10 dreamy Airbnbs in Merimbula to call home

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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The Sapphire Coast makes a case for an immersive break with our guide to Merimbula’s best Airbnbs.

Finding a Merimbula Airbnb that feels like home is a must for those who like to holiday with all the mod cons. Most of the best Airbnbs in Merimbula are by the beach. Yes, there are some unique holiday homes and great caravan parks on the Sapphire Coast. But the coastal community also attracts travellers who are drawn to the idea of a simple seaside holiday. Bonus points if your accommodation is near to Sapphire Coast treasures worth exploring.

1. Dunes Retreat

Think boathouse. Think beach shack. This magical Merimbula Airbnb is at the rear of a block occupied by the hosts. But there’s plenty of space and a large private garden to soak up some rays, too.

the bedroom at Dunes Retreat
Dunes Retreat is bright and airy.

The dinky Dunes Retreat has two bedrooms with district views and sleeps four, so is perfect for families. There’s also a chicken coop, fruit orchard and trampoline for kids. Merimbula’s restaurants and cafes are also just a short stroll away.

the interior of Dunes Retreat with windows
Soak up some rays at Dunes Retreat.

2. Beach Cottage

Digital nomads wanting to try before they buy should road-test this Merimbula Airbnb for a weekend. The Beach Cottage is an easy stroll to Bar Beach and Short Point for surfing as well as the local cafes and shops.

the Beach Cottage in Merimbula
Bask in serenity at Beach Cottage.

The cottage boasts bay and lake views and has a telly with Amazon, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV. The two-bedroom cottage is dog-friendly and has a fully fenced backyard. Cook up a storm in the dinky kitchen. Curl up in the sunroom with a good book. And enjoy the serenity.

outdoor seating area on the terrace at the Beach Cottage in Merimbula
Curl up and chill out on the terrace.

3. Bellbird House

All up, there are over 550 Merimbula Airbnbs to choose from. So the fact this tranquil home is featured as a Guest Favourite means it makes the cut. The interiors of Bellbird House look like they could feature on a Coastal Style mood board.

the interior of Bellbird House Airbnb, Merimbula
The interior of Bellbird House gives off coastal style.

Add to this the soundtrack of native whipbirds and bellbirds and you have some calming head noise for your holiday. The open-plan living arrangements and proximity to the beach and town are also worth a mention. The house sleeps seven guests and has wi-fi, Netflix and Binge, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.

the garden fronting the property at Bellbird House Airbnb, Merimbula
Spend your summer getaway at Bellbird House.

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4. Shack with a View

Being able to check the surf from the couch makes this Shack with a View one of the most popular Airbnbs in Merimbula. In fact, about 95 per cent of guests gave the property a five-star rating. The pet-friendly home sleeps four and has a sleek, compact kitchen, open-plan living area and patio.

a drone shot of Shack with a View Airbnb, Merimbula
Shack with a View is nestled near the beach.

Best of all is the fact you can walk from the front door to Bar Beach in minutes. Grab a coffee from the Bar Beach Kiosk while you’re there: it’s one of the best cafes in Merimbula.

the interior of Shack with a View Airbnb, Merimbula
Shack with a View has a sleek interior.

5. Heather Merimbula

Heather is named after the rich purple blooms that carpet the ground in Scotland. The brand-new Merimbula Airbnb sleeps eight and has a monochromatic palette of greys and whites with the occasional pop of pink.

the modern kitchen at Heather Merimbula
Heather Merimbula has a modern, fully-equipped kitchen.

The distinctly modern home also has a fully equipped kitchen, unlimited wi-fi, air conditioning and a coffee machine. The fully fenced large backyard will also accommodate your furry four-legged friend. Sleeps eight.

the bedroom at Heather Merimbula
Heather Merimbula is pet-friendly.

6. Sea180

This three-bedroom Merimbula Airbnb is only 1.4 kilometres away from Main Beach Merimbula and a five-minute walk into town. Sea180 features floor-to-ceiling windows with 180-degree wrap-around views of both the ocean and Merimbula Lake.

an al fresco dining area at Sea180 Airbnb, Merimbula
Soak up serene views atop Sea180.

The property sleeps eight and has been renovated with holiday rentals in mind. Watching for whales from the patio is a ritual here during whale watching season and is a must-do when in Merimbula. Parents with tiny tots will appreciate the fact there is a cot.

the bedroom at Sea180
The three-bedroom Sea180 sleeps eight.

7. Toad Hall

Toad Hall is an excellent example of a boutique stay done right. The historic home started life in 1860 as a Telegraph Office for the tiny town of Pambula, before serving as a saddlery, gift shop and antique store. But it’s this latest incarnation that has given the Sapphire Coast village something to really shout about.

the Toad Hall Airbnb in Merimbula
Check into the historic Toad Hall Airbnb in Merimbula.

Toad Hall retains the charm of its bullnose veranda and apricot weatherboards, which are inextricably linked to its identity. And it’s been fitted out with a mix of modern and period furniture that complement its heritage feel.

the rustic interior of Toad Hall
There’s a heritage feel attached to it.

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8. The Surf Studio on Bar Beach

This classic Australian beach house boasts spectacular ocean and bay views and offers everything you need to relax and rejuvenate: The Surf Studio has proximity to swathes of sand, large windows that pull in the sunshine and, most importantly, a bit of privacy during a weekend away. This contemporary beach house just two minutes from Bar Beach sleeps six and has a room with single beds for the kids and wi-fi. We’re happy with the veranda situation, too.

9. Rolling Waves 3

There are only a handful of properties that have private and exclusive access to Merimbula’s main surf beach. Rolling Waves 3 is one of them.

the Rolling Waves 3, Merimbula
Stay at Rolling Waves 3 for the night.

The quiet coastal retreat can sleep up to eight guests and it’s stacked with amenities such as a designer kitchen with stone benchtops, a bathroom on all three levels, a glass lift, rumpus room and killer coastal views. There’s also a fenced yard on ground level at this pet-friendly property.

the interior of Rolling Waves 3, Merimbula
Rolling Waves 3 boasts killer coastal views.

10. Ads on Collins

ADS on Collins brings a bit of romance and luxury to the seaside town of Merimbula. While there is plenty to see and do on the NSW South Coast, this secluded sanctuary provides an opportunity for guests to just switch off and make the most of Merimbula’s sun-drenched days.

the living room interior of ADS on Collins, Merimbula
Settle in the cosy and luxe Airbnb at ADS on Collins.

The fully renovated, split-level pet-friendly home is just a short walk to the beaches and the main street of Merimbula, which is lined with cafes and boutiques.

beach views from ADS on Collins
ADS on Collins is a cosy place for a weekend away.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage in Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky, and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial-style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and is a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place; it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.