Sydney to Eden road trip: Distance, driving time and best stops

Sydney to Eden drive: Narooma to Bega

From Narooma, there’s a strong argument for sticking to the coast and going to Merimbula via Bermagui and Tathra. But there’s also plenty to see nearer the quicker Princes Highway route.

The highway turns inland just before Mystery Bay, and soon afterwards you can visit the Tilba Winery in Corunna, Gulaga National Park or the cutesy shops of Central Tilba. You’ll also skirt the fringe of Kooraban National Park before heading into Cobargo. The Leaping Lizard Lookout offers fine mountain and forest views if you fancy a photo stop here.

The Narooma to Merimbula drive then continues past Biamanga National Park and Mumbulla Mountain towards cheese-making town Bega. Things to do in Bega include visiting Mimosa Rocks National Park and the Bega Valley Regional Gallery. If you just want a photo stop, the Bega Valley Lookout does the job nicely.

The last leg: Merimbula to Eden

It’s only another 24 minutes from Bega to Merimbula and the main attraction on the route is the slightly scruffy 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.

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.

It’s slightly quicker, however, to skirt around the edge of Merimbula and stick to the Pacific Highway.

You’ll go through pretty Pambula, which offers several good places to eat. You’ll then pass the Panboola Wetlands and Longstocking Brewery on the way south on the Princes Highway.

Sydney to Eden drive: Broadwater and Pinnacles Beach

The highway then passes through Broadwater, a tiny village, but home to a cracking tour. Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours heads out on Pambula Lake to visit the local oyster farms.

On the way into Eden, there are more marvellous beaches just off the Princes Highway. Long Beach and the Pinnacles Loop Walking Track in Beowa National Park are very tempting.