Winter Wonders on the Sapphire Coast
Come alive in the quiet season with these winter wonders
The ocean is wild and glassy, the mornings are crisp, and the coastline feels calm, open and quietly alive. It’s the season for slow coastal drives, whale watching from headlands, long lunches, fireside stays and beach walks with barely another footprint in sight.
Wellness: Safir House + Good SaunA
For the ultimate Sapphire Coast reset, book in a little heat therapy.
In
Merimbula,
Safir House offers a luxe, science-backed wellness experience with infrared saunas, ice bath treatments and lymphatic massage in a calm, beautifully designed space. It’s the perfect stop after a coastal walk, winter swim or slow weekend away. Further north in
Bermagui,
Good Sauna brings a more grounded, coastal ritual to the mix, with a wood-fired sauna perched above the dunes at
Horseshoe Bay, overlooking Gulaga Mountain. Choose a communal session or book privately for a slower, more intimate experience. Together, Safir House and Good Sauna offer two beautiful ways to warm up, wind down and reconnect on the Sapphire Coast.
Winter stargazing SESSIONS
Pack your head torch and bring your winter woollies (and thermos of hot chocolate), because the clear skies of winter are ideal for stargazing and spotting the Milky Way. The best stretch of coast for stargazing is anywhere south of Eden, where the wide open spaces of Beowa National Park, Nadgee Wilderness and surrounding forests are free from any outside light interference. However, pretty much anywhere along the Sapphire Coast makes a worthy stargazing destination, so don’t forget to look up! Some favourite spots for our local photographers include Green Cape Lighthouse, Boyds Tower and Horse Head Rock.
If you want to take things a step further and sleep under the stars along our ancient coastline, check out the beautiful campgrounds in Beowa National Park, Mimosa Rocks National Park and Bournda National Park, as well as private camping and glamping options available throughout the region. That way you can stargaze and roast marshmallows at the same time!
Winter Whale Watching
Get ready for another awe-inspiring winter on the Sapphire Coast as Sapphire Coastal Adventures sets sail for the 2026 whale watching season! From May to July, humpback whales travel north from Antarctica towards warmer breeding waters, with tours departing on selected days during the northern migration. Then, from August to early November, the southern migration begins, bringing even more spectacular sightings as whales return south, often with calves in tow.
Join Sapphire Coastal Adventures in Merimbula, Eden or Bermagui for your chance to see these incredible giants up close, with experienced guides, dramatic coastal scenery and the thrill of spotting whales in the wild. Along the way, you may also see dolphins, seals, seabirds and other marine life that make the Sapphire Coast such a special place to explore.
Whether you’re planning a winter weekend away or adding a once-in-a-lifetime experience to your coastal escape, whale watching is a
must-do winter experience on the Sapphire Coast.
dinE by the fire
Is there anything better than a hearty winter meal, a glass of red and the cosy glow of an open fire? In Pambula, settle into the firelit dining room at Banksia, set inside the heritage-listed Old Pambula Bank. Known for relaxed fine dining, classic dishes and warm old-world hospitality, it’s a beautiful choice for a slow winter evening. In Merimbula, Dulcie’s Cottage brings the charm, with cocktails, craft beer, oysters and burgers served from a reimagined 1925 weatherboard cottage. Book ahead if you’re hoping to nab a cosy spot near the fireplace. For a relaxed daytime stop, take the scenic drive inland to Candelo Café & General Store. Set in the beautiful village of
Candelo, it’s the perfect place to warm up with coffee, local produce and generous country-style fare.
WINTEr events and festivals
Winter on the Sapphire Coast is anything but quiet. From long-weekend jazz and waterside celebrations to fungi feasts and regional film, June to August brings a full calendar of cool-weather experiences worth planning a trip around.
Four Winds: Winter in the Windsong, June - August
For a winter experience with a little extra magic, add Four Winds to your Sapphire Coast itinerary. Set on Djiringanj Country at Barragga Bay, just outside Bermagui, Four Winds brings together live music, nature and a deep sense of place.
Across winter, the Windsong Pavilion will host performances from artists including Andrea Lam & Friends, with Andrew Haveron and Umberto Clerici, plus William Zappa, Hamed Sadeghi and Sohrab Kolahdooz with The Iliad Out Loud. Visitors can also experience Fred Leone & Radio for Ghosts and The Streeton Trio performing Women Who Dared.
Merimbula Jazz Festival, 5 June - 8 June 2026
Ease into the June long weekend with smooth sounds, live performances and plenty of good energy as musicians gather from near and far for one of Merimbula’s much-loved winter events.
WinterSun Festival, 6 June - 8 June 2026
Celebrate the magic of winter in Merimbula with a sporty festival inspired by the region’s favourite playgrounds: beaches, lakes and creeks. WinterSun is all about community, connection and making the most of the coast in the cooler months.
Fungi Feastival, 12 June - 12 July 2026
A must for food lovers and curious wanderers, Fungi Feastival celebrates all things mushrooms. Think truffle hunts, mushroom feasts, cooking classes, art, photography, guided walks, music, science talks and even kayaking adventures.
Far South Film Festival, 14 August - 15 August 2026
Settle in for a celebration of regional storytelling, with feature films from across Australia. Expect films that are moving, beautiful, unique and maybe even a little bit scary.
Whether you’re here for food, music, film, nature or a winter weekend by the sea, the Sapphire Coast has plenty happening between June and August. Pack your warm layers, plan your dates and come experience a Wonderfully Wild Winter.
Hit the mountain bike trails
Think no crowds, no expensive lift tickets, no snowstorms and no traffic. Winter is the perfect time to plan a Sapphire Coast road trip and explore the mountain bike trails winding through our coastal forests at Gravity Eden and Tathra. With more than 100km of trails to discover, there are options for all skill levels, from cruisy forest rides to more technical adventures. Eden also offers an impressive jump park and pump track, making it a great stop for families, beginners and experienced riders alike.
LOCAL MAKERS & ARTISANS
The Sapphire Coast is packed with beautiful places to shop local, from coastal boutiques and artist-run galleries to creative warehouses, markets and small-batch distilleries.
Start in Pambula, where you’ll find Goldfinch the Label for locally designed, Australian-made fashion, Mechanics Warehouse for artisan goods, workshops and unique finds, and Artessence Gallery for local art and handmade pieces. In Bega, browse the SECCA Design Store for art books, prints, textiles, homewares, ceramics, jewellery and small-batch gifts from local makers. In Bermagui, stop by Shop7 ArtSpace, a cooperative gallery showcasing ceramics, sculptures, textiles, timber work, photography and jewellery by local creatives.
For something to take home and pour, visit North of Eden Artisan Distillers, an award-winning Sapphire Coast distillery using home-grown and foraged ingredients, or look out for Nine Circles Distillery for handcrafted spirits and liqueurs made with local botanicals.
You can also follow the Sapphire Coast
market trail for one-off treasures.
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