Bar Beach, Merimbula: Swimming, surfing, kiosk and lookout
On the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, Bar Beach in Merimbula has a stunning setting on the channel of Merimbula Lake. It’s also a pretty safe spot for swimming.
Bar Beach, Merimbula, is one of the most stunning beaches on the New South Wales South Coast. This isn’t necessarily because of this Sapphire Coast beach itself – Bar Beach is relatively short.
Book in advance for the cheapest rates on Merimbula accommodation.
The setting makes it, however. At the end of the channel that connects Merimbula Lake to Merimbula Bay, Bar Beach looks out over the bay and the lush, hilly hinterland. The winding turquoise channel is the real eye-candy however. Combined with the sandy spit directly opposite – the northern end of Merimbula Main Beach – it’s a beautiful spot.
Make the very best of your time: 8 Sapphire Coast experiences to book
- Dolphins, seals and seabirds cruise from Merimbula.
- Pambula River kayaking tour.
- Sapphire Coast private highlights tour.
- Oyster-shucking experience plus kayaking in Pambula.
- Eden and Beowa National Park photography tours.
- Potoroo Palace wildlife park tickets.
- Guided nature walking tour in Mimosa Rocks National Park.
- Reef fishing charter from Merimbula.
Bar Beach, Merimbula: Swimming and surfing
Swimming at Bar Beach, Merimbula is pretty easy going. The long, extending Merimbula Point provides significant protection from the ocean swells. During the summer months, Bar Beach is patrolled seven days a week by lifeguards.
For surfers, the nearby Merimbula Bar surf break can be fickle, but when it’s working, it provides long, feisty rides.
Bar Beach Kiosk and Historic Fisherman’s Lookout
For food and drink the Bar Beach Kiosk is something of an institution. It’s more of a café than the generic kiosks found up and own the Australian east coast. It’s also open fairly early in the morning and has a reputation for good coffee.
There are also outdoor showers at the Bar Beach, should you need to wash down after a swim.
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And look for discounts on sunglasses, sun cream or a really good book.
The best views, however, come from the Historic Fisherman’s Lookout, just to the south of Bar Beach.
Other things to do in Merimbula include the Magic Mountain Merimbula theme park, and the Potoroo Palace wildlife park.
Merimbula makes a good base for exploring other Sapphire Coast towns such as Bega, Tathra, Pambula and Eden.
The best Merimbula accommodation options
The best Merimbula accommodation choices are:
- For a holiday park with lots of kid-friendly facilities: NMRA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort.
- For an affordable motel with an outdoor pool: Sapphire Waters Motor Inn.
- For central location: Pelican Motor Inn.
- For overall quality: Sails Luxury Apartments.
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