Spring into the Sapphire Coast

Stroll wide-open beaches, follow crystal-clear rivers and wander through ancient forests as the landscape comes alive with the season. Keep an eye on the horizon for migrating whales, then refuel with fresh Sydney Rock oysters, seasonal produce, local pours from artisan distillers and brewers, and long lunches at award-winning restaurants and cafes.

The perfect spring escape for fresh air, whale-filled horizons and a taste of the coast.

Enjoy world-class oysters

Spring is the perfect time to taste your way along the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail, meeting local growers and sampling fresh Sydney Rock Oysters straight from the estuaries where they’re grown.

Stop in at Broadwater Oysters for a farm experience and shucking session, cruise the leases with Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours or Merimbula Oyster Tours, or pair paddling with oysters on a Navigate Expeditions Kayak and Shuck experience. You can also call into Wheeler’s Oyster Farm, The Oyster Barn and Tathra Oysters to taste more of the region’s local produce, while oysters from Wapengo Rocks Wild Organic Oysters can be found on menus around the northern Sapphire Coast.

From farm gates and ‘shellar doors’ to on-water tastings, spring is a great time to discover how the Sapphire Coast’s oysters are grown, shucked and served.

SEE WHALES UP CLOSE

Spring brings the southern humpback migration to the Sapphire Coast, with whales and calves travelling close to shore on their journey towards Antarctica. Watch for them from scenic headlands, beaches and coastal lookouts, or head out on the water for a closer encounter.

Book a dedicated whale watching cruise with Sapphire Coastal Adventures, departing from Eden, Merimbula and Bermagui, or explore additional whale watching and private charter experiences with Freedom Charters in Eden, Fishpen Charters and Reel Affair in Merimbula, and Bermagui Broadbill Charters in Bermagui.

Prefer to stay on land? Follow our Spring Trails & Whale Tails guide for some of the best coastal walks and whale-watching vantage points along the Sapphire Coast.

WALK ANCIENT PATHWAYS

Step into spring and explore the Sapphire Coast on foot, where ancient pathways, native bushland and rugged coastline lead to some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.

Follow the culturally significant Bundian Way Story Trail from Cocora Beach, take on a section of the Wharf to Wharf Walk, or make a few days of it on the spectacular 32km Light to Light Walk through Beowa National Park. Along the way, discover secluded beaches, coastal forest, sweeping ocean lookouts and plenty of quiet places to stop and take it all in.

For more inspiration, explore our Walks and Hikes guide or follow our Spring Trails & Whale Tails blog for walks with some of the best whale-watching views along the coast.

DINE ON THE WATER

Make the most of local produce by pairing seasonal dishes and locally crafted drinks with some of the Sapphire Coast’s best waterfront views.

Settle in at Bermagui Beach Hotel overlooking Horseshoe Bay, dine above the ocean at Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant, or start the day beside Merimbula Lake at Fleetwood Cafe. Further north, stop in at The Wharf Local or enjoy a meal and locally brewed beer at Tathra Hotel & Motel, before heading south to Seahorse Inn Hotel & Villas on the shores of Twofold Bay.

From casual cafés to long lunches and sunset drinks, dining on the Sapphire Coast is even better with the water in view.

Pit Stop Coffee

Spring road trips are better with a good coffee stop along the way. From coastal cafés to country-town courtyards, the Sapphire Coast has plenty worth pulling over for.

Drop into The Pocket in Bega, Candelo Cafe or Valiant 66 Coffee in Cobargo as you explore the hinterland. Along the coast, grab coffee and something sweet from Boneless Cafe or Honorbread in Bermagui, stop by Salt Cafe Surf in Tathra, or settle in at The Eddy in Merimbula. Further south, follow the smell of freshly roasted beans to Wild Rye’s Roastery in Pambula or make a pit stop at Eden Ground Cafe.

However you’re exploring this spring, there’s always a good coffee somewhere along the way. For more local favourites, discover Coffee with a Sapphire Coast Twist.

RIDE INTO SPRING

Spring is prime time to hit the trails, with mild days, greener forests and plenty of ground to cover. Ride through Eden’s coastal bushland at Gravity Eden, with more than 58km of trails ranging from cruisy forest runs to technical descents.

Further north, Tathra’s 50km MTB network adds even more singletrack to explore. Bring your own bike, hire an e-bike or join a guided ride and spend a spring day weaving through forest with the coast never far away.

Stay a while

Make a little more time for spring on the Sapphire Coast, with stays that put the coast, bush and wildlife right outside your door.

Wake beside the lagoon at Tanja Lagoon Camp, stay among the gums opposite the beach at Tathra Beach Eco Camp, or take in sweeping coastal views from Hillcrest Merimbula. Further south, escape to Currajong Retreat, settle in beside Twofold Bay at Seahorse Inn, or go wonderfully wild with a night at the Green Cape Lightstation Keepers’ Cottages, where walking trails and some of the coast’s best whale-watching views are on your doorstep. Up north, Bermagui Beach Hotel puts you in the heart of town overlooking Horseshoe Bay.

From glamping and heritage stays to beachfront escapes, find your spring base and explore more Sapphire Coast accommodation.