10 dreamy Airbnbs in Merimbula to call home

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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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 bedroom at Dunes Retreat
Dunes Retreat is bright and airy.

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.

the interior of Dunes Retreat with windows
Soak up some rays at Dunes Retreat.

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 Beach Cottage in Merimbula
Bask in serenity at Beach Cottage.

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.

outdoor seating area on the terrace at the Beach Cottage in Merimbula
Curl up and chill out on the terrace.

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.

the interior of Bellbird House Airbnb, Merimbula
The interior of Bellbird House gives off coastal style.

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.

the garden fronting the property at Bellbird House Airbnb, Merimbula
Spend your summer getaway at Bellbird House.

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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.

a drone shot of Shack with a View Airbnb, Merimbula
Shack with a View is nestled near the beach.

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.

the interior of Shack with a View Airbnb, Merimbula
Shack with a View has a sleek interior.

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 modern kitchen at Heather Merimbula
Heather Merimbula has a modern, fully-equipped kitchen.

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.

the bedroom at Heather Merimbula
Heather Merimbula is pet-friendly.

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.

an al fresco dining area at Sea180 Airbnb, Merimbula
Soak up serene views atop Sea180.

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.

the bedroom at Sea180
The three-bedroom Sea180 sleeps eight.

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.

the Toad Hall Airbnb in Merimbula
Check into the historic Toad Hall Airbnb in Merimbula.

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.

the rustic interior of Toad Hall
There’s a heritage feel attached to it.

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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 Rolling Waves 3, Merimbula
Stay at Rolling Waves 3 for the night.

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.

the interior of Rolling Waves 3, Merimbula
Rolling Waves 3 boasts killer coastal views.

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 living room interior of ADS on Collins, Merimbula
Settle in the cosy and luxe Airbnb at ADS on Collins.

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.

beach views from ADS on Collins
ADS on Collins is a cosy place for a weekend away.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com.