Merimbula is at the heart of the Sapphire Coast, sitting roughly halfway between Melbourne and Sydney on the Far South Coast of New South Wales. Take one look at the ocean and you’ll see how this region got its name.
It’s dotted with charming towns and villages set on the sparkling ocean, beside glassy lakes or tucked into the gentle hinterland. Drink craft beer themed for the Roaring 20s, pluck fresh oysters straight from the water and look out for migrating whales.
Where to eat
Merimbula locals Kirsty Pongratz and Mitchell Nadin have transformed a charming 1920s house into the region’s trendiest cafe and bar, Dulcie’s Cottage. Pongratz’s husband is Sydney hospitality icon Jason Scott of the Swillhouse Group, who brings a bit of big city cool to this little country cottage. Expect classic American style burgers (cooked in a restored 1950s caravan parked in the courtyard) and plenty of fresh local oysters.
After an early morning swim, refuel at the Bar Beach Kiosk. This tiny wooden shack serves up great coffee, superfood bowls, salads and housemade muffins right on the edge of Bar Beach.
If you’re looking for a cafe dedicated to local, healthy fare, then you’ll love Toast Eden Cafe. Offering up Eden’s finest fresh produce, the food is delicious, nutritious and pesticide-free. It’s dog-friendly and you can sit street-side with your dog or enjoy a more relaxed experience in the secluded back garden.
The craft beer revolution arrived on the Sapphire Coast with the opening of Longstocking Brewery in Pambula at the start of 2016. The brewery is open Wednesday to Sunday with a revolving door of beers on tap. Sit down for lunch with a schooner and a plate of fresh oysters or a woodfired pizza.