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From beach days and lakeside paddles to whale watching and family adventures, discover the best things to do in Merimbula on the beautiful NSW Sapphire Coast.
Planning a getaway to Merimbula? You're in for a treat! With sparkling waterways, beautiful beaches and coastal bushland, this laid-back town on the NSW South Coast has plenty to explore.
Spend your mornings swimming at Main Beach, paddle the calm waters of Merimbula Lake or head out for a little adventure at Magic Mountain. There's whale watching, scenic walks, wildlife encounters and delicious local seafood to enjoy too.
Whether you're travelling with the kids, escaping for a weekend or simply looking to slow things down, here are 12 of our favourite things to do in Merimbula and surrounds.
1. Enjoy family fun at Magic Mountain Merimbula
Looking for things to do in Merimbula with kids? Magic Mountain Merimbula is a local favourite, with rides and attractions for the whole family.
Wind your way through the bushland on the famous toboggan ride, race around the Grand Prix track or cool off on the waterslides. Feeling competitive? Challenge your holiday crew to mini golf, tackle the maze or take a spin in the dodgem cars.
With plenty to keep little adventurers and bigger thrill-seekers entertained, it's a great day out just a short drive from town.
Good to know: Opening days, ride availability and height restrictions vary, so check the website before visiting.
2. Paddle the waters of Merimbula Lake and Boggy Creek
If being out on the water is your happy place, you'll love Merimbula Lake.
With calm waterways, sandy shores and beautiful coastal scenery, it's a favourite for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing and boating. Hire a kayak or SUP, explore the shoreline or find a quiet spot to soak up the sunshine.
The waterways around Boggy Creek, just behind Black Dolphin Motel, are another local favourite for swimming and paddling when conditions are suitable.
Prefer a slower pace? Grab a coffee, settle in by the water and watch the oyster boats go about their day.
3. Soak up the sunshine at Merimbula Main Beach
Beach lovers, this one's for you!
Stretching approximately five kilometres along the coastline, Merimbula Main Beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, beach walks and lazy afternoons on the sand. Start your day with an ocean dip, take a stroll along the shoreline or find a sunny spot to settle in with a good book.
And the best part? Main Beach is just a short walk from Black Dolphin Holiday Park and Motel, so spontaneous beach trips are always on the cards.
Good to know: Lifeguard patrols operate during designated periods. Always check beach conditions and swim between the flags when patrols are in place.
4. Discover the famous Merimbula Boardwalk
One of Merimbula's best-loved attractions, the Merimbula Boardwalk is a lovely way to experience the town's natural beauty.
Winding along the edge of Merimbula Lake, the trail takes you through mangroves, beneath eucalyptus trees and past working oyster farms. Keep an eye out for birdlife, admire the lake views and take your time enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The established route is approximately 3.4 kilometres return, although sections may be affected by ongoing upgrade works.
Good to know: Check Bega Valley Shire Council's website for current access information before visiting.
5. Go whale watching in Merimbula
There's something pretty special about spotting a whale in the wild, and Merimbula is a wonderful place to experience it.
Each year, humpback whales migrate along the Sapphire Coast, with spring offering particularly good opportunities to spot whales travelling south with their calves.
Join a seasonal whale-watching cruise for a closer look, or head to Merimbula Wharf and nearby coastal lookouts to scan the horizon from dry land.
Keen to plan your visit around whale season? Check out our guide to whale watching along Australia's east coast for more tips and inspiration.
Good to know: Whale-watching cruises generally depart from the marina or public jetty area rather than Merimbula Wharf. Check your operator's departure point when booking.
6. Swim and snorkel at Bar Beach Merimbula
Looking for another beautiful swimming spot? Make your way to Bar Beach, a little local favourite near the entrance to Merimbula Lake.
With clear turquoise water, a sandy shoreline and rocky edges to explore, it's a lovely place for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are calm.
Pack your swimmers, bring a snorkel and spend a few hours enjoying this picturesque corner of the Sapphire Coast.
7. Meet the wildlife at Potoroo Palace
For a wildlife encounter with a difference, head to Potoroo Palace, a native animal sanctuary just outside Merimbula.
Meet some of Australia's much-loved animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and the sanctuary's namesake potoroos.
With educational talks, animal encounters and opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation, it's a rewarding outing for families and animal lovers alike.
8. Explore Merimbula Wharf and Aquarium
For beautiful ocean views, fascinating marine life and a bite to eat by the water, make your way to Merimbula Wharf.
Perched on the rocky coastline overlooking Merimbula Bay, this iconic local landmark is a lovely spot to watch the waves, enjoy the sea breeze or spot passing whales during migration season.
While you're there, pop into Merimbula Aquarium, located beneath the Wharf Restaurant, to discover the colourful marine life found along the Sapphire Coast.
Worked up an appetite? Head upstairs to the Wharf Restaurant for fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views.
9. Take in the coastal views at Short Point
For spectacular ocean views and a breath of fresh sea air, make your way to Short Point.
This scenic headland offers sweeping views along Merimbula's coastline, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and plenty of places to stop and admire the scenery. Bring your camera, enjoy a coastal walk or settle in for a picnic overlooking the water. During whale season, it's also a great spot to keep an eye out for whales passing offshore.
Keen to explore further? Just north of Merimbula, Bournda National Park offers beautiful beaches, peaceful lagoons and scenic bushwalks, perfect for a day spent outdoors.
10. Taste your way around Merimbula's oyster country
All that exploring is bound to work up an appetite!
Merimbula and the surrounding Sapphire Coast are famous for their fresh seafood, particularly locally grown oysters. Pull up a chair at a waterfront restaurant, enjoy a seafood lunch or explore the cafes and eateries dotted around town.
For something different, head towards nearby Pambula Lake, where oyster experiences offer a chance to learn about the region's oyster industry and sample some of its freshest produce.
11. Discover Pambula River and the surrounding coast
Just a short drive south of Merimbula, the beautiful Pambula River is well worth adding to your itinerary.
With crystal-clear turquoise water, sandy shores and peaceful bushland surrounds, it's a local favourite for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Head to Pambula River Mouth for a refreshing dip when conditions are suitable, explore the waterways by kayak or settle in on the sand for a relaxing afternoon.
While you're in the area, wander through the charming village of Pambula, with its welcoming cafes and boutique shops, or explore the wetlands and walking trails at Panboola.
It's a lovely way to spend a day discovering another beautiful corner of the Sapphire Coast.
12. Take a day trip to Bega
Fancy a change of scenery? Head inland to the charming country town of Bega, approximately 30 minutes from Merimbula. Famous for its cheese-making heritage, Bega is home to welcoming cafes, historic buildings and beautiful countryside.
Stop by the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, explore the town or simply enjoy the scenic drive through the rolling green hills. For more ideas, check out our guide to exploring Bega.
Stay close to the best things to do in Merimbula
With beautiful beaches, sparkling waterways and plenty of local attractions, Merimbula has all the ingredients for a memorable coastal getaway.
And at Black Dolphin Holiday Park and Motel, you're right where you want to be.
Choose from self-contained cabins and villas, powered and ensuite caravan sites, or settle into a room at the iconic Robin Boyd-designed Black Dolphin Motel, just across the road.
When you're not out exploring, there's plenty to enjoy back at the holiday park, including swimming pools, waterslides, a splash park, jumping pillow, games room and pickleball courts. Motel guests can enjoy the holiday park facilities too!
With Main Beach, Merimbula Lake, the boardwalk and town all within easy reach, it's a great base for discovering everything this beautiful part of the NSW South Coast has to offer.
Ready to plan your next Merimbula getaway?
Explore Black Dolphin Holiday Park and Motel and find your perfect stay.