The Sapphire Coast is a classic weekend escape from Canberra, about three hours away.
Saturday
- Drive down Brown Mountain to Bega and on to Tathra for a coffee on the wharf.
- Continue to Merimbula; check in and walk the boardwalk.
- Afternoon at Main Beach or Bar Beach.
- Dinner in Merimbula.
Sunday
- Early drive to Eden: whale watching in season or the Killer Whale Museum.
- Walk to The Pinnacles on the way back.
- Oysters at a Pambula farm before the drive home.
Tips
Leave Canberra early to avoid driving Brown Mountain at dusk, when wildlife is active. Book accommodation early for long weekends.
Alternative weekend from Merimbula
If you are already based in Merimbula, spend Saturday in the south — Eden, Boyds Tower and Green Cape — and Sunday in the north at Tathra, Mimosa Rocks National Park and the Blue Pool at Bermagui. Pack a picnic, as national park areas have no shops.
Packing list
- Swimmers and a warm layer — sea breezes can be cool.
- Binoculars for whale watching.
- Walking shoes for The Pinnacles and headland tracks.
- A cooler bag if you plan to buy oysters to take home.
If the weather turns
Rainy weekends are a good excuse for the Killer Whale Museum, Bega’s cheese heritage centre and a long lunch in Merimbula. Whales can still be spotted from Eden’s headlands in light rain, and the boardwalk is pleasant in all but the worst weather. Check road and park alerts before driving unsealed roads after heavy rain.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sapphire Coast a good weekend trip from Canberra?
Yes, it is about three hours’ drive.
Where should I stay for a weekend?
Merimbula, for its central location.
What should I not miss?
Whale watching at Eden in spring and oysters at Pambula.
