Merimbula sits almost halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, give or take a few kilometres, on the NSW Sapphire Coast, and is a laid-back town surrounded by national parkland and fringed by golden-sand beaches. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed family getaway, particularly during spring when whale migration is at its height, reports Kayte Nunn.
See
Whale watching
Dolphin- and whale-watching cruises operate from Merimbula and Eden and the best viewing months are June. July and August, as the whales migrate north to Queensland for winter, and then from September to November as they return with their calves on their way to the Antarctic. There are a number of whale-watching charter operators in the area, including Cat Balou Cruises, www.catbalou.com.au, which operates from nearby Eden. Killer Whale Museum
Kids will thrill to see the complete skeleton of Tom the killer whale, believed to be one of only two complete killer whale skeletons in the world. Situated in Eden and manned by volunteers, the Killer Whale Museum has been operating for nearly 80 years and is well worth a visit. It features a range of seafaring relics from the days when the whaling industry flourished in Twofold Bay. www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au
Stay
The swish apartments and townhouse accommodation that make up Coast Resort offer sophistication that’s still family friendly. Spaces are large and airy – we could have ballroom danced in the bedrooms – and ideally situated a stone’s throw from both the beach and just over the bridge from the village. If the beach fails to entice, the resort offers two heated swimming pools as well as bookable tennis courts. The décor is clean and contemporary and the kitchens contain everything you need to whip up easy holiday meals. It’s a pleasure to stay at such an uncluttered and spacious apartment – I could have moved in! www.coastresortmerimbula.com.au
Potoroo Palace
Just 10 minutes’ drive north of Merimbula in the Bega Valley is the not-for-profit animal sanctuary Potoroo Palace, where you can walk with kangaroos, pat a snake, watch koalas, spot potoroos, parrots, enchidnas and wombats and ride on the mini train. Rest and refuel at the Blue Wren Café, which offers a range of vegetarian food, curries and good coffee. www.potoroopalace.com
Play
Sail boarding and fishing are popular here, on either the inland waterways or the ocean, and there’s a boat ramp at Merimbula and Pambula lakes. Deep-sea fishing operator Fishpen offers family fishing trips and whale-watching tours. www.fishingmerimbula.com Merimbula Aquarium Looking back along Merimbula Beach is the scenically placed Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf restaurant. Arrive at 11.30 for fish feeding, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Monday through to Friday during the school holidays and check out the underwater inhabitants of the 27 tanks, including sharks, octopus and tropical fish. Visit on a Wednesday morning and there’s an hour-long tour. www.merimbulawharf.com.au
Don’t Miss
Magic Mountain
Set in a beautiful parkland setting, the park provides many interesting bushwalking tracks, a children’s playground is available and barbecues are provided in the beautiful picnic areas. Waterslides, Roller Coaster, Mini Grand Prix cars are some of the attractions that’ll thrill kids big and small. www.magicmountain.net.au
On the Cheap
Ben Boyd National Park covers 9000 hectares, from the Pambula River to Green Cape Lighthouse. Take the family bushwalking or picnicking and enjoy a dip at one of the beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the Pinnacles, a spectacular rock formation. www.environment.nsw.gov.au |
