| Cost | Varies – caravan parks, freedom camping and national park options available |
|---|---|
| Location | Merimbula, Eden Valley, Sapphire Coast, New South Wales South Coast |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Multiple beaches, boardwalk, lake walking track, wharf, shops, information centre, SUP and kayak hire |
| Vehicle Access | Limited long vehicle parking at wharf area, check individual campsite access |
| In Camps App | Yes – find caravan parks and budget sites in the Camps Australia Wide App |
If you are planning a New South Wales South Coast here’s what you need to know to camp at lovely Merimbula. Located in the Eden Valley on the Sapphire Coast – the sparkling ocean lives up to the name. Here’s what we got up to whilst there:
Main Beach
Looking out to Merimbula Bay, Bar Beach and the wharf, I loved the gentle waves here and varying depths. So nice to cool off! I would definitely add a summer swim at Merimbula to your trip plan.
Mitchies Jetty Beach
A little coffee shop with SUP and kayak hires and fishing charters.
Bar Beach and the Wharf
Unfortunately we couldn’t find a long vehicle park out here and we knew there was not a place to turn around so we turned off at Wharf Street! However, we did see the 1902 wharf – there is a restaurant and aquarium out there. Popular for fishing and nearby Bar Beach would be lovely for a picnic.
Lake Walking Track and Lookout
It really did look lovely! And the views from this scenic drive or walk are superb.
Take a boardwalk
Merimbula spans the lake, so every view is a beauty.
Definitely stroll the boardwalk with the pelicans, we stopped near the hotel, but it continues way past the bridge – 3.4 km return. Go fishing if you have time!
Information Centre
Lovely and modern, with friendly staff, we met Hanna who gave us local tips to “see and do”. They also have some handy travel guides in stock!
Town Centre
We had breakfast at Mor Mors and bought shoes – there are excellent shops downtown.
Don’t miss the seahorse sculpture as large as me.
More to see and do
We didn’t get to Tura Beach and see the rockpools, the little known and harder to get to Middle Beach or hike to Long Point and all look amazing. Or taste the seafood. I guess we’ll have to return!
However, I can personally vouch for a swim at Pambula River Beach. We just love the New South Wales South Coast. If you are driving north don’t miss Wallagoot Gap in Bournda National Park.
Where to camp
There are several caravan parks to choose from, plus more in neighbouring Pambula. Inland Candelo has a freedom camp for a donation, and there is national park camping north in Bournda and south in Beowa National Parks.
Find caravan parks in the CampsPendium, Caravan Parks 6 and Camps Australia Wide App and budget and free sites in the CAMPS 13 guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp in Merimbula?
There are several caravan parks in Merimbula and neighbouring Pambula to choose from. For budget camping, Candelo has a freedom camp for a donation, and there’s national park camping available north in Bournda National Park and south in Beowa National Park. Check the Camps App for current details.
Is Merimbula good for swimming?
Yes! Main Beach has gentle waves and varying depths, making it perfect for a summer swim. Bar Beach is lovely for picnics, and Pambula River Beach is also highly recommended. The sparkling Sapphire Coast waters are ideal for cooling off.
Can I launch a kayak or SUP at Merimbula?
Yes, at Mitchies Jetty Beach there’s a little coffee shop that offers SUP and kayak hire, making it easy to get out on the water.
Is there parking for long vehicles at Merimbula?
Long vehicle parking at the wharf area is limited with no place to turn around, so it’s best to turn off at Wharf Street. Check the Camps App for current details on caravan park access.
What’s the best walk to do in Merimbula?
The boardwalk is a must-do – it’s 3.4 km return and spans the lake with beautiful views throughout. You can spot pelicans along the way. The Lake Walking Track and lookout also offer superb scenic views.
What facilities are available at Merimbula?
Merimbula has a modern information centre with friendly staff, excellent shops in the town centre including cafes like Mor Mors, a 1902 wharf with restaurant and aquarium, and various beaches for swimming and fishing.
Can I fish at Merimbula?
Yes, Merimbula is popular for fishing. The 1902 wharf is a popular fishing spot, fishing charters are available at Mitchies Jetty Beach, and you can fish from the boardwalk.
What other attractions are near Merimbula?
Nearby attractions include Tura Beach rockpools, Middle Beach, Long Point hiking trail, Wallagoot Gap in Bournda National Park when heading north, and the town of Candelo inland. The entire Sapphire Coast area offers stunning coastal scenery.
