Merimbula NSW is a blissful seaside town on the southern New South Wales coast. It offers stunning beaches, many with calm waters perfect for families. There are a plethora of things to do in Merimbula with kids (or without) to keep you busy for as long as you can stay in town.
Merimbula has become a popular summer holiday destination, particularly with Victorians, with accommodation booking out months in advance. We highly suggest booking in advance to secure somewhere to stay.
Visit Merimbula NSW
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Traditional Owners
The Yuin Aboriginal people lived in the Merimbula area for thousands of years, moving between the coast and the High Country during the seasons. When visiting Merimbula, you will be able to spot many of the middens created by the Yuin as they fished for oysters.
Things to do in Merimbula with Kids
Magic Mountain Merimbula
Magic Mountain Merimbula is a fun park for families approximately 2km from the heart of Merimbula. It is one of the best things to do in Merimbula with kids, and although smaller than the theme parks in major cities, has a plethora of rides and attractions to enjoy.
Rides in the park include a small rollercoaster, waterslides, a toboggan track, Carpet Slide, jumping castle, tube slide, Grand Prix Cars, crazy car, Magic Mountain Maze and Mini Golf. For smaller children, there is a toddler pool playground area and toddler town.
Park entry provides access to all rides except the Tree Climb Challenge which is ticketed separately.
Make sure you arrive early to snap up a shady spot!
Oceanarium Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf
Open Wednesday to Sunday, the Oceanarium Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf. boasts 28 tanks featuring local and tropical marine life of all kinds including a 70,000 litre Oceanarium.
Make sure you visit during the fish feeding times. Fish feeding is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during school term time. During the school holidays, it runs from Monday through to Friday.
Potoroo Palace Native Animal Sanctuary
Potoroo Palace is a small not-for-profit native animal sanctuary nestled in a bushland setting which has become home to a large array of native mammals including 30 Long-nosed Potoroos, birds, amphibians and reptiles.
Old School Museum
Opening in 1973, the Old School Museum is housed in the former teacher’s residence and classroom. Visit to learn about the history of Merimbula.
You will find the Old School Museum on Main Street (opposite the RSL).
Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours
One of our favourite adventures when visiting Merimbula was the Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tour on Pambula lake with Captain Sponge.
On our tour, we learned about the geology, formation and also cultural, natural and ecological significance of the estuary under Captain Sponge’s guidance. We learned about the oyster life cycle, visited an oyster farm and, most importantly, enjoyed a tummy full of oysters.
See if you can spot the Sea Eagles on your tour!
Whale Watching
Merimbula is a great spot for whale watching with hundreds spotted from the shore every season.
Where to See Whale in Merimbula from the Beach
The best spot to sight whales in Merimbula from the shore is at Short Point Beach. You can even relax on one of the wooden deck chairs overlooking the Pacific while you wait for a whale (or two) to swim past.
Best Whale Watching Cruise in Merimbula
Check out Sapphire Coastal Adventures at Merimbula Marina for a whale watching off-shore adventure who offer a 100% whale sighting guarantee between August to November.
Merimbula Boardwalk
The Merimbula Boardwalk is around 3.4 kilometres in length and journeys around the lake shore, through mangrove forests, under eucalyptus canopies and past pristine oyster farms.
There is no bike access on the boardwalk, so walkers can safely complete the lap without looking over their shoulder. Make sure to look out for Merimbula’s resident seal.
We recommend beginning next to the bridge at the bottom of Market Street or from Lakewood Drive at the back of the lake. Just before sunset is the perfect time so you can enjoy the changing colours of the sky.
The Best Beaches in Merimbula
Mitchies Jetty
Mitchies Jetty is a hot spot for locals and visitors each summer. It is the place to hire a SUP (Stand Up Paddle boards) and kayak, with the Merimbula Lake providing the perfect waters to try it out.
Adults will love the Expresso Bar, but be warned – there’s not a whole lot of shade here, so make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen.
Bar Beach
Bar Beach is on Merimbula Lake and offers a stunning turquoise waters to soak in. It is well provisioned with outdoor showers and amenities, and the Bar Beach Kiosk (one of the regions best eateries).
For families, the water is wave free and the beach is patrolled seven days a week throughout summer.
Short Point Beach
Short Point Beach is known to have the best coastal views on the whole Sapphire Coast and is the best spot in Merimbula to sight a whale from the shore. The southern end of the beach is patrolled during the summer months.
Main Beach
Main Beach Merimbula is a whopping 5km in length. It is patrolled throughout summer.
For families, the water is wave-free and the beach is patrolled seven days a week throughout summer, and backs on to beautiful coastal bushland. The northern end has a state-of-the-art accessible playground, amenities and barbecue area.
Spencer Park Beach
This is a great spot for families offering calm, shallow waters on the edge of Merimbula Lake along with a playground, amenities and a BBQ area. The beach is patrolled throughout the summer period – on the weekends by volunteer guards, and during the weekdays of the school holiday break by professional guards.
Where to Eat in Merimbula
Bar Beach Kiosk
Offering views of the bay and sandbar surf break, Bar Beach Kiosk serves seasonal snacks and healthy treats. The menu changes regularly but always offers something yummy.
Head to the Bar Beach Kiosk Facebook Page for more details.
Dulcie’s Cottage
Located in a 1925 cottage, Dulcie’s Cottage serves a simple menu of delicious burgers, local oysters and tasty fries. You can build your own burger, or select one from the menu.
Head to Dulcie’s Cottage for more information.
Waterfront Cafe
Situated on the shores of Merimbula Lake, the Waterfront Cafe offers a yummy breakfast and lunch menu featuring local produce and seafood. Head to the Waterfront Cafe Facebook page for more details.
Merimbula RSL
Each time I asked for a recommendation from the locals for dinner they recommended the Merimbula RSL. The plates are huge and the menu has something on it for everyone. This is a spot to take the family – and it’s not going to hurt your wallet.
Head to the Merimbula RSL for their menu.
Cranky Cafe
Open from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm most days, Cranky Cafe became one of our favourite stops in the morning AND afternoon when we visited Merimbula. The team offer delicious takeaway food with an all-day menu as well as Capt’n Cranky’s fresh fish and seafood out the back.
Head to the Cranky Cafe Facebook page for more details.
Ritzy Wine & Tapas Bar
Proudly sourcing the majority of their produce locally, the Ritzy Wine and Tapas Bar offers a delicious tapas menu complimented by a wide range of Australian and European wines, cocktails and a wide range of local and imported beers.
Head to the Ritzy Wine & Tapas Bar Facebook Page for more details.
Wild Ryes Baking Co.
Wild Ryes Baking Co. can be found in Pambula, just south of Merimbula. It had to be included as it is quite possibly the best bakery on the Sapphire Coast.
Head to the Wild Ryes Baking Co. for more information.
Where to Stay in Merimbula
Merimbula is the main accommodation hub on the Sapphire Coast with a spectrum of offerings for every budget. With Merimbula accommodation booking out months in advance, it is highly recommended that you work out where to stay ahead of your trip and make your reservations.
With so many offerings, we have listed the two accommodation offerings in Merimbula that we have tried and can recommend.
NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort
NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort offers a number of accommodation options including cabins, villas, fully equipped glamping Safari Tents and powered / unpowered caravan or camping sites.
This resort offers families a number of facilities to enjoy including its very own waterpark and kids’ club.
Head to NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort for more details.
Sorrento Luxury Apartments
We stayed at the Sorrento Luxury Apartments for a week over summer and enjoyed every moment. Offering fully self-contained, & luxurious apartment accommodation, this small complex is managed by Neale and Kathryn who are absolutely delightful and will assist you with all your needs during your stay. We will be back!
Head to Sorrento Luxury Apartments for more details.
Getting to Merimbula
By Car, Merimbula is just over 5.5 hours from Sydney, just under 7 hours from Melbourne and around 3 hours from Canberra.
If you aren’t keen to drive the k’s, then you can choose to fly into Merimbula Airport and hire a car.
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Cant wait to get back here. This is my special place . I love Everything about Merimbula . Anyone who hasnt been here yet should come , it qill capture your hearr