Plan your trip
SAPPHIRE COAST
PLAN YOUR SAPPHIRE COAST Holiday
Staying here means standing out on an ancient coastline, indulging in the freshest oysters, grown just metres from where you dine, laying down under a sky full of stars listening to the wildlife settle in and waking to the crisp, clear dawn and the sound of the ocean.
Only 3 hours drive from Canberra and 6-7 from Sydney and Melbourne, why not break away from the city and reconnect with nature on the Sapphire Coast.
ACCOMMODATION
Explore a huge range of stays to suit all budgets and tastes, from luxury apartment to eco glamping.
TOWNS & VILLAGES
Discover charming coastal towns & country villages, full of unique charm and flavour.
VISITOR CENTRES
Drop by one of our Visitor Centres in Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Bega or Cobargo for local advice and tips.
Curious about the Sapphire Coast? We’ve got you covered
Is there a coastal drive from Melbourne or Sydney to the Sapphire Coast?
Enjoy two of Australia’s most scenic road trips.
From Sydney: Follow the Grand Pacific Drive down the South Coast, winding past beaches, coastal towns, and national parks before reaching the Sapphire Coast.
From Melbourne: Travel along the Great Alpine Road or Princes Highway, taking in Gippsland lakes, forests, and coastline along the way.
By car: Around 6 hours from Sydney or Melbourne, 3 hours from Canberra.
By air: Direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne arrive daily at Merimbula Airport.
By bus: Direct services run from Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.
See more information on our Getting Here page.
A car is the easiest way to explore. Public transport is limited, so hire cars or self-drive trips are recommended.
What is the best season to visit?
Summer – Warm beach days, surf, and lively holiday events.
Autumn – Mild days, perfect for bushwalking and food festivals.
Winter – Quiet escapes, fishing, and cosy inland stays.
Spring – Whale watching, wildflowers, and mild weather.
Find more on our See and Do page.
Are there guided ocean and wildlife experiences?
Join local operators for:
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Guided bushwalks and birdwatching tours.
Find more experiences on our Tours & Experiences page.
When is whale watching best?
The prime season is September to November. Eden especially is world-renowned for close encounters as humpbacks pause to feed during their southern migration.
Top land-based lookouts include:
Green Cape Lighthouse
Eden Lookout and Rotary Park
Tathra Headland Lookout
Merimbula Long Point Lookout
Bermagui Blue Pool Lookout
Haycock Point
See more on our Whale Watching page.
Are dogs allowed on the beaches?
Some beaches allow off-leash access during set hours. Others are on-leash only. National parks do not allow dogs. Popular dog-friendly spots include Lions Park Beach and parts of Tathra Main Beach.
Find more information on our Dog-Friendly Holidays Page.
Always check council signage and clean up after your pet.
Where are the iconic spots?
The most photographed and asked-about locations on the Sapphire Coast include:
Bermagui Blue Pool
Green Cape Lighthouse
Tathra Wharf
Merimbula Lake & Boardwalk
Pambula River Mouth
See more on our Must-see locations page.
Is the Sapphire Coast accessible for people with limited mobility?
Many towns and attractions are accessible, the most popular being:
Merimbula Lake Boardwalk (flat, wheelchair-friendly sections)
Bermagui Blue Pool (accessible areas)
Find more on our Accessible Activities page.
Several accommodation providers also offer accessible rooms.
Where are the best beaches?
The Sapphire Coast is home to some of Australia’s most pristine beaches.
Favourites include:
Aslings Beach, Eden
Bittangabee Bay, Beowa National Park
Pambula Beach
Pambula Rivermouth
Main Beach, Merimbula
Bar Beach, Merimbula
Wallagoot Gap, Bournda
Tathra Beach
Moon Bay, Mimosa Rocks
Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermagui
Find more on our Hike To Hidden Beaches page.
When are the markets on?
The Sapphire Coast is well known for its vibrant local markets, where you can meet growers, makers, and artists while sampling regional produce.
Markets are held regularly across towns:
Merimbula Seaside Market - Held on the third Sunday of each month at Ford Park, with local produce, food stalls, and arts & crafts.
Pambula Rotary Market - The second Sunday of each month, featuring fresh food, plants, clothes, and handmade goods.
Bega Produce Market - Every Friday afternoon, offering seasonal fruit, vegetables, and regional treats.
Candelo Market - Held on the first Sunday of each month, known for its village atmosphere and eclectic stalls.
Eden Community Market - The third Saturday of each month, with local produce, crafts, and live music.
Bermagui Market - Seasonal and special event markets, often held in summer and during festivals.
Find more on our Markets page.
What is the Oyster Trail?
The Sapphire Coast is famous for its world-class oysters, and the Oyster Trail is the perfect way to taste them fresh from the source. The trail links oyster farms, sheds, tours, and restaurants where you can meet growers and sample unique oyster varieties.
Pambula Lake & Broadwater - Known for plump Sydney Rock Oysters grown in clean, tidal waters.
Merimbula Lake - Home to award-winning farms offering tasting experiences right on the water.
Wapengo Lake - Certified organic Sydney Rock Oysters, produced in crystal-clear waters.
Wallaga Lake & Bermagui - A mix of traditional and innovative oyster farming with stunning backdrops.
Experience the trail by joining farm tours, stopping at roadside sheds or dining at local restaurants.
Find more information on our Oyster Trail page.
