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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

0.2 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

1.0 km away

Barmouth Beach — Image credit: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Barmouth Beach

George Bass first landed at Barmouth Beach on 18 December 1797, seeking shelter from a gale. He travelled up Pambula River and marvelled at the beauty of the place. Since then, thousands of visitors have been inspired by the scenic views, whale watching and birdwatching around picturesque Merimbula Bay, on the spectacular NSW Far South Coast. Located at the river mouth of Pambula, this family-friendly picnic spot is perfect for a leisurely lunch, with great swimming for the little ones. It’s also ideal for beach fishing, with salmon and tailor in the surf, and bream further up the river. The still water offers great canoeing opportunities and sea kayakers are often seen around the area. Wildlife abounds in this area, so look for sea eagles, oystercatchers, whales and dolphins. From here, step out along the moderate walking track to Haycock Point.

Eden NSW

1.1 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

1.7 km away

Haycock Point to Barmouth Beach Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Haycock Point to Barmouth Beach Walking Track

This pleasant, moderate walk leads around Haycock Point, following the headland on the southern shore of the Pambula River estuary, all the way to Barmouth Beach. Offering spectacular views and whale watching opportunities along the pristine coastline of the NSW Far South Coast, it’s an easy walk for the whole family to enjoy. Starting at either the Barmouth Beach carpark or Haycock Point picnic area, this gently undulating walk captures the remote beauty of Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park). You’ll pass through a range of landscapes, from windswept heath to woodlands, while taking in scenic coastal views of rugged rock formations and dramatic cliff lines. It’s a great spot for whale watching out at sea during migration. On land, you’re likely to see echidnas, kangaroos and goannas in this area.

Eden NSW

2.3 km away

Haycock point — Image credit: David Rogers

Natural Attractions

Haycock Point

Haycock Point is located in northern Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park) and offers walking trails, beaches, rocky outcrops for fishing and a grassy picnic area with barbeques and tables. Park at Haycock Point picnic area and follow the gentle walking trail to the point, offering panoramic ocean views to Merimbula Bay in the north and Lennards Island in the south. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes. The vibrant red rock of Haycock Point was formed in the Devonian period, approximately 370 million years ago. The red mudstone represents the ancient floodplains and sandy river channels of a bygone landscape. The grassy surroundings of Haycock Point provide the perfect gathering place for lazing kangaroos, wallabies and goannas, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Haycock Point is a wonderful whale-watching location in the spring, and whales can often be spotted close to the point as they make their way south to Antarctica along the 'Humpback Highway'. Beautiful but unpatrolled, Long Beach stretches south from Haycock Point and is a popular spot to surf and fish. You can drive to the nearby Pinnacles formation, or visit Severs Beach to see Aboriginal middens. For keen walkers, follow the three-kilometre walking track from Haycock Point to Bar Mouth Beach, a stunning and secluded beach at the mouth of the Pambula River estuary.

Eden NSW

2.4 km away

Haycock Point picnic area

Natural Attractions

Haycock Point picnic area

Located a short drive from Pambula or Eden on the NSW Sapphire Coast, Haycock Point picnic area is a favourite with families, tourists and locals. Relax at a shaded picnic table while the kids play on the grass, and enjoy the wonderful ocean views as you eat. When you've finished lunch, there's lots on offer, from fishing and swimming to birdwatching or bushwalking. For a short walk, the 10min Haycock Point walking track takes you to the spectacular point. If you're feeling energetic, the 3km Haycock Point to Barmouth Beach walking track starts from the picnic area and is great for all ages. Beautiful but unpatrolled, Long Beach stretches south from Haycock Point and is a popular spot to surf and fish. You can also drive to the nearby Pinnacles formation, or visit Severs Beach to see Aboriginal middens. The weather and water are warmest from summer through to Easter, but this is a beautiful spot at any time of year. Visit on a clear, sunny winter day to catch a glimpse of a whale breaching out deep, while sea birds soar over the coastline. You might see echidnas, goannas, or kangaroos and wallabies grazing as...

Eden NSW

2.4 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

2.9 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

3.4 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

3.5 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

3.6 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

3.6 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

3.7 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

3.9 km away

Pinnacles Loop Walking Track — Image credit: Destination NSW

Natural Attractions

Pinnacles Loop Walking Track

Spanning 47 kilometres of dramatic coastline near Eden on NSW's Sapphire Coast, Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park) is like nature writ large. Many people come here to swim and snorkel; many more arrive to lace up their boots and tackle the Pinnacles Loop walking track, a gently undulating 1.1 kilometre trail through eucalypt and pine forest as well as heathland. There's plenty of scenic drama from lookouts, offering vistas over the Pacific Ocean to Lennards Island in the south and Haycock Point in the north – visit from July through November and you'll likely spot whales dancing with dolphins offshore. The visual feast continues on dry land at the Pinnacles rock formation, a spectacular erosion feature where cliffs of soft white sand are capped with a layer of red gravel clay. It's mind-boggling to think that this was created some 65 million years ago during the Tertiary geological period, when the extinction of the dinosaurs had just begun.

Eden NSW

4.9 km away

Merimbula Main Beach — Image credit: David Rogers

Natural Attractions

Merimbula Main Beach

Merimbula's Main Beach has five kilometres of the pristine blue ocean where you can surf, swim, fish or stroll. It's perfect for families, is patrolled during the summer months and has an off-leash area for the family dog. Dolphins and seals are regular visitors, as well as humpback whales during the spring months when they visit Merimbula Bay on their journey south to Antarctica. The northern end of the beach meets the pristine waters of Merimbula Lake with beautiful sandy inlets along the foreshore including Bar Beach, Mitchies Jetty and Spencer Park. Ford Park is a great spot for families, home to a wonderful state-of-the-art accessible playground, amenities and barbeque area, as well as the monthly Merimbula Seaside Market. At its southern end, Main Beach joins with Pambula Beach with great surfing and swimming to be had. Main Beach backs onto a lush bush reserve where heathland and forest provide habitat for our precious native animals and the walking opportunities are plentiful through the beautiful coastal bushland surrounding.

Merimbula NSW

5.2 km away

Merimbula Wharf — Image credit: David Rogers Photography

Landmarks and Buildings

Merimbula Wharf

Merimbula Wharf is a wonderful spot to throw in a line and take in the pristine beauty of Merimbula Bay. Watch the comings and goings of Merimbula Lake, discover marine life and enjoy beautiful seafood at the Merimbula Wharf Restaurant. Great for squid in the cooler months, the best time for fishing at the wharf is half an hour before sunset with the dominant fish species being bream, flathead, snapper, tailor, squid, gummy shark and whiting. Even if you're not into fishing, the wharf is a great spot for dolphin and stingray spotting, and whale watching in the spring. From the late 1800s - mid 1900s, the site was a prominent port in the coastal shipping trade along the east coast. The first structure, a platform with drawbridge, meant that travellers no longer had to cross the dangerous Merimbula Bar. However, during strong winds it was still a risky berth for steamer captains, who often had to decide whether to pull into Tathra or hope for the best at Merimbula. The current structure was built in 1983, thanks to the efforts of local fishermen who fundraised the build. Below Merimbula Wharf, the Devonian red rock beds are a significant geological feature. To access these ancient rocks, look for the walkway to the left of the wharf.

Merimbula NSW

5.3 km away

Merimbula Aquarium

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Merimbula Aquarium

Perched at the entrance to Merimbula Wharf with sweeping 180-degree ocean views, this is your perfect spot for a leisurely meal, morning coffee or sunset cocktails on the Sapphire Coast. The lunch and dinner menu celebrates the region with locally sourced oysters, freshly caught fish, crisp salads, satisfying burgers and our much-loved seafood linguini. We're open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am for breakfast, with lunch from 11:30am, and dinner service on Friday and Saturday evenings — all from a seasonal à la carte menu. While you're here, step next door into the Aquarium and discover local and tropical marine life across 28 tanks. The fish feeding tour is not to be missed. Make a morning of it — book a table for lunch, explore the Aquarium and soak up those stunning ocean views.

Merimbula NSW

5.3 km away

Wharf To Wharf Walk — Image credit: David Rogers

Natural Attractions

Wharf to Wharf Walk

Wharf to Wharf Walk is a 27-kilometre coastal walk along rugged cliffs, spectacular headlands, secluded bays, lakes, freshwater lagoons and long, isolated beaches. It is a walk through history, crossing the ancient lands of the Yuin people, between historic Merimbula Wharf and Tathra Wharf on the Sapphire Coast, New South Wales. The walk links existing trails through public coastal reserves, flora reserves, beaches and Bournda National Park, providing a connected walking experience along the stunning coastline between Merimbula and Tathra. The experience can be undertaken as two or three single-day hikes; an overnight hike, camping at Hobart Campground in Bournda National Park; or for those short on time, but not energy - a day hike. It is a walk for coast lovers, nature enthusiasts and photographers. The walk provides some of the best whale-watching vantage points on the coast during the spring migration from September – November each year. Wharf to Wharf Walk is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Sapphire Coast region. There are side trails for those wishing to extend the experience, as well as additional walks and hikes located in Merimbula, Tathra, Pambula, Beowa National Park, Mimosa Rocks National Park and surrounds.

Merimbula NSW

5.3 km away

Long Point, Merimbula — Image credit: David Rogers Photography and Sapphire Coastal Adventures

Natural Attractions

Long Point Walking Track and Lookout

Wander through a melaleuca forest at Long Point walking track in Merimbula, leading to an elevated lookout area. Popular for walking, birdwatching and whale watching, the 2-kilometre return walking trail winds through tea tree forest before opening up to spectacular views of Middle Beach, Short Point and Merimbula Bay. In the spring months, Long Point lookout is well-known as a premier whale watching location as thousands of humpback whales travel the 'Humpback Highway' to Antarctica, often spotted close to the rocks at Long Point as they journey south. Keep your eyes peeled year-round for dolphins, seals and sea eagles, who are common visitors. The vibrant red Devonian rock of Long Point is a significant geological feature. The rock is approximately 350 million years old and marks a significant evolution in life. It is representative of the world's first forests, which caused a leap in oxygen levels, producing rust-coloured iron oxide that stained the sediments of ancient riverbeds. There are nearby walking trails that lead to Middle Beach, Short Point, Bar Beach and Merimbula Wharf. Access is via Cliff Street and Tasman Street. There is limited car parking available at the track head. The path is suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.

Merimbula NSW

5.5 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

5.6 km away

Bar Beach, Merimbula — Image credit: David Rogers Photography

Natural Attractions

Merimbula Bar Beach

A small, beautiful beach on Merimbula Lake, famous for its stunning turquoise channel and breathtaking views across Merimbula Bay and the rolling hinterland. Bar Beach is sheltered from summer’s northerly winds and has outdoor showers and amenities. In the warmer months, you can grab a coffee or a healthy bite from Bar Beach Kiosk, one of the region's famous beachside eateries. Bar Beach is patrolled seven days a week in the summer. It is wave-free but lies on the channel of Merimbula Lake which can have strong tidal currents. Floating down the channel on the outgoing tide is a popular pastime, but beware of boats and rips. Walk along the rocks towards the lake for a more secluded swim, or down towards the mouth for some excellent snorkelling. "The Bar" surf break is popular with mal riders and stand-up paddle boarders, as well as short board riders when the conditions align.

Merimbula NSW

5.6 km away

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