The Best Accommodation In Merimbula

The best Merimbula accommodation is all about proximity to the waterways that serve as a playground for visitors to the seaside town. Here are some of the best places to stay in and around Merimbula.

Merimbula has long been a hit with weekenders from Victoria and the ACT. But the seaside village has also become a go-to getaway spot for visitors from around NSW who are extending their search for pristine places to stay and play. Merimbula is within the country of the Yuin-Monaro Nations on NSW’s Sapphire Coast. From resorts and motels to holiday homes and Airbnbs, and camping and caravan parks, here are some of the best Merimbula accommodation options for a Sapphire Coast stay.

1. Hillcrest Merimbula

Wear your best kaftan, crank that ‘70s playlist and pour yourself a glass of bubbles to enjoy on the balcony of your Exhale Deluxe suite at Hillcrest Merimbula – one of our top unique stays in NSW.

a Hillcrest Merimbula vehicle — Have a well-deserved break at Hillcrest Merimbula.

The rooms at the roadside motel have had a beautiful nip and tuck, with the pared-back interior including pops of colour inspired by the pink sandstone that is necklaced around Merimbula’s seaside surrounds. The chic boutique hotel, built in 1969, has 29 rooms and a one-bedroom apartment, pool, tennis court, fire pit and playground.

a chic bedroom at Hillcrest Merimbula — Stay in one of the chic rooms of Hillcrest Merimbula. (Image: Robbie Duncan – No Bad Days Photography)

2. Coast Resort Merimbula

In need of a serious break in idyllic surroundings? Book a weekend away at Coast Resort Merimbula , which has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments. The coastal resort will suit road-trippers who want to see more of Merimbula. The activities list is huge in Merimbula and its surroundings.

the bedroom pool apartment at Coast Resort Merimbula — Step outside your bedroom pool apartment for a few laps.

As well as being a short walk from ocean beaches and inland waterways, it is near some of the best places to eat and drink in Merimbula. There’s a lap pool, and tennis court, too.

a pool at Coast Resort Merimbula — Sit on a sun lounger by the pool at Coast Resort Merimbula.

3. The South Seas Motel

It started with the Hillcrest Merimbula, and it continued with South Seas Motel Merimbula , one of Australia’s many retrofitted properties that pay tribute to our nostalgic road-tripping past. One of the best features of the pet-friendly motel in Merimbula is the solar-heated pool; it’s decked out with sun loungers and set against the backdrop of a juicy tangerine-tinted wall.

the property exterior of the South Seas Motel, Merimbula — Stay in the chic South Seas Motel.

Pull up right outside your comfortable room and engineer that gatho around the barbie. Like most of Australia’s best retro motels, the function of The South Seas Motel is far more impressive than its simple form might suggest.

an aerial view of the South Seas Motel, Merimbula — The retro motel is pet-friendly.

4. Surfside Holiday Apartments Merimbula

Those looking for a budget-friendly beachside holiday in Merimbula will appreciate the pricing at Surfside Holiday Apartments Merimbula , which is just minutes away from Merimbula Lake. The apartments are also within walking distance from the centre of Merimbula and Main Beach is so close the sound of the ocean echoes against the windows. Time your visit to coincide with the Merimbula Seaside Market & Fair held in nearby Ford Park on the third Sunday of the month.

5. The Love Shack

Start your day’s activities early so you can then kick back and retire to the comfort of the Love Shack , a pretty one-bedroom cottage in Pambula Beach, just a 10-minute drive from Merimbula.

the bedroom at The Love Shack, Merimbula — Get cosy in a one-bedroom cottage in The Love Shack.

Here, you can enjoy soaring views of sea, sand and sky in complete privacy and comfort from this humble beach shack on a hill, which will facilitate hours of quality time with that special someone.

the kitchen at The Love Shack, Merimbula — Prepare your meals at the Love Shack’s fully-equipped kitchen.

6. Tathra Beach Eco Camp

Want to marvel at the starry skies while toasting marshmallows around a communal campfire while in Merimbula? The Tathra Beach Eco Camp , about a half-hour drive from Merimbula, is set in the heart of the Australian bush with dedicated nature areas where sightings of kangaroos are virtually guaranteed.

The eco architecture here includes a range of camping options from powered and unpowered camp and caravan sites to spacious Bellbird and Driftwood tents, Gumnut Pods and cute Banksia Cabins.

the bedroom at Tathra Beach Eco Camp, Merimbula — Retire to the comfort of your bed at Tathra Beach Eco Camp.

7. Hotel Australasia

Hotel Australasia in nearby Eden is positioned to take advantage of all the Sapphire Coast has to offer. The refurbished boutique hotel is one of Eden’s grand old dames, a storied hotel that has been welcoming visitors for more than a century. The hotel was saved from demolition in 2019 by a local builder who has given it a multimillion-dollar transformation. The décor leans into old-world luxury and the elegance of the era: think claw-footed bathtubs, pressed-metal ceilings and sash windows. Hotel Australasia includes Pikes Italian Bistro named in honour of its original owner, female entrepreneur Sabina Pike, and the John Hines Bar which nods to the hotel’s original builder.

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8. Sugar Rock Ranch

The Sugar Rock Ranch reflects authentic Australian vernacular traditions. The rustic accommodation was built by hand using timber felled and milled on the Eden property. And it lies close to the surrounding wilderness.

the property exterior of Sugar Rock Ranch, Merimbula — Stay close to the wilderness at Sugar Rock Ranch.

If you want to choose somewhere to switch off, the Sugar Rock Ranch is an ideal centre from which to ramble down to the jetty at the dam. Alternatively, you can ponder the universe around the private fire pit. Forget Netflix. The ‘Barn Studio’ cabin has a library, vinyl record player and board games like Yahtzee.

the cabin interior at Sugar Rock Ranch, Merimbula — The cabins at Sugar Rock Ranch evoke a rustic charm.

9. The Homestead

This robust property has been part of the Bega community for more than 150 years. And although The Homestead looks quite humble from the outside, the inside of the newly restored property carries a kind of stoic, elegant sensibility from our pioneering past. And the attention to detail is impressive, from each tiny vintage teaspoon to the iconic quartz bath, chef’s kitchen and abundant rose garden. Feed the chooks. Gaze at the stars. And chat to the local real estate agents about that tree change.

10. Lotte’s Hjem

Lotte’s Hjem is the sister property to The Homestead and one of the real gems of the Sapphire Coast. It’s located in Pambula just a short drive from Merimbula and halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. And it’s got Escape to the Country written all over it.

the property exterior of Lotte’s Hjem, Merimbula — Lotte’s Hjem is sequestered between lush greenery. (Image: Luisa Brimble)

The owners saw the value in the weatherboard cottage and circled op shops and antique dealers to furnish it with treasures. As a result, Lotte’s Hjem pays an aesthetic tribute to the past. Harvest herbs and vegetables from the garden. Cosy up around the slow-combustion fireplace. Take a long bath. And relax.

the bedroom at Lotte’s Hjem — Cosy up to the chic bedroom at Lotte’s Hjem. (Image: Luisa Brimble)

11. Albacore Apartments

The spacious balconies at Albacore Apartments are what this property is all about. And the floor plans are dictated by those panoramic views over Merimbula Lake.

a top view of the pool at Albacore Apartments, Merimbula — The pool at Albacore Apartments invites you for a dip.

Each apartment plays into the indoor-outdoor open-plan living aesthetic that makes entertaining such a joy. The one- and two-bedroom apartments are fitted with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines and dryers and can accommodate a maximum of five guests with the addition of a fold-out bed.

the interior of Albacore Apartments, Merimbula — Albacore Apartments is stylish.

12. The Palms Apartments Merimbula

Each apartment at The Palms Apartments Merimbula has two bedrooms and sleeps up to four people. The location in the heart of Merimbula makes these apartments a great place to base yourself while on the Sapphire Coast. But the fully self-contained crash pads are also so comfortable you can stay in and dedicate your day to relaxing.

the stylish interior of The Palms Apartments Merimbula — Spend your beachside holiday at The Palms Apartments Merimbula.

Families who want a flop-and-drop holiday will love the solar-heated pool, laundry (essential) and fully operational kitchen. The fact The Palms Apartments Merimbula is just a short walk from some of Merimbula’s best restaurants is also a plus.

13. All Decked Out at Penguin Mews

All Decked out at Penguin Mews is designed to showcase Merimbula accommodation at its best. This quintessential Aussie beach pad has a cool contemporary palette of warm whites and taupe tones that complement the incredible blue-on-blue views over Merimbula Lake and Bar Beach.

the living and dining room at All Decked Out at Penguin Mews, Merimbula — All Decked Out at Penguin Mews has a cool contemporary palette.

What better way to end another delightful day than with drinks around the covered barbecue area? A handful of great local restaurants are also easily reached on foot.

the main bedroom at All Decked Out at Penguin Mews — Curl up in the chic pink-hued bedroom at All Decked Out at Penguin Mews.

14. NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

If you’re searching for Merimbula accommodation overlooking the sea, the NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort provides an excellent base. It’s one of the best spots for caravanning, camping or glamping on the Sapphire Coast. The seaside resort is positioned on a headland under big skies, close to the region’s lakes, beaches and biodiversity.

an oceanview spa villa at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort — Stay in an oceanview spa villa.

In addition to its poolside condos, ocean-view bungalows, powered and unpowered sites, the NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort now has a range of new accessible clifftop villas that are simply furnished in contemporary coastal style. It also has four new stylish safari tents featuring outdoor baths designed to take advantage of those killer coastal views.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

Merimbula accommodation: 14 stays for a bliss-filled seaside escape