Find several secluded beaches, scenic lakes and intriguing seaside towns amid awe-inspiring national parks on this diverse coastal strip in southern New South Wales.
Discover water gleaming like a jewel on the Sapphire Coast, New South Wales’ most southerly coastal region. Stretching along the seaside of Bega Valley, the Sapphire Coast is a treasure trove of stunning beaches, sheltered bays, intriguing rock formations and beautiful bushland reserves. Drive along the scenic coast and hike a network of rewarding walking tracks or simply laze on the beach and enjoy a picnic of the region’s cheeses.
Explore the Sapphire Coast’s charming seaside villages. Learn about local Aboriginal cultural heritage at Wallaga Lake or try fishing at Bermagui and Wonboyn Lake. The large country town of Bega has a rich dairying history. Investigate the region’s award-winning cheeses at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre.
Tathra, by the sea, is bordered by the magnificent Mimosa Rocks National Park and the Bournda National Park. See eerie caves and rock formations along this strip of coast and visit the town’s historic steamer sea wharf.
Pambula and Merimbula are laid-back settings for enjoying picturesque beaches backed by the beautiful Southeast Forest National Park. Surf at Merimbula’s Main Beach or wander amid banksias and tea trees at Short Point and Tura Beach. Merimbula River and Merimbula Lake are great for watersports. Look for golden bell frogs while walking around the Panboola Wetlands in Pambula.
Discover Eden’s whaling history and spot the remarkable creatures migrating across the bay in winter. South of Eden, find Ben Boyd National Park, the location for the magnificent Light to Light Walk. This 31-kilometre (19-mile) hike traverses the quiet beaches, heathland, stunning red-rock formations and coastal forests between two lighthouses.
The Sapphire Coast is approximately a 3-hour drive from Canberra and under 7 hours from Sydney and Melbourne. The coast’s regional airport is located in Merimbula. Local buses and regional trains connect the Sapphire Coast to major centres in Victoria and New South Wales. Drive along the Sapphire Coast, the Princes Highway or the Tathra-Bermagui Road to experience the region’s scenery, heritage, food and wine.