Rainy Day Adventures on the Sapphire Coast
WET WEATHER ACTIVITIES ON THE SAPPHIRE COAST
When dreaming of your holiday to the Sapphire Coast, rain is generally not part of the plan. Whilst our region enjoys bright sunshine and mild weather all year round, sometimes even we are subject to occasional bouts of precipitation. Not only does the rain revive our lush hinterland, rolling hills, and beautiful rivers, it can also deliver unexpected adventures you may otherwise not experience on the Sapphire Coast.
So if you happen wake up to less than sapphire skies, do not fear! There is so much more than just beaches on the Sapphire Coast. And as the saying goes... the sun will come out tomorrow!
GOODENIA RAINFOREST WALK
Step into a forested wonderland in Goodenia Rainforest. Located approximately 25-minutes by car from Pambula, this hidden pocket of lush rainforest is a stunning location to explore for those willing to pop on a raincoat and brave a shower or two. Explore a lush gully of ferns and understorey species, moss-covered rocks, vines and fungi, all which come alive in wet and misty conditions.
Breathe in the clean forest air and listen out for forest sounds like the whip-crack song of the eastern whipbird, or impressive vocalisations performed by the superb lyrebird. The 1.2km walking trail loops through the gully beneath a magnificent lilly pilly canopy.
Be sure to take care in wet conditions as the walking track may be slippery. Note that the road to Goodenia Forest is unsealed and may be unsuitable in very wet conditions.
Plan your visit, be safe, and check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for alerts before visiting a park. You can also visit the Merimbula National Parks and Wildlife Office from Monday - Friday, or call them on 02 6495 5000.
SOUTH East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA)
There’s no better excuse than a rainy day to visit the new and spectacular South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA). A place for art, culture and ideas, SECCA delivers an impressive art program all year round with special exhibitions, events and activities the whole family can enjoy. Pair your visit to SECCA with a coffee or lunch date in Bega for a wonderful day out.
SECCA is located in Bega and is open from 10am – 4pm daily. Be sure to check out their website before you visit to see what’s on and get all the details.
EDEN KILLER WHALE MUSEUM
An icon of Eden and the Sapphire Coast, Eden Killer Whale Museum provides a fascinating deep dive into Eden’s maritime history. The museum was originally built to house the skeleton of one of the world’s most famous killer whales, Old Tom, the last of the Killers of Eden.
The space is home to some 10,000 artefacts that shed light on Eden’s long-time whaling industry, revealing fascinating facts via exhibitions and films, and exploring the region’s heritage.
While Eden’s orca population sadly no longer resides in these waters, the resident pods once numbered up to 50. For those keen to explore more of Eden’s orca heritage, you can explore the Killer Whale Trail – a self-drive tour of key historic sites around Eden and Twofold Bay.
Bega Cheese Heritage Centre
Famed for its rolling green hills the most relaxed cows in Australia, a rainy day drive to Bega and the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is a day well spent. Located in the heart of dairy country and surrounded by rich green pastures, Bega Cheese invites you to sample their world-famous cheese and explore about the history of dairying in the Bega Valley.
Originally built in 1993, the building is a faithful reproduction of the original 1899 ‘creamery’ building and factory. You can wander the centre and sample and purchase a selection of Bega Cheese as well as other cheeses from across Australia. Cosy up in their coffee shop and enjoy a ploughman’s lunch with a coffee or milkshake with lovely views to the Bega River.
The centre also houses the Bega Visitor Information Centre as well as the Spotted Cow Gallery which features the works of local artists and craftspeople.
Merimbula Picture Show man CINEMA
Rainy days provide the ideal opportunity to indulge in a rare treat – a rainy day movie on the big screen! Instead of staying holed up at home with Netflix, visit the Sapphire Coast’s only big screen cinema for a retro cinematic experience complete with popcorn, choc-tops and country prices.
The Picture Show Man is conveniently located in the heart of Merimbula and airs the latest blockbuster releases as well as the occasional classic.
Explore artisan and Vintage Treasures
The Sapphire Coast is home to passionate and creative community of artisan makers and creators who draw inspiration from our wild, unspoilt coastline. You can visit many of them at shops and galleries in town and you may even be tempted to take one of their pieces home with you.
The village of Pambula is a must-visit location for unique wares and hard-to-find items. Some of our favourite spots for locally made and sourced goodies are Goldfinch, Mechanics Warehouse, Pambula Collective, Black Daisy Trading and Artessence Gallery. And of course, don’t forget to stop by Wild Rye’s Bakery for one of their famous pies – there’s simply nothing better on a rainy day!
Some more of our favourite stops around the Sapphire Coast are: Maggie and Rosies Antique Emporium, Green Queen, RedPeg Eco Studio and Spiral Gallery in Bega; Boho Republic and Strangers in Paradise in Bermagui; Eden Antiques, Collectables and Old Wares; Cobargo Creators, Twig and Feather and Lady Lizard Gallery in Cobargo; EnhanceU and Daytrip Store in Merimbula.
Explore our towns and villages here.
Top Fun Merimbula
There’s no better place for kids and families to burn of some rainy-day energy than Merimbula’s Top Fun. Their indoor amusement centre provides hours of entertainment for stir-crazy kids with a ten pin bowling alley, underground Zone 3 Laser Tag, and a neon video arcade with more than 50 games to choose from. Their real life laser game is the crowd favourite and they can even create team challenges for keen competitors!
Top Fun Merimbula is open 7 days a week, open day and night.
Cosy Coffees and Cafes
Who wouldn't want to embark on a rainy day coffee crawl along the Sapphire Coast? Our region is filled with endless options when it comes to hiding away from the weather in a cosy café with a good book (and perhaps some buttery banana bread).
Below are just a few of our favourite spots...
Toast Café in Pambula for speciality coffee and a divine brunch menu
The Wharf Local in Tathra for moody ocean views and atmosphere
Mister Hope Espresso in Bermagui for perhaps the best pide of your life
Fleetwood Merimbula for bagels, Honorbread goodies and lake views
Florabel Eden for your choice of coffee, high tea or mimosas
Oaklands Barn in Pambula for country charm - with cafe, brewery, chocolate shop, gallery, animal barn, garden centre
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