Sapphire Coast: Best things to do and where to stay on your NSW holiday

Beautiful beaches, wild national parks and a mix of adventure and luxury. This corner of NSW is calling out for summer visitors with bang-for-your buck getaways you can take now.

The Sapphire Coast is packed with attractions but travel restrictions are threatening to squash another peak summer season for tourism operators.

Local operators are urging visitors to “take a break and give a break” on the far NSW south coast where uncrowded beaches, outdoor adventure and fresh produce abound.

“Even if it’s just a small break, three days or during the week, we’ve reduced our minimum night stays to make it more flexible,” says Steve Edmonds, CEO of Reflections Holiday Parks whose January bookings have been slashed by up to 80 per cent at some parks.

“If you live on, or near, the south coast by taking a short break this January, you’re helping local businesses and tourism operators catch a break they need.”

Blue Pool at Bermagui is among the sublime swimming spots on the far south coast. Picture: Destination NSW

Mr Edmonds said south coast holiday parks in Eden and Bermagui had been particularly hard hit after border closures with Victoria, with close to $800,000 in business lost.

“After the sudden (border) closure around New Year’s, people were literally packing up straight away, jumping in their cars and queuing up at the border to get back.”

The summer’s peak usually sees Eden and Bermagui holiday parks hit around 66 per cent occupancy. January 2020 saw occupancy drop to a record low of 13 per cent due to bushfires. This January, the parks are forecast to reach 40 per cent, down 26 per cent from 2019.

Reflections Holiday Parks in Eden and Bermagui are calling on Sydneysiders to 'give a break, take a break' to help tourism operators save the summer peak season.

Mr Edmonds said while the coast is a drive from Sydney, for people in regional areas, Canberra and the border bubble, it’s an easy last-minute break with a tent or caravan.

“You’re holidaying outdoors in nature which we know is a safer setting for social gatherings and leisure activities,” he said.

Learn about the rich Indigenous history of the region with a Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness tour. Picture: Destination NSW

Getting there: Take a short one-hour flight into Merimbula from Sydney or a scenic six-hour road trip, or 2.5-hour drive from Canberra.

SAPPHIRE COAST GEMS

The NSW Sapphire Coast is a summer holiday location that is world-class in terms of attractions. Destination NSW has created a list of gems to kick start your visit.

Ben Boyd National Park on the Sapphire Coast offers great hikes of all levels. Picture: Destination NSW

WHERE TO CAMP  

Pitch a tent or park your van at a Reflection Holiday Parks at Eden or Bermagui, Pambula or Killalea Reserve. With space to kick a ball, a stroll for a swim, and all the best of the coast at your feet, minimum stays have been reduced to let you flop and drop or stay for longer.

Camping at the Mimosa Rocks National Park. Picture: Destination NSW

LOCAL CARAVAN PARKS

BIG4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park, Eden Beachfront Holiday Park, Eden Gateway Holiday Park or Wonboyn Cabins and Caravan Park all have availability with powered campsites from as little as $30/night.

RIVER MOUTH BEACH HOUSE

If you’re holidaying with a big group, The River Mouth Beach House in Pambula sleeps 10 and boasts views of Pambula Beach River Mouth and beach bar. From $1200/night Airbnb.

Freshly opened oysters farmed in Merimbula by Brett Weingarth, owner and captain of Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours.

OYSTER BARN

Get shucked at the new Oyster Barn by Merimbula Gourmet Oysters, bringing you the freshest oysters straight from the leases, overlooking the spot they were sourced – Merimbula Lake.

PET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

Book into the pet-friendly Bermagui Holiday Letting. The foreshore location has lots of lawn for pets to roam around. The three-bedroom apartment is five-minute walk to everything and costs $195/night, with a three-night minimum stay.

The outdoor bar area at Longstocking Brewery, Pambula.

PAMBULA PICKS

Drop in to the new brewing room at Longstocking Brewery then head out for a fine dining experience at Banksia Restaurant at the heritage listed Old Pambula Bank. The three-course set dinners from chef Huw Jones and his wife Renee Loftus showcase the region’s best local produce.

Merimbula Beach at sunset. Picture: Destination NSW.

FOR NATURE LOVERS

Book yourself into Bumblebrook Farm, a 100-acre property in the beautiful Bega Valley, and unwind among nature while the kids help feed the chickens, ducks, goats and sheep. Cabins start from $130/night, with a two-night minimum stay on long weekends.

Ben Boyd National Park, Green Cape. Picture: Destination NSW

HIKING TRAILS

Do the Light to Light Walk in Ben Boyd National Park. Enjoy small sections of the walk on a three-day guided trek between Ben Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co and Life’s An Adventure

GLAMPING

Stay the night in a luxury glamping tent in the Towamba Valley at Currajong Retreat. Located 40-minutes inland from Eden, the secluded accommodation has a private deck with bathtub overlooking the river. Tents start from $660 per night, minimum two-night stay on weekends

Aerial view of Eden and Twofold Bay on the southern coast of NSW. Picture: Supplied

DIVE EDEN

Join the team at Dive Eden for a one-on-one scuba lesson or grab some friends and embark on a guided snorkelling or diving tour of Eden wrecks.

FISHING CHARTERS

Head out on the water with the family owned and operated Fishpen Charters, on a three-or five-hour fishing charter, departing daily from Mitches Jetty in Merimbula.

Magic Mountain Merimbula. Picture: Supplied

Kids of all ages will satisfy their thirst for adventure at Magic Mountain Amusement Park at Merimbula with water slides, toboggan rides, mini golf or check out the new Tree Climb Challenge.

NATIVE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Learn more about kangaroos, rescued koalas, emus, peacocks, quolls and more native Australian wildlife at Potoroo Palace Native Animal Educational Sanctuary in the Bega Valley, just a 10-minute drive from Merimbula.

Alexandra Seddon at Potoroo Palace, just outside Merimbula.

Coast Resort’s privately owned apartments, townhouses and penthouses are seconds from ocean beaches and inland waterways. Overnight stays start from $420 a night.

BERMI SURF SCHOOL

Learn to surf with Bermi Surf School, and opt for a one-on-one or group lesson. Learn ocean awareness, surf safety and etiquette, and board riding skills.

Green Point Lighthouse. Picture: Destination NSW

STAY AND SPLASH

Check the family into NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park and make the most of their large resort-style heated pool complex, tennis court and sand volleyball court.

The onsite kids club and family fun park are sure to delight. Cabins from $141/night.

SHOP AND CHILL

Stroll the main street of Pambula, lunch on a pie at Wild Rye’s Baking Co, browse homewares at Black Daisy Trading and books a class at Pure Body Yoga.

The Wharf Cafe, Tathra, NSW. Picture: Destination NSW

DESTINATION RESTAURANTS

Valentina Restaurant overlooking Merimbula Lake is a divine spot for a long lunch or dinner or a cheeky afternoon drink. Book ahead as it's a popular spot.

FOOD TRUCK RUN

Try the Fry Daze Food Truck for a waterfront takeaway near Eden’s wharf and sample locally caught seafood.

Book in for Gin School at North of Eden. Picture: Destination NSW

LOCAL SHOPPING

Visit Cranky cafe in Merimbula and support the locals who kept their doors open during the January 2020 bushfires to serve the community.

GIN SCHOOL

Book in for Gin School with the team from multi-award-winning North of Eden distillery, and learn how to make your own bespoke bottle of gin.