Merimbula Cabins & Holiday Accommodation

A seaside town in the southern part of New South Wales, Merimbula is often referred to as the ‘Heart of the Sapphire Coast.’ The location also makes it convenient to explore surrounding Sapphire Coast towns, as well as neighbouring national parks, where you will be welcomed by plenty of natural beauty, adventure, and local wildlife.

While in Merimbula, feast on award-winning local oysters and mussels, go surfing at the beaches, and try various outdoor activities. With five main beaches and nine wonderful lakes, the town is paradise for water lovers. Watch whales and dolphins from Merimbula Short Point, and go fishing and or just take a walk along the stunning Merimbula Lake Boardwalk.

Holiday accommodation in Merimbula varies in design and ranges from modern beach houses to cosy cabins and charming little cottages with gardens. You'll have plenty of options to choose from when booking your holiday in Merimbula, so you can find the perfect accommodation for your dream trip.

Getting to Your Merimbula Accommodation

Merimbula is a small town located on Australia’s Sapphire Coast. It can be reached by plane, bus, or car.

Merimbula Airport receives daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Moruya. Since the airport is only 2km from the town’s centre, you can reach your Merimbula accommodation by a short taxi ride, or on foot. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport.

Regular coaches reach Merimbula from Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. Self-drivers can enjoy a 450km scenic coastal drive from Sidney, a 580km drive from Melbourne, or a quick 240km drive from Canberra.

Getting around Merimbula is possible without a car. The town is small and pleasant to walk, and buses connect it to all major coastal towns. Renting a bike is an excellent way of discovering Merimbula, but if you plan on exploring more of the Sapphire Coast, renting a car is your best bet.

What to eat on your holiday in Merimbula

Merimbula is deservedly famous for its world-class oysters, particularly Sydney Rock oysters. Learn more about oyster farming in the region at Wheelers Seafood Restaurant, on their factory tour. Then tuck into a delicious meal of fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine. The restaurant offers a children’s menu and vegetarian dishes, too.

If stylish wine bars are more your style, the Ritzy Wine + Tapas Bar is a groovy place to check out. Choose from their excellent tapas menu and wash it all down with a nice Australian or European wine. They also have a good choice of local and imported beers. You can also try delightfully fresh Sydney Rock oysters at this spot.

Cranky Café is the perfect place for a nice brekky or for when you want a coffee fix in a comfortable location. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the outdoor seating area to make a wonderful start to a day of sightseeing. Regulars swear by the bacon and the espresso coffee. Gluten-free and vegetarian options combined with friendly service make this a popular eatery.

Art and culture in Merimbula

Housed in a beautiful heritage stone building that dates back to 1873, the Merimbula Old School Museum depicts the history and industries of Merimbula and its surroundings, from settlement to the present, using photographs and various artefacts.

At the Dianne Hocking Artist Studio Gallery, you can view beautiful paintings of the high country by this award-winning local artist. This studio gallery at Mirador is a beautiful, inviting space that attracts all art lovers, whether locals or holidaymakers.

The Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is located in the neighbouring valley and gives visitors a look into the dairy industry’s history and the lifestyle of early regional farmers. Try some famous Bega cheese and pick up arts and crafts as souvenirs at the Spotted Cow Gallery.

Merimbula attractions for families

The Magic Mountain Recreation Park offers a thrilling time for the whole family. Enjoy fun activities like go-karting, tobogganing, and water slides, or experience an adrenaline high on the roller coaster. The scenic views of Merimbula Lake and surrounding bushland are perfect to refresh you between rides. There is also a souvenir shop.

Head to the Potoroo Palace Native Animal Sanctuary, an award-winning educational sanctuary that works towards the conservation and awareness of Australian native wildlife and plants. Have close encounters with koalas, feed an emu, watch kangaroos roaming freely, and even touch a snake. There is an aviary and a café, as well.

The Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant is a fascinating family-friendly spot where you can indulge in delicious seafood and cakes, enjoy spectacular views of the ocean while drinking coffee, and look at fish being fed. Open every day, the aquarium has 28 tanks with various tropical marine animals, and is inviting and interesting for both children and adults.

Hit the Surf in Merimbula

Merimbula is a haven for surfers, but it is also great for beginners. Whatever your level, rent a beach cabin and let the waves guide you. Of Merimbula’s five beaches, Main Beach and Short Point are considered to be ideal for surfing. Beginners and kids can have fun at the edges of the 6km long Main Beach, where the waves are small, while experienced surfers can enjoy the bigger waves towards the middle of the beach.

Wave-free Bar Beach is a popular spot for snorkellers. If sea life is your thing, visit Merimbula between September and December, when you can join a cruise and observe the whales’ southern migration. Dolphin watching is possible year-round.

Fishing is popular in Middle Beach and Bar Beach. Mitchies Jetty Beach is the starting point for kayaking and puddle surfing along tranquil Merimbula Lake, which offers plenty of opportunities to observe nature and wildlife.

Events and Markets to Check Out in Merimbula

Merimbula delights visitors with a vast array of events, the best known of which is EAT Merimbula, held in March. Local chefs create dishes using local produce, with Merimbula’s pretty coastline as a backdrop to the festivities.

During whale-watching season between September and November, various thematic events take place. October sees the celebration of the Week of Golf, an amateur golfing event. The Merimbula Classic, an iconic SUP-kite-windsurf event, brings young people into town in November.

There’s no better way to experience the true essence of the Sapphire Coast than visiting a local market and cooking at your holiday home. The region produces premium wines, olive oil, meat, and honey.

The Merimbula Market is held on the third Sunday of every month. Alternatively, bike to nearby Pambula for its Craft Market on the second Sunday of each month, or enjoy a scenic drive to Cobargo, where a food market is held every Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions