MERIMBULA: THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLER GUIDE

Where is it?  Bordering the southern edge of merimbula on the South Coast, 450km south of Sydney How to see it for yourself? The view pictured was taken at sunrise while standing on the banks of the fishpen, located on the southern side of the bottom lake. Why I love it “In today’s world it is rare to find old, run-down jetties. They are usually quickly replaced with brand-new structures to avoid public liability issues. Merimbula Lake is one of the last few locations remaining in Australia that feature a variety of these old jetties. This makes it a photographer’s paradise, particularly during sunrise and sunset. I have spent countless hours at...

One of the best Australian beach holidays, Merimbula on the far south coast of NSW includes great surf, family beaches with safe swimming, secluded spots, national parks and more Situated on the Sapphire Coast in southern NSW, Merimbula is a great family holiday destination and the perfect spot for sporty types to let loose, writes Elisabeth Knowles WHY IS MERIMBULA SO GREAT? It is still one of those laid-back Australian coastal towns without a dress code or attitude problem. Until recently, it was pretty hard to get a good coffee, but times are changing – and slowly enough for it to...

My favourite beach was discovered one Christmas long ago. Like the best destinations, says Elisabeth Knowles, it was stumbled upon by accident. Welcome to Wonboyn. Having family on the far south coast of NSW encourages me to take time out and enjoy the very best of the Australian summer each year. We spend Christmases in Merimbula, NSW, on the Sapphire Coast (see our “Out & About” guide on page 140). Over New Year, there’s a tradition of heading to Wonboyn. I first went there in 2005, when we camped out on the dusty banks of Wonboyn River. It was on...

Australian Traveller magazines guide to the best cheap accommodation for the summer and Christmas holidays Merimbula Why do we rate it? Merimbula made it into our Top 100 Towns of Australia (coming in at #54) for its beachfront, rainforest and bush location. Our new editor’s spent a lot of time in this Sapphire Coast gem, and reckons she’d rate it higher. Where is it? Merimbula is an easy road trip from three capital cities along the Princes Hwy – 530km or a 5hrs 45mins drive from Sydney via Canberra, 7hrs north of Melbourne and 3hrs south-east of Canberra. Regional Express...

Australian Traveller magazines guide to the best cheap accommodation for the summer and Christmas holidays Bermagui Why do we rate it? Most of the action is offshore: this quiet coastal town is just 20km from the continental shelf. Deep-sea fishing is the draw but we rate the laid-back vibe: hang out at the wharf and watch the catch come in. Where is it? 378km south of Sydney in Bega Valley Shire; about a 5hr drive on the Princes Hwy. 250km from Canberra. Where to stay There are slim pickings at Bermagui’s beachside motels and apartments around Christmas; most book out...

Australian Traveller Magazine's 100 Great Australian Holiday Homes On the far NSW south coast, Green Cape forms the northern tip of Disaster Bay, named in 1802 by Matthew Flinders after eight of his men went missing just fetching water onshore – so it seemed like a good place for a lighthouse. The 29m octagon-shaped tower went up in 1883, and casts its baleful eye out over one of the best game fishing areas in the country, right on the junction between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Ocean, with the continental shelf drop-off close by. Two nicely renovated Assistant Keeper’s...

Winding down the picturesque NSW Sapphire Coast to Merimbula, halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, you’re surrounded on all sides by ocean, bush, rainforests and lakes. Merimbula bagged a spot in the Top 100 for its fresh oysters, local wines, diverse wildlife, restaurants and cafes that serve up arguably the best seafood available on the South Coast. Famous for its whale watching, Merimbula showcases these gentle giants as they frolic in the ocean from September to November, with dolphins, seals and penguins often sighted too. “Beautiful place with amazing food . . .What more can we say?” – MyPOWER Team There's...