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Merimbula - Jewel of the Sapphire Coast
 Before holiday-makers and tourism discovered Merimbula, you could almost have heard a pin drop in this small fishing town on the far south coast of New South Wales.
But with sparkling blue water and surfing beaches, lakes and quiet inlets ideal for children, all it took was a good road (the Princes Highway) from north and south for outsiders to discover this jewel of the New South Wales far south coast.
The town's modern Mediterranean setting obscures a curious history. In the 1860s, the town was a staging post during the Kiandra Goldrush when thousands of prospectors passed through on their way from the coast to the high Alps. Interestingly, Merimbula also earned a reputation for being one of the best regions in the world for growing maize.
Merimbula today is one of the many lovely holiday spots on New South Wales' Sapphire coast. The key to the town's success as a modern coastal holiday destination is its reasonable proximity to both Sydney and Melbourne.
Many activities are available for all the family including swimming, surfing, wave sailing, canoeing, diving, fishing, sea kayaking, bush walks around the coastal beaches, lagoon and lake and boat rides along the coast.
Numerous walking tracks meander through the pristine coastal tee tree and banksia heaths leading to picnic spots with spectacular lake and ocean views. The seemingly endless beaches and the picturesque town itself offer plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring.
Scenic joy flights operate year round although the best time is from September to November when whales are heading south past Merimbula's beaches.
Merimbula has a reputation for outstanding cuisine at restaurants specializing in unique seafood styles using all-local produce. In particular, Captain John's Seafood boasts "winner best seafood restaurant 2007" while also serving up mouthwatering beef and chicken dishes as well. Away from town and beyond the sand bar is the restored Merimbula wharf, which is home to the Merimbula Aquarium. The Wharf restaurant is just right for a coffee or a full meal.
So much for the adults. Kids go for Merimbula Ice Creamery and Gelati Bar!
Each June, the Jazz Festival weekend turns Merimbula into a magnet for musicians from far and wide. From September to November, seals, penguins and dolphins are joined by migrating whales visible from the coast.
If you're in Merimbula in late December and early January, don't forget the Wind in the Willows outdoor family theatre for all ages at Mandeni Family Fun Park. Bring a cushion or blanket because you follow the play around the Park as all the characters get up to mischief!
While Merimbula is very much a year-round town, the place gets busy in summer. There are plenty of accommodation options and it's best to book ahead.
Albacore Luxury Apartments boast marvelous water views. Albatross Holiday Units are conveniently located right in the central of town. Bayview Apartments are well located between the main surf beach and the lake, while self-catering Beach Cabins Merimbula are right on the beach at Short Point. For those interested in bed and breakfast accommodation, head for Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast.
More info
Visitors' Information Centre
Beach St
Merimbula NSW 2548
Telephone: (02) 6495 1129
Facsimile: (02) 6495 1267
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