Things to do in Merimbula

Planning a getaway on the NSW South Coast and wondering what to do in Merimbula? You’re in luck because this vibrant coastal town has plenty to offer nature lovers, adventure seekers, foodies, and families alike. From surfing lessons to seafood feasts, the Sapphire Coast is a natural wonderland you’ll delight in discovering.  

For the best ocean views in town, stay at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort. Perched atop a coastal headland, there’s a range of accommodation options from clifftop cabins and safari-style glamping tents to pet-friendly camping and caravan sites. And with an onsite restaurant, resort-style pool, and waterpark – all just a few minutes’ walk from town – you’ll find everything you need to make your getaway relaxing, easy, and fun. 

And when it comes to exploring locally, we’ve got your back. With so much to do in this idyllic neck of the woods, we’ve made it easy with our list of the top 15 things to do in Merimbula. Happy exploring!  

Merimbula is paradise for surfers with pristine beaches and consistent waves. Main Beach stretches for several kilometres, providing ample space for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Nearby, Short Point recreation reserve and Bar Beach deliver challenging waves for those seeking more adventure. Local surf schools offer lessons, ensuring everyone can experience the thrill of riding Merimbula's waves. Try Coastlife Adventures or Amped Surf and Skate Skool – both offer specialised classes for kids and beginners.   

As well as pumping surf breaks, Merimbula offers protected waterways ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Kick off your adventure at Merimbula Lake and explore the network of arms and inlets. Nearby Pambula River is a peaceful location where you can spot birdlife and maybe even a dolphin, while Wallagoot Lake in Bournda National Park provides a remote bushland setting for your paddling escapades. There are numerous local outlets that rent SUPs and kayaks (try Mitchies Jetty or Sunny’s Kiosk) as well as groups that offer guided tours and lessons.  

The Merimbula Boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk morning walk. Stretching for 3.4km, this wooden pathway meanders along the edge of Merimbula Lake's northern shores, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscapes. The mangroves and wetlands are a haven for diverse bird species, so keep an eye out for pelicans and oystercatchers. The boardwalk is suitable for all ages, with occasional benches to take a breather. 

When it comes to Merimbula attractions, whale watching is right up there. Between August and November, thousands of humpback whales pass by on their annual migration from the warmer waters of the north to their feeding grounds in the Antarctic. Merimbula's coastline offers prime vantage points to witness these gentle giants breaching, tail slapping, and playfully interacting. And while they are easily spotted from land, several tour operators in the area offer dedicated whale-watching cruises that provide a closer and more immersive experience.  

Pack your camera and your appetite before visiting the town’s historic wharf. The Merimbula Aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of the Sapphire Coast, from vibrant reef fish to formidable sharks. After immersing yourself in the underwater world, the Wharf Restaurant awaits upstairs. With floor-to-ceiling windows, diners are treated to sweeping views of the ocean and Merimbula Bay. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced produce, with a focus on seafood.  

The waterways surrounding Merimbula are some of the most productive for oyster growing in the country, with millions harvested each year. The Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail is a short road trip taking in five local estuaries, including Merimbula Lake, whose large tidal exchanges keep the water incredibly fresh. Translation: scrumptious oysters! Try Wheelers Oyster Farm and Restaurant for a farm to table experience. The trail also takes in Pambula Lake, Nelson Lagoon, and more. Native Sydney Rock Oysters are the focus, but Angasi or Australian Flat Oysters can be sampled, too.  

A leisurely 10-minute drive south delivers you to the nearby village of Pambula, where Longstocking Brewery awaits. This family-friendly venue offers a range of beers made on site, plus an extensive gin, wine, and cocktail list. There’s an oyster bar serving up the region’s finest and a woodfired pizza oven for a more substantial feast. The venue regularly hosts live music, while the adjacent Oaklands Barn and Garden Centre is home to friendly farm animals to delight the kids. 

While you’re in Pambula, throw your swimmers on and head over to the river mouth – a serene and picturesque spot cherished by locals. This estuarine area’s pristine waters are a haven for a variety of aquatic activities like snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. With its expansive sandy stretches fringed by national park bushland, it's also an idyllic location for beachcombing and picnicking. Surfers can catch a wave here, too.  

Just south of the Pambula River Mouth you’ll find the Pinnacles in Beowa National Park, one of the Sapphire Coast's most striking geological formations. Eroded cliffs reveal layers of vibrant red and white soil, painting a vivid picture of the area's ancient geological history. The stark contrast between these layers creates a visually stunning display. A short, easy-access trail leads visitors to a viewing platform, providing a panoramic vantage point of the Pinnacles against the backdrop of the expansive Pacific Ocean. Look out for whales! 

Whether you’re a seasoned salty fisho or a novice with a new rod, there’s a fish with your name on it in Merimbula. Offshore anglers will find adrenaline-packed adventure in the deep waters off the Sapphire Coast, where gamefish like marlin, tuna, kingfish and mahi mahi can be caught. No boat? No worries. There are plenty of local charter groups you can join. And if you prefer casting from shore, Merimbula Wharf might deliver a trevally or a snapper, while the lake is home to flathead, bream, and whiting. The town’s beaches, meanwhile, could see you land a salmon or tailor in the surf. 

Magic Mountain is a fun-filled destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. This theme park, set in natural bushland, offers an array of attractions suitable for all ages. From adrenaline-pumping rides that twist and turn to exhilarating water slides, there's no shortage of excitement. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the mini-golf course is a fun challenge. With shaded picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and an on-site café, Magic Mountain ensures a full day of entertainment and relaxation for visitors. 

The Sapphire Coast Market Trail is a vibrant journey through a collection of markets scattered across the picturesque Sapphire Coast region. Each market showcases a unique blend of local crafts, fresh produce, artisan goods, and entertainment. As you hop from one market to another, you're introduced to the region's rich culture, local artists, farmers, and crafters. The trail includes the Merimbula Seaside Market (third Sunday of every month), as well as markets in nearby towns including Pambula, Cobargo, Bermagui and Eden.  

Potoroo Palace in Merimbula is a family-friendly, not-for-profit animal sanctuary where kids and adults alike can meet cute native wildlife. Get up close and personal with kangaroos, cuddly koalas, and the unique Long-nosed Potoroo. Families can enjoy educational tours tailored for young minds, teaching them about conservation in fun and engaging ways. After exploring, refuel at the Blue Wren Café.  

Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities in Merimbula, providing a window into the vibrant underwater world of the Sapphire Coast. The clear waters teem with marine life, from colourful coral gardens to schools of fish, rays, and occasional sea turtles. Bar Beach is a great snorkelling spot for families and beginners, its calm, shallow waters rich in marine life. For scuba divers, the Empire Gladstone wreck is a thriving marine habitat that offers an interesting and exciting dive. There are several local dive centres offering equipment rental, courses, and guided dives.  

Merimbula is fringed by pristine coastal bushland perfect to explore on foot. The Sandy Creek loop track in nearby Bournda National Park takes in paperbark forest, beaches and Bournda Lake, while the Kangarutha Walking Track is a challenging but rewarding coastal hike offering stunning ocean views. Further afield in Ben Boyd National Park, the Light to Light Walk – which stretches between Boyd's Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse – provides some of the most spectacular coastal views and remote swimming spots in New South Wales. 

Image credit: Destination NSW