1. Understand the region
The Sapphire Coast covers roughly 100 km of coastline. Think of it in three parts:
- The south — Eden, Twofold Bay and Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park), with whale watching, the Light to Light Walk and Green Cape Lighthouse.
- The centre — Pambula, Merimbula and Tura Beach, the busiest holiday area, with lakes, surf beaches and most of the accommodation.
- The north — Tathra, Bournda and Mimosa Rocks national parks, and the fishing town of Bermagui with its Blue Pool.
Inland, the dairy country of the Bega Valley rises to the escarpment and the forests of the South East Forest National Park. The region is the Country of the Yuin people, whose connection to the coast and to the whales of Twofold Bay continues today.
2. Choose a base
- Merimbula — the most choice of accommodation and restaurants, central to everything.
- Eden — best for whale season and Beowa National Park.
- Tathra or Bermagui — quieter, with national parks on the doorstep.
See where to stay and camping.
3. Decide when to go
Summer school holidays are busy and bookings fill early. Spring brings whales and wildflowers; autumn is settled and quieter. See best time to visit.
4. Get there and around
Most visitors drive along the Princes Highway or down from Canberra via the Snowy Mountains Highway. Merimbula Airport has flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Once here, a car is close to essential. See getting there and without a car.
5. What to do
- Watch whales from headlands or on a cruise in season.
- Visit the Killer Whale Museum in Eden.
- Walk the Light to Light Walk or part of it.
- Swim at the beaches and the Blue Pool at Bermagui.
- Eat local oysters and produce.
- Explore Yuin culture and village history at Tilba and Gulaga just north of the region.
See all things to do.
6. Tours
The coast has a modest range of bookable tours — mainly small-group shore excursions from Eden and nature tours. See our tours page.
7. Respect the coast
Stay on marked tracks, take rubbish with you, keep distance from whales and seals (NSW has legal approach distances), and check NSW National Parks alerts before walking — fire and storm closures happen.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need on the Sapphire Coast?
Three days covers Merimbula, Eden and one national park; a week lets you add the Light to Light Walk and the northern towns.
Is Ben Boyd National Park the same as Beowa?
Yes. Ben Boyd National Park was renamed Beowa National Park, a Yuin name.
Is the Sapphire Coast good for families?
Yes. Calm lake and estuary beaches, easy walks and holiday parks make it very family friendly.
