10 Dreamy Airbnbs In Merimbula To Call Home

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.

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.

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.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

10 dreamy Airbnbs in Merimbula to call home