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

Wollongong 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 the 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.

Wollongong 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.

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.

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.

Things to do in Eden once you arrive include swimming in the Aslings Beach Rock Pool, visiting the Eden Killer Whale Museum and taking a whale-watching tour around Twofold Bay with Cat Balou Cruises.