern home also has a fully equipped kitchen, unlimited wi-fi, air conditioning and a coffee machine. The fully fenced large backyard will also accommodate your furry four-legged friend. Sleeps eight.

6. Sea180

This three-bedroom Merimbula Airbnb is only 1.4 kilometres away from Main Beach Merimbula and a five-minute walk into town. Sea180 features floor-to-ceiling windows with 180-degree wrap-around views of both the ocean and Merimbula Lake.

The property sleeps eight and has been renovated with holiday rentals in mind. Watching for whales from the patio is a ritual here during whale watching season and is a must-do when in Merimbula. Parents with tiny tots will appreciate the fact there is a cot.

7. Toad Hall

Toad Hall is an excellent example of a boutique stay done right. The historic home started life in 1860 as a Telegraph Office for the tiny town of Pambula, before serving as a saddlery, gift shop and antique store. But it’s this latest incarnation that has given the Sapphire Coast village something to really shout about.

Toad Hall retains the charm of its bullnose veranda and apricot weatherboards, which are inextricably linked to its identity. And it’s been fitted out with a mix of modern and period furniture that complement its heritage feel.

8. The Surf Studio on Bar Beach

This classic Australian beach house boasts spectacular ocean and bay views and offers everything you need to relax and rejuvenate: The Surf Studio has proximity to swathes of sand, large windows that pull in the sunshine and, most importantly, a bit of privacy during a weekend away. This contemporary beach house just two minutes from Bar Beach sleeps six and has a room with single beds for the kids and wi-fi. We’re happy with the veranda situation, too.

9. Rolling Waves 3

There are only a handful of properties that have private and exclusive access to Merimbula’s main surf beach. Rolling Waves 3 is one of them.

The quiet coastal retreat can sleep up to eight guests and it’s stacked with amenities such as a designer kitchen with stone benchtops, a bathroom on all three levels, a glass lift, rumpus room and killer coastal views. There’s also a fenced yard on ground level at this pet-friendly property.

10. Ads on Collins

ADS on Collins brings a bit of romance and luxury to the seaside town of Merimbula. While there is plenty to see and do on the NSW South Coast, this secluded sanctuary provides an opportunity for guests to just switch off and make the most of Merimbula’s sun-drenched days.

The fully renovated, split-level pet-friendly home is just a short walk to the beaches and the main street of Merimbula, which is lined with cafes and boutiques.