Narooma to Merimbula, NSW: Distance, driving time and road trip stops
The Narooma to Merimbula drive is 108km in distance, with a driving time of around 1h16m along the Princes Highway. Road trip attractions include Gulaga National Park and the Leaping Lizard Lookout in Cobargo.
The drive from Narooma to Merimbula connects two of the most attractive towns on the New South Wales South Coast. It’s best tackled as part of a longer road trip from Sydney to Eden, or Sydney to Melbourne along the coast, but there’s plenty to see and do along the way.
Merimbula, meanwhile, offers whale-watching cruises or dolphin-spotting ocean and wildlife tours. To bag the best Merimbula accommodation in advance, book here.
Book in advance for the best rates on Merimbula accommodation.
There are two routes from Narooma to Merimbula. One is along the coast via Bermagui. The other heads slightly inland via the Princes Highway. The latter route is quicker and is the one we’re detailing here.
Narooma to Merimbula distance and driving time
Via the Princes Highway, the distance from Narooma to Merimbula is 108km. This makes for a driving time of around one hour and 16 minutes.
The Princes Highway starts off near the coast, slotting between Nangudga Lake and Handkerchief Beach. Then it passes between Fullers Beach and Corunna Lake, turning inland just before Mystery Bay.
Narooma to Merimbula drive: Corunna and Central Tilba
Next comes a series of slight detours worth taking along the western side of the Princes Highway. These include the Tilba Winery in Corunna, Gulaga National Park and the cutesy clothes and food shops of Central Tilba. You’ll also skirt the edge of Kooraban National Park as you head towards Cobargo.
In Cobargo, there are fine forest and mountain views from the Leaping Lizard Lookout.
Narooma to Merimbula drive: Bega Valley
The Narooma to Merimbula drive then continues towards Bega, past the Biamanga National Park and Mumbulla Mountain. Things to do in Bega include visiting Mimosa Rocks National Park and the Bega Valley Regional Gallery. The Bega Valley Lookout is a good photo stop if you don’t plan on spending any time in this regional hub.
The Bega to Merimbula leg of the Narooma to Merimbula drive only takes 24 minutes. The main attraction on the route is the slightly dog-eared Potoroo Palace wildlife park, which you can book online.
Things to do in Merimbula once you’re there include swimming at Bar Beach and enjoying the rides at Magic Mountain Merimbula.
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.
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.
More New South Wales travel
See dolphins on the Tea Gardens ferry across Port Stephens from Nelson Bay.
Go surfing at Killalea Beach on the Kiama to Wollongong drive.
Tackle the walking trails of Mount Canobolas near Orange.
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