Sapphire Coast

Stretching from the Victorian border north to Bermagui, the Sapphire Coast is a dazzling stretch of New South Wales’ South Coast where turquoise waters meet ancient forests and laid-back fishing villages. This is a place where you can kayak with dolphins in the morning, hike through eucalypt forests in the afternoon, and feast on fresh-caught oysters at sunset. The region’s name comes from the brilliant blue of its ocean, and it’s every bit as luminous as you’d imagine. A self-drive along the stunning Sapphire Coast Drive is the quintessential way to explore, with national parks, seaside towns, and hidden coves at every turn.

Highlights & What to See

• Merimbula – The vibrant hub of the coast, with a sparkling lake ideal for paddleboarding, a superb boardwalk through mangroves, and the Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf for a dose of local marine life.
• Bournda National Park – A rugged coastal wilderness with excellent walks, including the Bournda Lagoon and the stunning Bondi Lake (not to be confused with Sydney’s Bondi). Keep an eye out for wallabies and sea eagles.
• Eden – A historic whaling port turned whale-watching mecca. From May to November, take a cruise to see humpbacks and southern right whales. The Killer Whale Museum tells the fascinating story of the region’s orca-assisted whaling era.
• Ben Boyd National Park – Dramatic sea cliffs, a historic lightstation, and the famous “Pinnacles” – colourful sand formations that glow at sunset. The Light to Light Walk is a multi-day trek for serious hikers.
• Tathra – A charming seaside village with a historic wharf, great surf breaks, and the Tathra Beach Bush Camp for a classic Aussie beach holiday feel.
• Bermagui – A sophisticated fishing town known for its bluewater game fishing and the stunning Camel Rock. The Bermagui Farmers Market is a foodie’s delight.

Suggested Time to Spend

To properly experience the Sapphire Coast, allow at least three to four days. This gives you time to explore the main towns, tackle a few coastal walks, and enjoy the region’s excellent food scene – don’t miss the oysters at Merimbula or the fresh fish and chips at Eden. If you’re a keen hiker or whale-watcher, add an extra day to squeeze in a longer walk or a cruise. The coast is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, so plan to stay two nights in one hub (like Merimbula) and then move on to another.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia’s capital is a 3.5-hour drive inland, perfect for a culture fix after the coastal chill.
• Snowy Mountains – In winter, you can combine a beach day with skiing at Thredbo or Perisher, about 2.5 hours away.
• Bateman’s Bay – The gateway to the South Coast, with great seafood and the Clyde River estuary, about 1.5 hours north.
• Bega Valley – Famous for its cheese (Bega Cheese) and rolling green hills, ideal for a gourmet detour.
• Montague Island – A nature reserve off Narooma, offering tours to see penguins, seals, and seabirds.

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