Things to do in Merimbula: Where to Wine, Dine & Have a Good Time
From whale watching to tasting their award-winning oysters, here's our guide to the best things to do in Merimbula.
Located on the stunning Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, Merimbula is a coastal town packed with laid-back charm. With six beaches to its name, plus the Merimbula Lake, it boasts an unbelievably picturesque setting between the ocean and rolling hills.
Merimbula is conveniently located just off the Princes Highway, almost equal distance from Sydney and Melbourne. A scenic five-to-seven-hour drive from either city makes it an ideal coastal getaway.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from surfing and snorkelling to exploring scenic trails and wildlife reserves. The town is also a haven for foodies, with fresh seafood, award-winning oysters, local produce, and a thriving cafe culture. Take the kayaks out on Merimbula Lake, hit the waves at glistening Main Beach and stretch your legs at the stunning Mimosa Rocks Walking Track, keeping your eyes peeled for native wildlife.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful break or a jam-packed holiday in the great outdoors, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Merimbula.
Things to do in Merimbula: Wine
Longstocking Brewery
Dubbed the best nano brewery on the South Coast, Longstocking Brewery makes its beers fresh on-site. Book in for a craft beer tasting, and you'll be introduced to a diverse range of locally brewed beers. There's always live music and fun events throughout the week, too.
3546 Princes Highway, Pambula
Mimosa Wines
Set in the rolling hinterland of the Sapphire Coast, Mimosa Wines has a selection of handcrafted wines that reflect the region's unique taste. Their boutique vineyard produces a variety of exceptional wines, including aromatic whites like Pinot Grigio and Semillon, alongside robust reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Each wine showcases the unique terroir of the Sapphire Coast, providing a refined tasting experience. We highly recommend cosying up by the fireplace and looking out onto the rolling hills with a glass of vino in hand.
2845 Tathra Bermagui Road, Bermagui
Merimbula RSL Club
Nothing beats the local RSL, and Merimbula's is packed with character and charm. This relaxed, family-friendly club boasts some of the best views in town, sitting pretty over the lake and ocean. There's a restaurant, cafe, sports bar, and free live entertainment.
52-54 Main Street, Merimbula
Things to do in Merimbula: Dine
Valentina
Book at the one-hatted restaurant Valentina on the sparkling waterfront for the best seafood in Merimbula. While you soak up the breathtaking views, dine out on their Mediterranean-inspired share plates like mignonette oysters, anchovy crostini and the blue swimmer crab aglio e olio. Save room for dessert because the midnight mousse with dark chocolate mousse, pistachio gelato, and macadamia cream is otherworldly.
Upstairs 5, 2 Market Street, Merimbula
Dulcie's Cottage
Dulcie's is a character-filled, reimagined 1920s cottage in Merimbula. It serves mouthwatering burgers, wings, oysters, craft beers, and cocktails. Enjoy local ingredients served from a retro caravan under a shady jacaranda tree. Whether you're sipping drinks in the garden or snuggling up by the fire, Dulcie's is a must-visit.
60 Main Street, Merimbula
Kitty's Bar & Dining
Kitty's is located within Club Sapphire and offers a delicious dining experience with an Asian-fusion flair. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes that blend modern flavours with classic faves like dumplings, pork buns, five-spice squid salad, donburi bowls, fresh oysters and curry fries.
The chic mid-century décor, with a 20-metre marble-top bar and a cosy sandstone fireplace, is the perfect backdrop for a long lunch. In summer, the sunny courtyard hosts live music.
119 Main Street, Merimbula
Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar
Tidal Restaurant is all about championing the best produce from the South Coast. The menu offers a masterclass in fresh, local seafood with creative small plates and innovative mains. From succulent rock oysters to pan-fried Hokkaido scallops, garlic prawns and rich desserts, each dish is crafted with finesse, offering a delicious dining experience in a stunning waterfront setting. As for the drinks, you can expect excellent cocktails, wines, and beer, plus gins and single malts.
23 Beach Street, Merimbula
Bar Monti
Bar Monti is known for making the best pizzas in town. Opening in 2022, this cute neighbourhood restaurant welcomes friends and family with open arms, filling their bellies with modern Italian delights like mortadella meatballs, pepperoni pizza, lamb ragu and the best limoncello cheesecake on the South Coast.
Things to do in Merimbula: Experiences
The Oyster Barn
No visit to Merimbula is complete without a full-blown oyster extravaganza. The Oyster Barn, situated on the serene Merimbula Lake, offers a seafood experience like no other. Enjoy freshly shucked Sydney rock and rare Angasi oysters on their open-air deck alongside prawns and scallops. Family-owned and operated, their oysters reflect the pristine quality of the lake’s waters, delivering a flavour described as “ice cream with sea spray.”
49 Oyster Track, Millingandi
Beach Hop
Merimbula Aquarium
A great family activity, the Merimbula Aquarium is located at the end of Merimbula’s historic wharf. It offers an up-close look at the diverse marine life of the Sapphire Coast. The aquarium has 28 tanks of local sea creatures, including fish, seahorses, and even sharks. After exploring, relax with a coffee or meal at the Wharf Restaurant, overlooking the ocean.
The Wharf, Lake Street, Merimbula
Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise
Merimbula is one of the best places on the Sapphire Coast for whale watching, especially from May to November when the humpback whales migrate. Book a dolphin and whale watching cruise through Sapphire Coastal Adventures to see these majestic creatures up close. The cruises often include sightings of dolphins and seals making it a memorable experience for all ages.
Merimbula to Tathra Walk
Otherwise known as the Wharf-to-Wharf walk, this mammoth day hike takes you from Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant to Tathra Wharf. You can break this one up into a couple of days should you like to slow things down (which we recommend as there's so much to do along the way!). You'll cover beaches, national park and grassy reserves as you traverse this incredible stretch of coastline. Perfect for nature lovers, there will be ample opportunity to spot birds, wallabies, lizards and other wildlife along the way.
Sitchu Tip: Head out between September to November for mild weather and some of the best whale watching in the state.
Length: 27.3km
Time: 10 hours
Adventure at Magic Mountain
For a fun-filled day with the family, head to Magic Mountain, Merimbula’s very own adventure park. With a slew of adrenaline-inducing rides, including rollercoasters, water slides, and go-karts, expect a jam-packed day. Younger kids will love the mini-golf course and splash pool, while the whole family can enjoy a barbecue in the picnic area.
134 Sapphire Coast Drive, Merimbula
Reopening September 20, 2024
Things to do in Merimbula: Stay
Hillcrest Motel
Hillcrest Motel is a boutique motel that taps into all the vintage vibes of yesteryear. With panoramic views of Merimbula and its lake, the refurbished motel features modern, stylish rooms with private balconies, an inviting outdoor pool, and lush gardens. Located just minutes from the town centre, it provides a peaceful retreat while being conveniently close to local attractions.
95-97 Merimbula Drive, Merimbula
Coast Resort Merimbula
Coast Resort Merimbula is a luxurious escape, ideal for families, groups or couples. With spacious apartments and townhouses, the resort boasts modern amenities, gardens and a pool. Its central location provides a serene base for exploring Merimbula's natural beauty and bustling town.
68/1 Elizabeth Street, 2548 Merimbula
Sails Luxury Apartments
Sails Luxury Apartments make for the ultimate home away from home with private balconies or patios overlooking Merimbula Lake. Just a five-minute walk from Main Beach, this lakefront property features a heated outdoor pool, a barbecue area, and free covered parking. Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen and flat-screen TV, and most have a spa bath.
62 Fishpen Road, Merimbula
Book here
Now that your itinerary is jam-packed with the best things to do in Merimbula, find more travel inspiration with our travel guides, or maybe your luggage needs an update. Check out our edit of the best suitcases in Australia.
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