I know the best things to do in Merimbula, NSW. And so can you.

The best things to do in Merimbula include snorkelling at Middle Beach, swimming at Bar Beach, the big slides at Magic Mountain Merimbula and coastal boat cruises.

Merimbula, NSW, is the main holiday town on the Sapphire Coast. At the southern end of the New South Wales South Coast, Merimbula is the sort of place that loyal fans drive all the way back to to every year.

Merimbula accommodation sells out fast – book yours in advance.

The beaches of Merimbula are the obvious drawcard. Merimbula Beach – sometimes called Merimbula Main Beach – is the longest. It stretches for several kilometres down towards Pambula. However, Middle Beach and Bar Beach vie for attention.

Things to do in Merimbula, NSW: Middle Beach and Bar Beach

Middle Beach is about 500 metres long, and backed by high, multi-coloured cliffs. It is unpatrolled and subject to strong tides, so be wary about swimming there. However, it is a fairly popular spot for fishing and snorkelling. The only way down is via the stairs from the car park on Cliff Street.

Bar Beach is on the channel of Merimbula Lake, rather than the ocean, making it a safe swimming spot. It is sheltered from the summer northerly winds, and patrolled by lifeguards daily in summer. The Bar Beach Kiosk is renowned as a good spot for a snacky feed.

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. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

What to do in Merimbula, NSW: Kayak and SUP hire

If you fancy exploring the waterways around Merimbula Lake, Boss Outdoor hires out kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing gear. It primarily sells outdoor gear, however, so the rentals aren’t particularly good value.

The kayak and SUP rentals from Fishpen Charters at Mitchies Jetty are much more reasonable, starting at $25 per hour. Fishpen Charters specialises in fishing charters, however – and these can morph into whale-watching cruises during the winter months if guests request it.

Things to do in Merimbula, NSW: Boat cruises

Also offering whale-watching cruises is Sapphire Coastal Adventures. From November to July however, the company runs two hour tours along the coastline in a small boat. Dolphins and sea birds are regularly spotted along the way.

Merimbula is big enough and popular enough to host an aquarium, wildlife park and theme park. None of these are brilliant, but they’ll do a job for an hour or two if you’re travelling with children.

Merimbula attractions: Merimbula Aquarium and Potoroo Palace

Merimbula Aquarium is next to the Wharf restaurant, and has 28 tanks of local and tropical marine life on show. The fish-feeding sessions are the highlight.

The wildlife park is Potoroo Palace, just off the Princes Highway to the north of town. This is a scrappy affair, clearly run with heart, but perhaps needing investment to spruce up the enclosures. Tickets can be booked online.

Amusement park Magic Mountain Merimbula is designed with younger children in mind. You’ll not find hair-raising rollercoasters here. Think more along the lines of a maze, toboggan, giant slides and fairground rides. There’s also a mini golf course and water slides.

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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