Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

258 places

Explore local places

Goodenia Rainforest Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Goodenia Rainforest Walking Track

Set out on the Goodenia Rainforest walk and discover a magnificent stand of cool temperate rainforest that is unique in this part of NSW. An excellent track for walking with children, the 1.2 kilometre nature walk leads down into a lush gully of ferns and understorey species. Enjoy the shade provided by the dense lilly pilly canopy and keep an eye out for moss-covered rocks, vines and quirky-looking beetles as you explore. As you walk, listen out for the wonderful stream of mimicked calls performed by the superb lyrebird or the whip-crack song of the eastern whipbird. The walk starts at Goodenia Rainforest picnic area, so if you have time before or after the walk you could stop for a picnic or barbecue lunch.

South Wolumla NSW

6.8 km away

Goodenia Rainforest picnic area

Natural Attractions

Goodenia Rainforest picnic area

Grab a picnic table and cook up a tasty lunch on the barbecue at Goodenia Rainforest picnic area. Sheltered by mighty old-growth eucalypts in a patch of cool temperate rainforest, this picnic spot is the gateway to the exquisite Goodenia Rainforest walking track, an easy walk through a lush understorey of lilly pilly. The picnic area is a great spot to stop and relax before or after completing the 40-minute return walk. If you're lucky, you'll spy some of the numerous birds living in the area, including lyrebirds and satin bowerbirds. See if you can spot the marvellous striped tail of the fan-tailed cuckoo.

South Wolumla NSW

6.8 km away

Myrtle Mountain lookout

Natural Attractions

Myrtle Mountain lookout

You may think driving through the park’s lush wet-fern forest is as stunning as it gets, but then you arrive at Myrtle Mountain lookout. Located on Myrtle Mountain Road, this hidden gem offers a sweeping northern vista across Bega Valley farmland. You’re also treated to eastern views of scenic Candelo and Wolumla, as well as the fringing escarpment and rolling hills surrounding the valley. The ideal place to stretch your legs, take a tea break and soak up some views while driving from Eden or Bega, this lookout is popular with travellers and locals alike. Relax at a picnic table and feel the crisp NSW south coastal breeze. Listen out and scan the undergrowth for lyrebirds or, if you’re stopping by at night, look out for possums and gliders in the area.

Myrtle Mountain NSW

8.7 km away

South East Forest National Park

National Parks and Reserves

South East Forest National Park

South East Forest National Park is a place that protects soaring old-growth forests, rugged granite formations and picturesque valleys and gorges. There are more than 100km of spectacular coastal escarpment, tableland edge and hinterland country for you to explore. This beautiful, untamed park is also home to several threatened and endangered species. See historic sites, hike to lofty peaks, peer from lookouts, and roam through wet fern forest. There are also plenty of opportunities for horse riding and cycling along park trails and picnicking at one of many scenic spots. The park isn't far from Bega, Merimbula or Bombala so it makes a great daytrip on the weekend, and if you're travelling from further afield or feel like a night in the bush, there are a number of quiet campgrounds to choose from and they're all free. Enjoy the blissful evening of solitude before getting up to explore more of this special place.

Coolangubra NSW

18 km away

Koala encounter

Amusement and Theme Parks

Potoroo Palace - Native Wildlife Park

Potoroo Palace Native Wildlife Park is located 10 minutes north of Merimbula on Princess Highway. They are passionate about conservation, education and community. Visit the park to see koalas, wombats, echidnas and long nosed potoroos. Wander among the kangaroos, touch a snake, stroll through the walk-through aviary with the gang gang cockatoos and have a great coffee at the cafe. And you might find a something precious and fun in our very popular shop. You can get up close to kangaroos, emus, ducks and native geese who roam the park freely and hand feed them with an Animal Feed Bag that is available at the entrance. And take a train ride on the popular train!

Yellow Pinch NSW

18 km away

Candelo village — Image credit: David Rogers Photography

Landmarks and Buildings

Candelo

Travelling inland along the valley of the Bega River, the road ambles through rich dairy and beef country before arriving at the historical village of Candelo. The town remains a meeting place and through fare for travellers, musicians and artists. Set on the banks of the Candelo River and with a population of just 300, you'll be surprised by the local fare and busy events calendar. On the first Sunday of each month, the town hosts one of the region's oldest markets and there are regular music festivals, open recordings and performances at the historical town hall and St Peter's Church. The famed Candelo Village Festival occurs every two years and is a celebration of music, arts, crafts and village life. Although bullock teams no longer pass through town and there is little need for blacksmith's shops, a walk along these streets conjures up images of a past way of life. Candelo today still retains many of its nineteenth-century old buildings, offering a warm and open reception to travellers. Candelo is surrounded by beautiful old forests and clear waterways. In South East Forests National Park you can take bushwalks through old-growth forest, go boulder hopping through the network of waterways, picnic by a creek or take exploratory drives along the forest trails.

Candelo NSW

18 km away

Myanba Gorge lookout

Natural Attractions

Myanba Gorge lookout

Set in mighty old-growth forest and comprising three lookouts, a picnic area, a boardwalk and walking track, this part of the park is a must for nature-lovers. Start with lunch at the well-equipped picnic area before taking the easy and accessible boardwalk stroll. At the first lookout you’re treated to picture-perfect views of fast-flowing Myanba Creek. Here, it surges over the escarpment across a huge granite slab, so visit after rain, if you can, to see a stronger, more spectacular flow. Follow the creek if you choose to keep on walking – it’s a moderate walk that's well worth the effort. See the numerous torrents burble through the rocks or snake off into rivulets and stunning cascades. Take a quick dip if you like, and look for streaked rock orchids and the gorgeous purple-spotted flowers of the Victorian Christmas Bush. The third lookout rewards your efforts with views of the remarkable geology of Myanba Gorge and Bega’s pretty Towamba Valley. Return to the picnic area the way you came, listening out for distinctive ‘creaky gate’ calls of gang gang cockatoos.

Coolangubra NSW

19 km away

Myanba Gorge walking track

Natural Attractions

Myanba Gorge walking track

Myanba Gorge walking track is a short walk that offers young and old the opportunity to experience this unique natural setting. The wheelchair-friendly boardwalk to the first viewing platform enables disabled and mobility impaired visitors to enjoy the views. And for those of you who want to venture further on foot, continue the track through the gorge. There is plenty of wildlife to see. Look out for echidnas, swamp wallabies, red-neck wallabies as well as the many forest birds you’ll find. Pay special attention for the diamond pythons sometimes seen at the Gorge viewing platform. Why not make a day of it, pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the many stops along this remarkable car-touring route. The round-trip from Bombala takes you to Myanba Gorge and Pheasants Peak via the towering canopies of old-growth forest trees.

Coolangubra NSW

19 km away

South East Forests National Park — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

South East Forests National Park

Fancy a spot of birdwatching, horseriding, camping or bushwalking? At South East Forests National Park, near Bega on NSW’s far south coast, you can do all this and more. South East Forests National Park is a place that protects soaring old-growth forests, rugged granite formations and picturesque valleys and gorges. There are more than 100 kilometres of spectacular coastal escarpment, tableland edge and hinterland country for you to explore. This beautiful, untamed park is also home to several threatened and endangered species. See historic sites, hike to lofty peaks, peer from lookouts, and roam through wet fern forest. There are also plenty of opportunities for horse riding and cycling along park trails and picnicking at one of many scenic spots. The park isn’t far from Bega, Merimbula or Bombala so it makes a great daytrip on the weekend, and if you’re travelling from further afield or feel like a night in the bush, there are a number of quiet campgrounds to choose from and they’re all free.

Coolangubra NSW

19 km away

Site of the Bega Valley Genealogy Society Inc 42 Toallo St, Pambula.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bega Valley Genealogy Society

Everybody has Ancestors - if you trace yours to the Bega Valley, contact or visit the Bega Valley Genealogy Society Inc to see what the archives reveal about your ancestor/s and remember your research and the research of social historians, can reveal so much about the Valley's social history of the days of long ago. Incorporated in 1988, the Bega Valley Genealogy Society Inc is a repository and research centre and custodian of an invaluable local history library and archival collections including old photos. The important archives and photo collections of Kameruka Estate and Ayredale where your ancestor might have lived and worked; old rate books, maps and so much more - assets for the benefit of future generations as the dedicated team of volunteers build on the work of the Society's founding forbears - collecting, preserving, archiving and maintain its many collections. It is all housed in an important heritage listed building - the Old Pambula Courthouse and Police Station c1862.

Pambula NSW

20 km away

Syms Covington Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Syms Covington Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Syms Covington who became an integral part of one of the most important scientific voyages in history, working with one of the most famous figures of the 19th century – the naturalist Charles Darwin.

Pambula NSW

20 km away

Scribble N Sip Workshop

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Vikki J Designs

Vikki J Designs is an Art Gallery & Gift shop with original artwork by local Pambula artist Vikki Jackson who appears in episode 4 season 13 of the TV show "Put Some Colour in your Life" hosted by the late Graeme Stevenson OAM. There are many different products made from Vikki's art including clothing, swimwear, shoes, tote bags, cushions and prints as well as handmade sculptures and jewellery. Art Workshops in painting, drawing, mandala's, resin & clay jewellery are available for 2-6 people per session. Art parties for a larger group are also available by request.

Pambula NSW

20 km away

Artessence Gallery — Image credit: Rob Evans

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Artessence Gallery

Artessence Gallery, located in Pambula on Yuin Country, is a curated space focused on thoughtful, contemporary work with a strong sense of place and story. The gallery showcases work by visual artists and artisans from the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, and the regions surrounding the Bega Valley. A wide range of local artists is represented through exhibited paintings, sculptures, fine art prints, photography, ceramics, jewellery and textiles. In house professional fine art framing, art reproduction photography and printing in-house are are services provided by Artessence. The creative team are also available for creative events production, arts administration consultancy, in-home curation and art hanging services. Visitors are invited to experience and collect authentic, regionally inspired art in a welcoming and charming heritage cottage.

Pambula NSW

20 km away

Panboola Wetlands, Pambula — Image credit: David Rogers Photography

Natural Attractions

Panboola Wetlands

Panboola Wetlands is a remarkable natural environment, located in the heart of the historic village of Pambula. A stone’s throw from the bull-nosed verandas and tree-lined main street, you’ll find 77 hectares of tended and protected freshwater billabongs, salt marsh and grassy plains brimming with birdlife. The wetlands are the focus of a long-running project to protect and restore this important flood plain for education and recreation – and it’s thriving. There is a system of walking and cycling tracks, viewing platforms, tables seats and information panels. The wetland includes the former Pambula racecourse and shares its southwestern border with Beowa National Park and other important coastal wetlands. Panboola Wetlands is the home of the 'Ephemeral Festival', a biennial celebration of arts, creativity and nature. The one-day festival features installations of art, music, workshops, craft demonstrations and stalls, inspired by the stunning natural landscape of Panboola and its surroundings.

Pambula NSW

20 km away

Oyster leases at Pambula Lake — Image credit: David Rogers Photography

Natural Attractions

Pambula Lake

Well-known as a fishing, boating and paddling paradise, Pambula Lake is a favourite spot for kayakers, boaters and those just wanting to soak up the serene natural surroundings. Also known as 'Broadwater', the lake is fed by the Pambula and Yowaka Rivers and is recognised as one of the healthiest estuaries in the state. The Pambula Lake boat ramp is suitable for larger boats providing access to the lake and ocean, principally for recreational boating and in-shore and off-shore recreational fishing. Both boaters and paddlers can travel up the river mouth and cross the bar to Merimbula Bay and beyond (depending on conditions). The maximum depth in the lake is approximately 12.5 metres with an average depth of about 2 metres. Oysters have been farmed in Pambula Lake since the 1890s, and the estuary is home to 16 oyster farms with a cumulative 60 hectares of the lease area. You can visit the small group of producers at their oyster farm gates and watch the oysters being brought in from the boats, graded and shucked. Oysters from Pambula Lake are highly acclaimed and have a smooth, subtle flavour influenced by a blend of two rivers and a big, healthy tidal flush. Pambula Lake is located approximately halfway between Pambula and Eden.

Broadwater NSW

21 km away

Views to lake from 8th tee

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club

The only 27-hole golf course on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales winds its way through beautiful native bushland abutting the pristine Merimbula Lake. An abundance of native wildlife is on display, providing an outstanding golfing experience for everybody, including the inexperienced social golfer. There is social and competition golf with the hire of facilities including clubs, buggies, and motorised carts available. Normal competition days are Tuesday for Women and Wednesday for Men with a medley 18-hole competition on Thursdays and Saturdays and Medley 9-hole competitions on Fridays. Visitors are welcome to enter competitions, and Social golf is available 7 days a week. After golf, enjoy a cool drink, coffee and snack in The 28th, a friendly and relaxing space with indoor and outdoor seating which overlooks the course and has views across the lake to Merimbula. Watch the kangaroos leisurely grazing. Check with the club or on the website to confirm the current opening and closing hours for The 28th. Relax at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club and experience one of the great features of Merimbula. Flights are available with both Rex Airlines and Qantas from Melbourne and Sydney.

Merimbula NSW

22 km away

SAC front entry

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Sapphire Aquatic Centre

Sapphire Aquatic Centre is a multi-purpose aquatic and leisure centre situated on the far south coast of Pambula Beach, next to the Pambula Beach Sporting Complex. The year-round facility consists of a six-lane indoor heated 25-metre lap pool, multi-purpose program pool and children's splash pool with water spray features. Each pool has ramp access, as well as the facility, has accessible facility entry points, change facilities and equipment. They also have a fully equipment gym, 3 World Squash Federation (WSF) standard squash courts, a kiosk and a retail area supplying locally roasted coffee, as well as an expansive lawn area with play equipment and tree shade.

Pambula Beach NSW

22 km away

Severs Beach — Image credit: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Severs Beach

Discover the timeless beauty of NSW's Sapphire Coast at Severs Beach. Located in the fishing and whale watching haven of Eden, this picturesque beach is truly tempting all year round. Visit in summer to go swimming or paddling, or try your luck game fishing it's at its best here between December and May. A beach walk's just the thing to keep you warm in winter, while a picnic by the water is a real springtime treat. If you're into birdwatching, keep a lookout for a variety of bird species, including mighty sea eagles soaring overhead or even plunge diving for fish. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Severs Beach, though, is its heritage. Here, you can see Aboriginal shell middens, carbon dated to 3,500 years old. Tread the wooden boardwalk, which transports you across the midden to the beach and offers excellent views. Please be sure to stay to the path and respect the cultural value of this special part of Beowa National Park.

Eden NSW

23 km away

Learn to shuck oysters — Image credit: Broadwater oysters

Shopping and Markets

Gourmet Coast Trail - Merimbula

Gourmet Coast Trail is a self-directed trail of food and beverage experiences offering quality service and products, each reflecting local character and something a little different. It brings together memorable tourism experiences and outstanding food and drink. Visit the website and use the trip planner to tailor the trail to your own preferences. The question is, how much do you want to do? Relax on beautiful beaches, unwind by the lake, or get active. Walk the boardwalk, explore the Oyster Trail including learning to shuck oysters at Broadwater Oysters, or kayak with Navigate Expedition. Enjoy views and great coffee at Merimbula Wharf, try your luck fishing, or book a farm visit at Saarinen Organics. For the energetic, hike nearby national parks or enjoy water sports and mountain biking, then head north to Tathra or south to Eden for more exploring. For lunch, linger at Merimbula Wharf, enjoy seafood from Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant, or dine at Kitty's or Umi Ko Izakaya. Heading north, savour oysters from Tathra Oysters overlooking the ocean, or enjoy gourmet pizza at Drift Pizza. The afternoon is perfect for tastings at Long Stocking Brewery in Pambula or Grand Matriarch Distilling Company in Merimbula. As evening arrives, choose between Merimbula Wharf, Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant, Umi Ko Izakaya, Bar Monti, or Kitty's. Then plan tomorrow: north to Tathra or Bermagui, or south to Eden.

Merimbula NSW

23 km away

Merimbula Boardwalk — Image credit: David Rogers

Natural Attractions

Merimbula Boardwalk

Please note: Recent high tides and powerful winds have caused damage to the timber structure at the eastern end of Merimbula Boardwalk near Merimbula Bridge, prompting Bega Valley Shire Council to close this section for public safety. Repair works on the western end of the Merimbula Boardwalk near Sunny's Kiosk are now complete, and this section of the popular lakeside walk has reopened. Merimbula Boardwalk meanders around the lake shore and through mangrove forests, under eucalyptus canopies and past pristine oyster farms. It's approximately 3.4 kilometres return and will take around 1.5 leisurely hours to complete. It's famous for sunset views, and dotted with seats and jetties to enjoy them. Look for Merimbula's resident seal, who sleeps nearby and patrols the oyster leases looking for fish to snack on. Sunny's Kiosk is a great place to grab a coffee or hire a boat or kayak to get out on the water. Begin from Lakewood Drive at the back of the lake or park next to the bridge at the bottom of Market Street. Please note, no bike access on the boardwalk. Foot traffic only. The boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs and is dog friendly (on leash).

Merimbula NSW

23 km away

Magic Mountain Merimbula

Amusement and Theme Parks

Magic Mountain Merimbula

Merimbula's Magic Mountain is a great way to spend a day. You'll find a range of activities including grand-prix racing cars, toboggan, water slides, roller coaster, carpet slide, jumping castle, mini golf and more. Magic Mountain offers birthday, Christmas and corporate parties, and holds fantastic events throughout the year. The park boasts a fantastic performance stage for concerts, set amongst the tranquil bushlands of the far South Coast. Picnic and barbecue facilities are available for use and snacks are available from the Kiosk and Tram Takeaway Food Bar. Magic Mountain now offers the Tree Climb Challenge, a high ropes adventure course for all of the bigger kids. Age and Height restrictions apply so please see the website for more details. Entry into the park is free all year round.

Merimbula NSW

24 km away

Lions Beach — Image credit: David Rogers

Natural Attractions

Lions Park Beach (Jiguma Beach)

Lions Park Beach (Jiguma Beach) is a beautiful dog-friendly beach, situated between Pambula Beach and the Pambula River Mouth. The beach is enclosed at both ends by natural rock formations and is a favourite with local dogs and their owners, especially those who love to swim. You can walk north from Pambula Beach to Merimbula (six kilometres) or walk a few hundred metres around the rocks to the Pambula River Mouth. Lions Park has a large shelter with benches, four free gas barbecues, seven picnic tables, amenities, beachside shower and viewing platform. This beach and its neighbours are enormously popular in summer, so be prepared to park the car on Coraki Drive and walk down through Lions Park. Access via Coraki Drive, then last left turn down to Lions Park car park.

Pambula Beach NSW

24 km away

Pambula River Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Pambula River Walking Track

If you’re after a feeling of tranquillity, this peaceful walk meanders gently along the Pambula riverbank. Offering charming river vistas, it winds through coastal woodland to a lookout with scenic views across Severs Beach and Pambula River. Pambula River walking track is a relaxing stroll, ideal for families and nature-lovers keen to take in the unspoilt natural beauty of Ben Boyd National Park. The track starts at the mouth of Pambula River, offering lovely views of Haycock Point. Information signs dotted along the way highlight the area’s rich cultural history. Bring your binoculars to see a wide variety of birdlife including sea eagles, and you may even spot dolphins or stingrays in the crystal clear waters of the river. Pack a thermos and enjoy a break at the secluded inlet before retracing your steps.

Pambula Beach NSW

24 km away

Pambula River Mouth — Image credit: David Rogers

Natural Attractions

Pambula River Mouth

With vibrant sapphire water and beautiful natural surroundings, Pambula River Mouth is one of the most stunning locations on the Sapphire Coast. This pristine estuary is situated on the inside of Pambula Beach's southern headland and is surrounded by Beowa National Park. It is beautifully sheltered from the wind and swells coming from the south, making it a kayaking, SUPing and fishing paradise. Bring your watercraft of choice, or simply dive in and let the current gently carry you as the river flows to the sea. Just around the point is Lions Park Beach where you can sit on the soft sand, watch happy dogs race up and down or just keep your eyes on the water and wait for dolphins and sea birds to cruise by (and whales too, if you're here during spring). Upstream, Pambula Lake is one of the most significant oyster-producing waterways on the Sapphire Coast, producing pure and delicious native Sydney Rock Oysters. The road down to Pambula River Mouth is steep, however, there are two-level car parks reserved for people with a disability and a level pathway to accessible toilets and outdoor showers. Enjoy the grassy foreshore where there is a children's playground with a net swing.

Pambula Beach NSW

24 km away

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.