We are fortunate to be surrounded by pristine coastal National Parks, including Bournda National Park, Ben Boyd National Park and Mimosa Rocks National Park. These are all worth exploring for their walks, bike trails, fishing and beautiful unspoilt beaches. Visit our National Parks and Wildlife Service Office in Merimbula, they offer a broad range of activities in our beautiful coastal National Parks.

The village of Tathra is a beautiful, 20 min drive north of Merimbula, set on an imposing headland overlooking the ocean. The historic wharf has beautiful views looking north across the bay to Mimosa Rocks national park and back towards Tathra beach. The wharf has an excellent café with delicious produce sourced locally.

After a morning coffee at the wharf, pick up some award-winning Tathra oysters nearby and head off to Kianinny Bay for a picnic. There is a lovely grassy picnic area there with BBQ facilities and a sheltered inlet to the boat ramp. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, or just jump off the wharf for a swim. On your way down to the picnic area, stop at Chamberlains lookout for a bird’s eye view of the beautiful inlet and crystal-clear water – a stunning sight!

A visit to the beautiful bays of Eden is well worth it and the Eden Killer Whale Museum is a highlight. The museum showcases the amazing stories of whaling in the 1800’s and early 1900’s and highlights the incredible relationship between the legendary whalers of the time and the Killer Whales in Twofold Bay, Eden. Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum website.

Check out the tallest lighthouse in NSW. Just over an hour’s drive south past Eden (Part of which is dirt road; suitable for 2-wheel drive) is Green Cape Lighthouse. Set on the tip of a headland in Ben Boyd National Park; prepare to indulge in some glorious views looking over Disaster Bay.

Look out for the abundant wildlife in the area, including wallabies, sea eagles and there are fur seals to be spotted in the ocean. This is also a good whale-watching point during the southern migration from August to November. Explore the area after a picnic lunch, or book into one of the lighthouse keeper’s self-contained cottages for an overnight stay.
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Enjoy a fun-filled day out at one of NSW newest racecourses, offering excellent viewing opportunities from their modern spectator facilities. With spacious grassy banks, bring the family along for a picnic and enjoy the racing action! Food and drinks service available, and free buses from town. View the Sapphire Coast Turf Club website here.

Merimbula is the heart of the Sapphire Coast, making it the perfect base to take in some amazing natural beauty along a beautiful coastal route where you can explore natural beauty and beaches in the many national parks, as well as the quaint little towns and historical highlights dotted along the route.