Things to do in Merimbula

Merimbula has become the beating heart of the spectacular Sapphire Coast in southern NSW, with whale watching, scrumptious oysters and fabulous beaches just a few of its attractions.

Short Point Beach, Merimbula NSW

Back in 2010, Merimbula was a bustling coastal town stealing tourist thunder from the better-known Eden. These days ‘bustling’ doesn’t cover it – during the warmer months Merimbula becomes a veritable beehive of tourism and has outgrown its once more famous cousin to the south.

Merimbula is about a six-hour drive from Sydney and seven hours from the Melbourne CBD, making it a popular tourist destination for inhabitants of both cities.

And no wonder – there’s more to do than ever in this jewel of NSW’s Sapphire Coast. You can explore it all from NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort, overlooking the ocean at the town’s easternmost point.

Highlights

Feed sea creatures at Merimbula Aquarium and Restaurant. .
Go on an oyster tour as you learn about Pambula Lake.
Walk the the historic Killer Whale Trail.

What to do in Merimbula

Visit Merimbula Aquarium

Discover a colourful array of sea creatures at Merimbula Aquarium, located on a horizontal rock shelf that juts out to sea. An exciting range of tours is also available, from fishing charters to whale-watching cruises, diving and snorkelling.

People fishing on a pier during a golden sunset

Take an oyster tour

Sample oysters at their absolute freshest on Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours, where the captain himself will pull oysters straight from Pambula Lake. You’ll also learn about the process of oyster farming and see how they are harvested.

Study Eden’s whaling history

The port of Eden was the centre of Australia’s whaling industry for more than a century. Local legend has it that a pod of killer whales used to help the whalers in their hunt, driving frightened humpbacks into Twofold Bay. Today, the Killer Whale Trail self-drive tour visits five significant historic sites along the coast. Interpretive signs have been set up at each point: scan with your smartphone for more information. From September to November, you will see humpbacks migrating along the coast.

Stroll along Merimbula Boardwalk

Merimbula can get pretty hectic during the high season, so if you need a break from the bustle head on down to the Merimbula boardwalk. This waterside walkway runs along Merimbula Lake and is privy to oyster leases (this region’s gastronomic claim to fame) and crabs that skitter around in the shallows. It’s easily accessible by car at a few points along its length. Stop in at Sunny’s Kiosk for a spot of brekky or lunch.

Couple walking past oyster leases on boardwalk.

Spend a day at Bar Beach

Families flock to the tranquil turquoise waters at Bar Beach, located at the entrance to Merimbula Lake. Its unique geography means its sheltered from the coastal winds that can pick up in summer and it has views across to the hinterland surrounding Merimbula. It’s not just a great place to take the kids for a paddle – its varied conditions will also suit snorkellers, surfers and paddleboarders. If you get peckish, Bar Beach Kiosk is open 7:30am-2pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Pat a potoroo

Potoroo Palace is an animal sanctuary located 9km north of Merimbula. Open seven days a week, it has a wide variety of Australian native animals, kangaroos and emus roaming free, train rides, a cafe on site, and much more. A great family day out.

Watch for whales

On the Sapphire Coast the ocean comes to life in late winter as whales make their way north and Merimbula is the perfect spot to see these creatures in action. Get up close and personal on a whale watching charter or set up at one of the many vantage points along the coastline. If you are staying in the NRMA resort (see below), keep your eyes peeled – guests often spot whales from their site or cabin.

Humpback whale, photo Destination NSW.

Photo: Destination NSW

Where to eat in Merimbula

Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant

With 180-degree ocean views, this restaurant offers awarding-winning food and an aquarium on site. After indulging your tastebuds in a menu that showcases local seafood and oysters, marvel at the 28-tank aquarium housing local and tropical marine life.

A lone paddleboat floats, tied along the rocky shore near a boardwalk that leads to a jetty, and green trees on the opposite shore.

Dulcie’s Cottage

Merimbula locals Kirsty Pongratz and Mitchell Nadin have transformed a charming 1920s house into the region’s trendiest cafe and bar, Dulcie’s Cottage. Pongratz’s husband is Sydney hospitality icon Jason Scott of the Swillhouse Group, who brings a bit of big city cool to this little country cottage. Expect classic American style burgers (cooked in a restored 1950s caravan parked in the courtyard) and plenty of fresh local oysters.

Tidal Restaurant and Wine Bar

If it’s an upmarket dining experience you’re seeking, the Tidal Restaurant is the place to be. Using produce from local and regional farmers, it offers seafood (including oysters of course!), duck, beef and goat dishes, plus a dessert selection to finish the evening on a sweet note.

Club Sapphire

This club’s Pacific Bistro is open for lunch and dinner. Along with all the typical fare you’d expect such as chicken schnitzel and steaks, the menu features local oysters. Merimbula RSL is another convenient dining option with off-street parking.

Toast Eden Café

If you’re looking for a café dedicated to local, healthy fare, then you’ll love Toast Eden Cafe. Offering up Eden’s finest fresh produce, the food is delicious, nutritious and pesticide-free. It’s dog-friendly and you can sit street-side with your dog or enjoy a more relaxed experience in the secluded back garden.

Longstocking Brewery

The craft beer revolution arrived on the Sapphire Coast with the opening of Longstocking Brewery in Pambula at the start of 2016. Sit down for lunch with a plate of fresh oysters or woodfired pizza and a schooner of something delicious from the huge line of beer taps at the bar. Opening hours vary by day, so check the website for details.

Three people waiting at a bar.

Wild Ryes Baking Co

If it’s a lunchtime pie or coffee you’re craving, you’ll find splendid examples of both at Wild Ryes Baking Co in the Pambula town centre.

Where to stay in Merimbula

You can see the ocean from almost every corner of the NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort. One of the jewels in the NRMA’s holiday park portfolio, facilities now include a heated pool, water park, jumping pillow, tennis court, sand volleyball court, games room, kids’ club, bikes and go karts.

The resort has a huge range of accommodation options, from a beach house and clifftop bungalows to condos, spa villas, cabins and units, as well as powered and unpowered sites. For something a little different, try a safari tent which has ocean views, a kitchenette, bathroom, TV, air conditioning, verandah with barbecue and an outdoor bath.

Campers at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park can also bring along their dogs – the camping sites are pet friendly.

Couple sharing a drink on a deck near the water