The heart of the Sapphire Coast with pristine beaches and constant ebb and flow, Merimbula is a bustling coastal village nestled on the edge of a bay and lake.
Merimbula has always been a beautiful place of sheltered waters and seafood feasts. TheYuin People were the first to harvest oysters, fish and more, with middens dating back thousands of years still visible on the lake’s edge.
In 1797, it was discovered by two young English men, Bass and Flinders, who sailed from Sydney in a whale boat. While here, they became convincedTasmania was separate from the mainland, and went on to confirm it, discovering Bass Strait. It’s still easy to find a deserted beach around Merimbula with several white-sanded beauties within close proximity to town.
Nearby Bournda and Ben Boyd National Parks offer plenty of unspoilt wilderness to explore. Annual special events include the Merimbula Jazz Festival, several notable surfing comps, ‘EAT- Merimbula’s local food festival and the NewYear’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular.
Don’t miss:
- Merimbula’s beaches, boardwalks and other short walks from town.
- Award winning local oysters and tours.
- Boating, fishing, diving or snorkelling in some of the purest temperate waters inAustralia.
- Paddling or SUPing on the protected lake waters.
- Eats and treats at one of the many cafes, clubs or restaurants.
Adventures in nature
Explore the lake and the coastline on foot or by kayak, SUP or boat. Whale watching is a must-do activity during Spring from September to November. Take a ‘guaranteed sighting’ cruise or follow the migration from shore at one of the many lookouts and vantage points. Picnic benches & BBQ’s are scattered throughout and are easy to find – gather some oysters and local produce and head to a local park to enjoy some alfresco dining. View Merimbula’s coastline by air on a scenic flight or take a tour for a informative experience with valuable local knowledge. Walk the boardwalk, take a journey over the water and view the life of the lake beneath your feet. Seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors and you may spot the resident seal basking near the Merimbula Bridge, or catching a fish or two in the lake. Motor out onto the water or around the beaches for some epic reef, rock or game fishing
Merimbula Beaches
Bright and busy or remote and isolated, there’s your kind of beach waiting to be discovered. Take a walk along the 4 kilometres of pristine coastline from Merimbula to Pambula, descend into wild ocean at Middle Beach or gently float with the tide at Bar Beach, Mitchies Jetty or Spencer Park. Where ever you are in Merimbula, you’re never far from the water. When the surf’s up, hit the water with your board of choice, or challenge yourself with a beginner’s lesson and have a go with the support of an experienced instructor.
Eating and Drinking
A wide variety of cafes, bars and restaurants deliver delicious eats and drinks with many featuring fresh local produce and the region’s outstanding seafood. Strolling around the esplanade and plazas will reveal eateries to suit every taste and budget from take-away cheap eats to fine dining. Wash down an oyster or 12 with a freshly made cocktail, beer or wine at one of the bars, clubs or breweries.
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Sporting Choices
Pambula-Merimbula &Tura Beaches’ renown golf clubs come complete with their resident kangaroos and magnificent coastal views. Well known as golfing destinations and for their annual tournaments, they’re acclaimed for their wildlife almost as much as their sporting credentials. With National bowling titles and tennis competitions on the calendar, along with Merimbula’s weekly “Park Run” by the water, and several other notable sporting competitions, the region is an ideal stop for the sports lover to stay and play.
Merimbula’s Geological Gems
Take a step beyond the beach and you’ll find a bushwalkers paradise with pockets of lush rainforest, open coastal heath and everything in between tucked behind the dunes. Surrounded by National Parks, Merimbula contains an ever-changing landscape of complex diversity, easily accessible via a short drive with a keen sense of adventure. Discover an island, lagoon, creeks and lakes and a zig zag of walking trails at Bournda National Park. Gaze upon 60 million years of nature’s work in Ben Boyd National Park. From the easiest of strolls to a rugged adventure, you’ll definitely be rewarded with beautiful views, exotic birdlife and unique flora and fauna.
