24 Memorable Things To Do In Merimbula

From slurping down oysters knee-deep in briny waters to surfing, bushwalking, golfing and swimming, here is the ultimate guide for things to do in Merimbula.

There’s a multitude of things to do in Merimbula. The seaside town on the NSW South Coast really does have it all. From whales passing by during the season to clear blue waters and national parks. You can collect beach glass on white-sand beaches, shop at seaside markets, seek thrills at a theme park, or simply feel the spray of the salty seas as you kayak through the waterways.

1. Bounce along the new Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park

It’s all mud, sweat and gears at the new Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park , which has been drawing keen MTBers in their droves since opening in December 2023. Pause for a breather at the top of the track to take in the scenery before plunging down from the summit to the sea.

biking in a forest at Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park in Nullica State Forest — Pedal through lush greenery in Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park. (Image: Flow MTB, Gravity Eden)

The park features green, blue and black mountain bike trails as well as a pump track and jump park at the trailhead. The trails will take you spaghetti-ing around Nullica State Forest before plunging down to the shores of Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay).

biking at Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park in Nullica State Forest — Go mountain biking around loops at Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park. (Image: Flow MTB, Gravity Eden)

2. Swim in the Blue Pool in Bermagui

The hours can quickly bleach into days when on holiday in Merimbula. Use the bird that blarps like an alarm clock to wake you up so you can unleash yourself on the day. You will then most certainly breathe a sigh of satisfaction after diving into the Blue Pool in Bermagui with a satisfying swoosh.

a couple enjoying a dip at Bermagui Blue Pool, Sapphire Coast, NSW — Embrace the first light of day at Bermagui Blue Pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Blue Pool is one of the five most beautiful ocean pools in NSW and is set like a gem in the natural rock shelf. It’s iconic. And ridiculously idyllic.

an aerial view of the Blue Pool along the Bermaguicoastline — It’s one of the most beautiful ocean pools in the state. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Enjoy fish and chips on the beach in Bermagui

Have you even done summer in Australia if you haven’t had fish and chips beside the beach? Let nothing stand between you and Blue Wave Seafood on Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf. Enjoy the cark of the seagulls rising in song all around while admiring the colourful boats being sent out to sea. It’s a scene straight out of a tourism campaign.

But do check your inventory of chips: the birds understand the treasures these cardboard boxes contain and are quick to swoop. Stitch together an unbroken eating itinerary via Merimbula’s best places to eat and drink.

4. Learn about the rich Indigenous history of Merimbula

The Traditional Owners of the Merimbula/Pambula area are the Djiringanj and Thaua, whose lands are separated by the mouth of Merimbula Lake. Walk along the boardwalk in the Biamanga Cultural Area which has interpretative signage that shares Indigenous stories of the landscape. And follow in the footsteps of First Nations people from the Yuin, Ngarigo, Jaitmathang and Bidawal countries along the Bundian Way Whale Dreaming Trail , which leads to a lookout over Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay).

boats moored at Twofold Bay from above — Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) is a marine mecca for fishing and whale watching. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Eat your way along the Gourmet Coast Trail

The Gourmet Coast Trail is an immersive way to experience the NSW South Coast. Although the trail stretches from Batemans Bay in the north all the way to Eden in the south, you can make Merimbula your focus by ticking off absolutely everything on the Merimbula Weekend Getaway itinerary.

Foodies will appreciate the ease of plugging the various places into your satnav and enjoying everything from twilight drinks and sublime bar bites at Bar Superette to a burger at Dulcie’s Cottage and dinner at the much-vibed-about Valentina.

Outdoor patio at Dulcie's in Merimbula — Stop by Dulcie’s Cottage for lunch.

6. Lace up your boots for the Wharf to Wharf Walk

Charge your fitness tracker and lace up your hiking boots for the 27-kilometre Wharf to Wharf Walk , which you can undertake with local guide Cam Read, of Sapphire Coast Guiding Co . The coastal walk connects the towns of Merimbula and Tathra and can be done as an epic one-day hike, a three-day fully guided walk, or a two-day self-guided walk.

the Sapphire coastal wilderness, pristinecoastline, Tathra Wharf — Visit the heritage-listed Tathra Wharf on a guided walk with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. (Image: Destination NSW)

The best thing about extending the walk over a few days is it will allow you more time to explore the villages, shops and eateries along the way. Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. also offer guided e-bike and kayak tours.

guests on a forest walking tour with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. — Spend time in nature as well as stopping in towns and villages along the way. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Visit Magic Mountain Merimbula

Whether you’re up for the mad Toboggan Run that twists and roars its way downhill, or you prefer the more sedate pace of a Magic Cup and Saucer ride, Magic Mountain Merimbula offers a range of rides to suit everyone in the family.

children enjoying at Magic MountainAmusement Park in Merimbula — Embrace your inner child at Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Merimbula. (Image: Destination NSW)

Buckle up for the Sapphire Speedster Coaster and Grand Prix Cars, or blast off down the Black Hole and Doom Tube, which will spit you out into a cool refreshing pool. This small theme park also has a maze and Tree Climb Challenge, which includes two hours of Ninja Warrior-ing around a course of rope bridges, high wires and wooden obstacles.

a child sliding down the Toboggan Slide at Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Merimbula — The Toboggan Slide is always a hit with kids. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. See the marine life in Merimbula Wharf Aquarium

Enjoy an underwater excursion without getting wet by mooching around the various marine exhibits on show at Merimbula Wharf Aquarium & Restaurant . Learn more about local marine life when you gaze into the big, deep blue of the 70,000-litre oceanarium, which is home to some 90 per cent of local fish species, as well as squid, cuttlefish and seahorses. Be there for feeding time (from 11.30am, Wednesdays and Fridays during the school holidays) to see the resident octopus unscrew the lid of a jar and consume its contents, then head to the restaurant for fish and chips.

a plate of mussels on the table at Merimbula Aquarium andWharf Restaurant — Order flavour-packed mussels at Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Enjoy a round of golf at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club

Most golf courses have 18 holes, but the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club has 27 and has a variety of challenging holes to interest all levels of ability. The well-groomed course, wedged between Top Lake in Merimbula and Main Beach, is home to thousands of kangaroos.

a spacious golf course at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club — Practice your golf swing at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club.

Book a lesson with PGA professionals at the pro shop and then head to The 28th at the clubhouse for a panini and cold beer. You can also enjoy a game of mini golf with the kids at Top Fun , at the top of town. Or sign up for a lesson at the Sapphire Coast Golf School .

the greenery at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, Merimbula Lake — The golf course is set within native bushland by the pristine Merimbula Lake.

10. Discover the Merimbula Boardwalk

Merimbula is derived from a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘two lakes’ in reference to the fact Merimbula Lake is located on the southern side of the town and Back Lake on the northern side. Part of the Bega Valley Shire Council’s strategic plan for the Merimbula Boardwalk was to enhance the visitor experience around Indigenous education in honour of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Yuin First Nations People. The boardwalk curls around mangrove forests, under the grey-green canopy of eucalypts and past oyster farms that are plentiful along this section of Australia’s Oyster Coast.

11. Visit the best boutiques and shops in Merimbula

One of the most responsible ways to travel to regional centres around NSW is to #supportlocal. Visit fashion Wanderlust and the Muse for a spot of holiday shopping. Want a memento of your stay? The Essence is also a one-stop shop that supports local businesses such as Blue Willow Vintage, Eden Ecos, As You Are and Kicky Swim. You’ll find everything from fashion and giftware to homewares and books. BYO eco bags.

12. See whales and swim with seals in Merimbula

Sapphire Coastal Adventures departs from the Merimbula Marina between August and late November and seeing these gentle giants roaming the open ocean makes for an impressive outing. The skippers onboard the discovery tours know where the best spots are for whale watching on NSW’s South Coast.

a Sapphire Coastal Adventures tour in Merimbula — Hop on a boat and tour around the majestic Sapphire Coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can also take a tour out to Montague Island with Montague Island Adventures in nearby Narooma where you can snorkel with the seals and take a penguin tour.

the boat of Sapphire Coastal Adventures roaming at sea in Merimbula — Sapphire Coastal Adventures roam at sea. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. Join a fishing charter in Merimbula

Fishpen Charters has been operating off the NSW South Coast for the last 30 years. Keen anglers who want to introduce their children to catching their own fish for dinner should depart Mitchies Jetty, located on an elbow of land jutting into Merimbula Lake where the waterways are as smooth as glass. Part of the pleasure of going offshore with Fishpen Charters is the four or five-hour jaunt out to sea, which, regardless of whether you hook a big one, will add to your feelings of contentment on the day. No fishing license required.

14. Take a road trip along the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail

There are farm sheds and oyster bars dotted up and down Australia’s Oyster Coast. And if your idea of heaven is slurping down a cheeky dozen then take the self-guided Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail. Merimbula Gourmet Oysters is a great place to start.

a close-up shot of a hand holding fresh oysters during Captain Sponge's Magical Oyster Tour, Pambula — Slurp down freshly shucked oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Broadwater Oysters is also on the water’s edge and oyster aficionados will love the Tide-to-Table experience on offer. Book a Bermi & Beyond tour or go for the full farm-to-plate experience and follow the trail to Wonboyn Rock Oysters , the most southern estuary in NSW that grows Sydney Rock oysters. Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant is a top spot to stop for lunch.

Feast on a delectable seafood platter at Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

15. Go on an art gallery crawl around Merimbula

Visit the website of acclaimed local photographer David Rogers to buy a print of the surrounding Mimosa Rocks National Park. The South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA) is just a 25-minute drive from Merimbula and one of many reasons to schedule in a day trip to Bega.

SECCA letters painted on the glass wall — SECCA is a hub for arts and culture on the Sapphire Coast. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

The hub for art, culture and ideas celebrates creativity and community is one of the best regional galleries in Australia. Galleries in and around Merimbula include the Shop7 ArtSpace in Bermagui, the Pambula Collective and Cobargo Creators Gallery . The National Trust-classified Merimbula Old School Museum is also worth a look.

16. See native wildlife at Potoroo Palace

Potoroo Palace is a not-for-profit enterprise, so the small cost of entry goes toward conservation work. Potoroo Palace is a sanctuary for native animals such as Eastern grey kangaroos, emus, echidnas, dingoes, native birds, snakes and wombats. You’ll also find seven long-nosed potoroos pootling around the property.

a koala at Potoroo Palace, Merimbula — Spot a koala hugging a tree at Potoroo Palace. (Image: Destination NSW)

The sanctuary is on Djiringanj land and welcomes and assists people with access needs. Those staying in Merimbula can sign up for one of the night tours at Potoroo Palace, which happen twice a month.

17. Follow The Killer Whale Trail in Eden

Extraordinary tales surface at each of the five spots along Eden’s Killer Whale Trail , including the stories of killer whales that formed an unlikely allegiance with the whalers off the south-east coast of Australia to hunt baleen whales.

the Killer Whale Museum, Eden — Killer Whale Museum is devoted to Eden’s whaling, timber and fishing history. (Image: Destination NSW)

The town of Eden documents many stories about Australia’s whaling industry at the Eden Killer Whale Museum , the first stop along the trail. Established in 1931, the museum has the skeleton of Old Tom the killer whale on display and is a profound record of this brutal period of our maritime history.

the skeleton of Old Tom the killer whale on display at the Killer Whale Museum, Eden — See the skeleton of Old Tom the killer whale on display. (Image: Destination NSW)

18. Go birdwatching in Panboola Wetlands

Stretching from the town of Pambula to the Pambula River, Panboola (the Indigenous name for the area) is an 82-hectare pocket of protected wetlands. Commandeer the kids on a clear day and connect to the walking tracks that crisscross the wetlands. Visit the waterbird sanctuary, where you might spot grey gosshawks, and whistling kites flaring their feathery crowns. And pinball between the marsh paddocks and freshwater billabongs where the air smells of salt and eucalyptus. The extensive walking and cycle tracks loop around the Old Pambula Racecourse.

19. Join the dots between South Coast breweries on an ale trail

The South Coast Ale Trail presents the ultimate pub crawl. If you’re staying in town, engage an easy rider from Great Southern Trike Tours to join the dots between the area’s top breweries.

Longstocking beers on display at Longstocking Brewery, Pambula — Keep it chill with a beer in hand at Longstocking Brewery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Although there are nine breweries on the NSW South Coast Ale Trail, keep it tight with a custom tour of Jervis Bay Brewing Co ., the Camel Rock Brewery in Wallaga Lake, Longstocking Brewery in Pambula and Tilba Brewing Co . at the Dromedary Hotel.

an al fresco dining at Longstocking Brewery, Pambula — Enjoy a cold pint in the al fresco dining area of Longstocking Brewery. (Image: Destination NSW)

20. Join a cultural tour with Navigate Expeditions

The ancient landscape around Merimbula is of great cultural importance to the Traditional Owners of the Pambula River, the Thaua people. Join an Indigenous guide from the Twofold Aboriginal Corporation on a specialty tour with Navigate Expeditions who will share stories about the pathways, mountains and streams.

a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions inKalaru — Join a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru. (Image: Destination NSW)

The cultural tour offers a different perspective on the Pambula River, teaching visitors why it’s a place of profound significance. Navigate Expeditions also offers a range of bespoke nature-based tours in and around Merimbula.

guest on a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru — Immerse yourself in nature and the history of the Pambula River. (Image: Destination NSW)

21. Surf, SUP, fish or kayak around the NSW South Coast

Get up at dawn when the land and sea is honeycombed in sunlight for a surf lesson at Camel Rock Surf School in nearby Bermagui. The surf school offers lessons for beginners and intermediate, and wetsuits and surfboards are included in the cost.

surfers holding their surfboards ready to hit the waves at Bermagui, Camel Rock Surf School — Try your hand at surfing with Camel Rock Surf School.

You will also be able to try kayaking, SUPing or fishing by booking a paddle from Mitchies Jetty , the local launchpad for all things aquatic in Merimbula. Fuel up at Mitchies Espresso Bar, which is open all year round, or one of Merimbula’s best cafes. When you’re not in or around the water, set up camp at one of the local holiday parks in Merimbula.

surfing in Bermagui, Camel Rock Surf School — Hit the waves around the NSW South Coast.

22. Go for a swim at Bar Beach

It doesn’t matter what kind of perverse mood the sky is in, Bar Beach is one of the best beaches in Merimbula and a swim here is compulsory. Submit to this pull of fate by wriggling into your boardies or bikini and starting with a walk on the sand where the crabs have drawn curlicues.

views of Merimbula Bay and Boggy Creek fromBar Beach, Merimbula — The staggering Bar Beach beckons you. (Image: Destination NSW)

Your energy will seesaw into bliss after taking a dip in the turquoise sea, which is sheltered from summer’s northerly winds. The Bar surf break is popular with longboarders who converge at the Bar Beach Kiosk in the warmer months and fill it with excitement and chatter.

a rocky shore along Bar Beach, Merimbula — Cool off at Bar Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

23. Snorkel on the Sapphire Coast

Dedicate an entire day to exploring Beowa National Park with Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Adventures . Expect to encounter wobbegong sharks, Port Jackson sharks, and graceful eagle rays along with myriad other fascinating marine life on an excursion that covers both land and sea.

aerial views overlooking Bittangabee Bay inBeowa National Park, Green Cape — The beach is lapped by turquoise waters in Beowa National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

The backdrop of Beowa promises the perfect setting for this beguiling journey, which goes beyond the usual tourist haunts on the NSW South Coast. Slow things down with stop-offs at Disaster Bay Lookout and Greencape Light Station.

the Green Cape Lighthouse bordering Disaster Bay, GreenCape — The Green Cape Lighthouse stands atop a grassy cliff at Disaster Bay. (Image: Dee Kramer Photography)

24. Check out the best Merimbula markets

Good things do come in small villages. Find everything from upcycled fashion to fresh produce, craft and curios at the Merimbula Seaside Markets on the third Sunday of the month. It’s a magnet for locals who want to source fresh organic produce from local growers. The market is set up at Ford Park in Merimbula, with specialist growers such as a local potato farmer, who sells a diverse range of tubers and Burragate Organics, who champion local small-scale producers and sells a range of fruit and vegetables as well as poultry and eggs. You will also find niche food vans selling everything from gluten-free donuts to Dutch pancakes.

You can also explore the Sapphire Coast Market Trail to snap up more local merch. No matter what weekend you’re visiting Merimbula, there are markets held most weekends on the Sapphire Coast. Peckish for some paddock-to-plate produce? Head to the Bermagui Growers and Makers Market, Pambula Rotary Market and the Wydnam Village Market.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

24 memorable things to do in Merimbula