Merimbula is nestled on the breathtaking South Coast or Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. Situated near Eden, Pambula, Tathra, Mallacoota and Bermagui. Merimbula is a picturesque coastal town, enveloped by stunning beaches and lush national parks. The area boasts a plethora of walking trails, bike paths, and the serene Merimbula Lake. Additionally, visitors can indulge in the town’s vibrant cafés, gourmet restaurants, and boutique shopping experiences.
Merimbula is conveniently located for travellers from Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. It’s approximately a 6-hour drive from Sydney, a 7-hour drive from Melbourne, and a 3.5-hour drive from Canberra. Additionally Merimbula Airport offers daily flights from Rex and Qantas to Sydney and Melbourne ensuring easy access to this beautiful destination.
Hillcrest Motel is a reimagined resort-style motel that seamlessly blends contemporary touch points and retro charm. Character-filled rooms celebrate the property’s 50-year heritage, combining a 1970s vibe with luxury comforts, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for you.
The Pelican Motor Inn is centrally located in the heart of Merimbula, their location ensures you’re merely a short stroll from local shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and the lake. The Motor Inn proudly offers a tranquil pool and BBQ area, complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, and convenient electric vehicle charging stations.
Stay in the Palms Apartments modern two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and renovated bathrooms, including spa baths. Enjoy private balconies with select units overlooking Merimbula Lake. They are a five-minute walk from the town centre and Spencer Park beach.
Discover Merimbula’s breathtaking beaches, each a short journey from the town center. Main Beach and Short Point Beach are the most popular, while spots like Bar Beach and Mitch’s Jetty’s river mouth captivate with their charm. Just 10 minutes out of town, don’t miss the stunning turquoise water of the Pambula River Mouth, and accessible by kayak is Severs Beach.
Embark on an unforgettable whale watching experience with Sapphire Coastal Adventures. Set sail on their expertly guided tours, where you can witness the majestic beauty of migrating whales up close between September and November. Or join their their ocean wildlife adventure tours between November and July. Visit Sapphire Coastal Adventures for bookings and more information.
A spectacular 3.4km walkway meandering along the town’s stunning lake. This easy, scenic trail offers breathtaking views of the water, abundant birdlife, and lush mangroves. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a morning jog, the boardwalk provides an ideal opportunity to soak in Merimbula’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere, all just a stone’s throw from the town center.
Experience the wonders of kayaking with Navigate Expeditions’ tour near Merimbula. Paddle through pristine waters, exploring hidden coves and coastal gems. Enjoy the Kayak and Shuck tour with a visit to sustainable oyster farm Broadwater Oysters. Alternatively, try their Aboriginal Cultural Tour, Pambula River tour, or Bega River tour that all include morning tea.
Merimbula, ideally situated between two world-class mountain biking destinations. Gravity Eden 5 8km+ of gravity-fed mountain bike trails with premium, machine-built singletrack and 52 km of Tathra Trails. Merimbula also offers an array of family-friendly off-road cycle paths. Explore our Mountain Bike Tours, and take advantage of our bike hire and delivery services.
Merimbula, nestled between the breathtaking Beowa National Park to the south and Bournda and Mimosa Rocks National Parks to the north, offers stunning walking trails, beaches, lookouts, and mountain biking firetrails. Explore these natural wonders with Navigate Expeditions through our guided walks, kayaking, and combined tours.
Visit Potoroo Palace Animal Sanctuary, a cherished wildlife haven near Merimbula, Tathra, Eden, and Pambula on NSW’s stunning Far South Coast. Encounter beloved Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, potoroos, echidnas, dingoes, and an array of native birds, snakes, and wombats. It’s a delightful experience for animal lovers of all ages!
Indulge in a delectable Broadwater Oyster Experience near Merimbula. Immerse yourself in the rich culture or sustainable oyster farming as you visit local oyster farms. Learn about the fascinating process of cultivating these prized delicacies and enjoy freshly shucked oysters straight from the waters. Savour the taste of the South Coast’s finest and indulge in a truly memorable culinary adventure. Combine this with a kayaking tour on our Kayak and Shuck tours.
Explore the vibrant regional markets near Merimbula, including Pambula, Merimbula, Nethercote and Wyndham. Delight in a treasure trove of locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and unique artisanal goods. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, chat with friendly locals, and uncover hidden gems. These markets offer a perfect opportunity to support local businesses and experience the authentic flavours and creativity of the South Coast.
Indulge in a culinary journey at Wheeler’s Oysters Restaurant, where the freshness of the sea meets exquisite dining. Savor locally sourced oysters, masterfully prepared seafood, and a menu that celebrates the best of the region. Nestled in the heart of the Sapphire Coast, it’s a dining experience not to be missed. Book your table now!
Valentina offers a unique dining experience with stunning views over Merimbula Lake. Designed to evoke a Mediterranean beach holiday, the space is curated for complete immersion. Enjoy shared dishes in a relaxed setting, surrounded by soft furnishings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a leisurely, indulgent lunch or dinner.
Discover Nourish, a lakeside vegetarian café in Merimbula offering a serene outdoor seating by the lake or a cozy indoor ambiance. Indulge in great coffee, a variety of vegetarian lunches, and treats, or explore their bulk wholefoods section. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed coffee break or a wholesome snack.
We recommend dedicating at least two full days to your visit to Merimbula. However, ideally, allow yourself a week and use Merimbula as your base to to fully immerse in the region and venture further afield to the village of Pambula, Eden, Tathra Beach and even Bermagui.
It’s really hard to pick our favourite season, we encourage you to visit Eden in every season!
The peak season buzzes with activity, offering warm waters and a vibrant atmosphere.
Experience the transition into cooler months while enjoying the warmest water temperatures
Delight in cool mornings, sunny days, and fewer crowds. Perfect weather for being active outdoors.
Witness the awe-inspiring presence of whales and be enchanted by blooming wildflowers.
The most convenient way to reach Merimbula is by car. It allows for flexibility and easy exploration of the region. Merimbula is located 3 hours from Canberra, 6 hrs from Melbourne and 7 hrs from Sydney. Merimbula is accessible via well maintained roads.
While public transport options are limited in the area, there are bus services available that connect Merimbula with nearby towns and cities. Check out Sapphire Coast Bus Lines, Eden Buses and the V-line network for more information.
You can enjoy a scenic journey by sea and disembark at the Eden cruise terminal. Merimbula is a 20 min car journey from Eden. Cruise companies such as Majestic Princess, Seabourn Odyssey, Silver Whisper, Disney Wonder, Queen Elizabeth and Norwegian Spirit.