The Sapphire Coast has dozens of beaches, and most are quiet outside summer holidays. Water temperatures are cooler than on the north coast, so summer and early autumn are the best swimming months.
Our picks
- Merimbula Main Beach — patrolled surf beach in summer, close to town.
- Bar Beach, Merimbula — at the lake entrance; snorkelling on calm days.
- Short Point, Merimbula — north of the lake, a long sweep of sand.
- Pambula Beach — river mouth, clear water and kangaroos. See Pambula.
- Aslings Beach, Eden — Eden’s surf beach beside Lake Curalo.
- Tathra Beach — long surf beach by the historic wharf.
- Wallagoot and Bournda — calm lake water in Bournda National Park.
- Blue Pool, Bermagui — ocean rock pool. See Bermagui.
- Saltwater Creek — remote beach in Beowa National Park.
Safety
Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Many beaches are unpatrolled and have rips; check Beachsafe NSW before you go.
Finding a quiet beach
Outside school holidays you will often have a beach to yourself, especially in the national parks. In summer, head to the beaches in Beowa, Bournda and Mimosa Rocks national parks early in the day, or try the less-visited stretches north of Merimbula near Short Point. Remember that remote beaches have no lifeguards, toilets or shade, so bring what you need.
Rock pools and snorkelling
Rock platforms at Merimbula, Tathra and in the national parks reveal crabs, sea stars and small fish at low tide. Tread carefully, leave creatures where you find them and watch for waves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach on the Sapphire Coast?
It depends on taste: Merimbula Main Beach for surf, Pambula Beach for families and the Blue Pool for a rock pool swim.
Are Sapphire Coast beaches patrolled?
Some are patrolled in summer, including Merimbula Main Beach and Tathra; many are not.
Is the water cold?
Cooler than northern NSW; summer and early autumn are warmest.
