Montague Island, NaroomaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple snorkilng with seals as part of the Montague Island Discovery Tours experience
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Narooma - A Beautiful Place For The Blues
You’ve heard of the Golden Triangle, well on the far South Coast of NSW - around a five-hour drive from Sydney - you’ll discover the turquoise triangle. The small beach town of Narooma (the name is thought to mean `clear blue waters’ in the local indigenous language), is situated in the Eurobodalla Shire and surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Wagonga River, its estuary and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It’s impossibly, brilliantly, astonishingly blue. A blue expanse to surf, sail, kayak, fish and swim with seals on Montague Island.
You’ll also have more of Narooma to yourself, since it’s off the regular tourist trail because of its distance both Sydney and even Canberra. However you could also fly there on Regional Express (Rex) from Sydney to Moruya Airport, 35km from Narooma. It’s clearly worth the journey.
Narooma Institution Quarterdeck Is Suddenly Cool Again
Situated on the banks of the Wagonga Inlet in Forsters Bay, Quarterdeck once belonged to an oyster grower. Then it was a kiosk before becoming a fish’n’chippery. Now, there’s plenty of seafood including mind snapping local oysters on Quarterdeck’s menu but the space has been transformed into a tiki bar and restaurant with stunning views, kitsch beaded curtains and Tex-Mex inspired dishes. Think of it as a Tiki Bar in Tijuana with Mexican street corn, tostadas and fried chicken wings with chipotle sauce, as well as the more substantial steaks, fish and whole roasted spatchcock.
There’s an interesting Australian wine list or you could order one of the cocktails including the Wagonga Princess with tequila and Aperol or Watermelon Sugar, the intoxicating drink named after Harry Styles’ famous track. Whether you visit Quarterdeck for lunch, dinner, or anything in between, you’ll be sure of having your spirits lifted.
Whale Inn - Carrying Its Own Weight In Narooma
Slightly eccentric with a mishmash of decorating styles that include 80s OTT and chinoiserie, Whale Inn, situated on a hill in the centre of town with extensive views out to the coast, is a brilliant place to stay in Narooma. Choose from 17 spacious rooms and four styles of accommodation including the Premier Room, Executive Suite with a large balcony and kitchenette, or the Executive Spa suite, which also has a large balcony overlooking the sea and a decadent corner spa bath inside. There’s also a family room on offer with multiple beds. There’s plenty to do here, the Whale Inn also boasts a swimming pool, barbecue area and there’s a branch of the acclaimed, hatted Queen Chow restaurant. If only all hotel in-house dining could be this inspired.
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Getting up close to seals as part of the Montague Island Discovery Tours experience
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Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Getting up close to seals as part of the Montague Island Discovery Tours experience
Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Father and son heading out for a morning surf at Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma.
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Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Father and son heading out for a morning surf at Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma.
Swim With The Seals On Montague Island
Montague Island, which is also known as Baranguba to the local Yuin Aboriginal people- the traditional owners of the land, is located 9km off Narooma and one of Australia’s premium eco-tourism destinations. The protected nature reserve is magical and one of the only places in the world to observe whales, fur seals, little penguins and more than 90 bird species. Your guided tour is just a 20-minute boat ride from the Narooma jetty with frolicking dolphins to welcome you along the way.
The island is teeming with Australian and New Zealand fur seals to see up close on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour. Whichever depth you decide to go to, swimming with seals on Montague Island is a surreal experience in the true sense of the word.
Immerse Yourself In The World’s Oldest Living Culture
There’s a rich seam of spirituality that informs the earth of this continent and you have the opportunity to experience it on the Yuin retreat with Ngaran Ngaran Cultural Awareness. The Narooma region has held sacred significance for the Yuin Aboriginal community for tens of thousands of years.
Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness is an Aboriginal owned and operated initiative, who invite you to come, walk and listen to a sacred dreaming of Djirringanj country heartland of the Yuin people. This very special experience will open the doorway to you for the cultural traditions and dreaming stories that have been passed down for thousands of years.
Embark on a two-night, one day Yuin Retreat which includes boutique niche accommodation and meals. Your immersive experience begins with a Welcome to Country including language, song and a smoking ceremony followed by dinner, a tour briefing and traditional yarning circle.
There’s a sunrise ceremony on day two with spectacular ocean scenery, followed by breakfast with indigenous foods including botanical jams. Afterwards choose between a guided walking tour into the sacred Gulaga Mountain. Or a Djirringanj dreaming experience drive and walk day tour. Whichever tour you choose, it’s a privileged way to plug into a different reality that will revitalise you in so many ways.
More Inspirational Stories
Short Point Beach, MerimbulaCredit: Dee Kramer Photography
Sunset at Short Point Beach, Merimbula.
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Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and framed by sun-speckled lakes, golden beaches and emerald rainforests, Merimbula is the Sapphire Coast’s glittering centrepiece. Taste oysters at their briny source, clink glasses with friendly locals, be energised by new adventures on land and sea, and recharge in laidback luxury – this coastal playground has it all and more. Here, how to make the most of your visit to this unforgettable South Coast gem.
GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY
With a name meaning “two lakes” in the local Aboriginal language, it’s no surprise water stars in every Merimbula escape. When you’re not rolling out your towel on the 6km Main Beach, snorkelling at Bar Beach or paddling with the family at Spencer Park Beach, jump on your surfboard at Short Point or learn with Amped Surf School. Visiting in winter? Brace yourself for a frosty dip as the annual WinterSun Festival dares you to try cold-water swims, wharf-to-wharf walks, and more.
Renew your sense of adventure on the water – at Sunny’s Kiosk you can hire a boat, SUP or kayak to explore Merimbula’s famous 5.6km lake, and book a daytrip with Headland Fishing Charters to land your catch of the day. Or, be awed by the giants of the deep with Sapphire Coastal Adventures, who run whale-watching cruises from August to November.
The natural wonders continue around the town. Take a leisurely meander through the mangroves on the 3.4km Merimbula Boardwalk, where handy signposts highlight the rich marine life, step into the cool temperate rainforest on the Goodenia Walking Track, or hotfoot it to Beowa National Park where the Pinnacles Walk leads to 65 million-year-old formations backed by turquoise seas.
For a truly energising experience in these wild surrounds, eco-friendly outdoor specialists Navigate Expeditions offer bushwalking, kayaking, glamping, e-biking and speciality tours with transfers from Merimbula, including the famous Light to Light Walking Holiday and the five-night Sea to Mountain Conservation Tour.
Bar Beach, Merimbula Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Merimbula Bay and Boggy Creek from Bar Beach, Merimbula.
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Bar Beach, Merimbula Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Merimbula Bay and Boggy Creek from Bar Beach, Merimbula.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERI
Merimbula’s sparkling waterways are so revered for their delicious Sydney rock oysters that they’re a key stop on the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail and their banks host the Eat Merimbula festival, bringing together the region’s best growers, chefs and hungry gourmands for an annual epicurean extravaganza.
For a shuckin’ fun day combining sightseeing and taste-testing, join Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours for a guided experience with a local oyster farmer. And nearby at Broadwater Oysters, sign up for Tide-to-Table Gourmet Oyster School, and learn everything there is to know about these prized bivalves while slurping them at the water’s edge.
Prefer to leave the hard work to the experts? Tuck into a lakeside spread at The Oyster Barn, try the Vietnamese-style oysters at Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant, or treat yourself to fresh Broadwater Oysters at Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant, served with spectacular 180-degree ocean views.
Merimbula’s eateries offer feasts to suit every palate. At Valentina, Mediterranean flavours sing in standout dishes like Octopus with Nduja, while Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Executive Chef Gavin Swalwell highlights ethically sourced local produce like succulent pork, duck and beef.
Craving a takeaway beachside picnic? Just opposite Main Beach, the legendary Cranky Café is famous for its corn fritters and lemon meringue donuts, while Mitchie’s Jetty and the Bar Beach Kiosk offer excellent espressos at the water’s edge.
When it’s time to wet your whistle, pull up a stool amongst the friendly locals at one of Merimbula’s vibrant waterholes. Set in a reimagined 1920s cottage, Dulcie’s is legendary thanks to its laidback atmosphere, live music, standout burgers, and extensive cocktail list showcasing local gin distilleries such as Nine Circles and North of Eden. Nearby, Kitty’s Bar offers entertainment, classic cocktails and an Asian-fusion menu that emphasises fresh local fare. And just down the road in Pambula, family- and pet-friendly Longstocking Brewery serves a rotating selection of craft beer, cider, oysters and woodfired pizza.
STAY AWHILE
Merimbula has accommodation for every style, from chic remixed motels to child-friendly stays steps from the beach. Get a taste of the suite life at the sea-facing Hillcrest Motel, where contemporary luxe amenities like a resort-style pool and bar, tennis court, firepit and playground are paired with retro-chic flourishes in a stylish nod to the hotel’s 1969 origins.
In the foreshore area locals call The Fishpen, you’ll find a host of family holiday apartments, including the Grandeur, Bayview and Lakeside Merimbula. For a luxurious stay in a place to call your own, Coast Resort Merimbula is set amongst two garden-filled hectares stretching from Merimbula Lake to Main Beach, with architecturally designed penthouses and apartments, pools, tennis court and a barbecue area for a plush take on self-catering. Or, book into the ADS on Collins, where you can hit refresh in split-level comfort and be energised by the soaring views across the beach.
GETTING THERE
Merimbula is just under six hours’ drive from Sydney, 7hr 30min from Melbourne and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly into Merimbula Airport – both Rex Airlines and Qantas fly direct from Sydney in 70 minutes.
Kayaking, Pambula River Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a paddle on Pambula River, Pambula.
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Kayaking, Pambula River Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a paddle on Pambula River, Pambula.