Cure those winter blues with a trip to the Sapphire Coast
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Escaping Canberra for sand and sea isn’t just for summer, its a treat in the cooler months too (and not just for the double digit temperatures!).
The Sapphire Coast is home to some of Canberra’s favourite seaside destinations – Merimbula, Pambula, Tathra, Eden and Bermagui – and winter brings with it the excuse to explore more than the beach. There are so many fun, easy and affordable adventures that will reveal to you a new and unexpected side to these beautiful parts of NSW.
The region’s new Oyster Trail
Now, we know not everyone is a fan of the oyster, but coming from this fence-sitter, I was converted over the course of a weekend by the passionate and knowledgeable locals up and down the Sapphire Coast.
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With the recent launch of the Oyster Trail, an initiative to support the industry after the severe impacts of the bushfires, you will find some unexpected ways to connect with these important little creatures.
Oyster-rific adventures
With five estuaries boasting some of the finest oysters in the world, the Sapphire Coast offers a range of options for learning to love them. Broadwater Oysters on Pambula Lake is where we took the plunge and learned how to shuck, and honestly, the best tasting oyster is one you shuck yourself.
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Once you’ve mastered shucking with the help of one of their expert oyster-openers, you have the chance to enjoy them fresh or for those a little nervous about the flavour, with a range of tasty sauces and sides (the finger lime or umami mayo were our faves).
It’s a great way to spend an hour or two, and with a walk up and down Pambula Lake to finish off our shucking session, it couldn’t have been better!
A shell of a good time
For those with a thing for gin, about 10 mins from Bega is the North of Eden Distillery – the team launched their Oyster Shell Gin last year and it has been making waves ever since.
Two for one: beautiful views and cow encounters at North of Eden’s Cellar Door.
Awarded the Bronze medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2021, the shells are thoroughly cleaned before being infused in the gin, meaning the surprising citrus and herb flavours are complemented by the smooth finish caused by the calcium in the oyster shells (we know it sounds a bit far-fetched, but tell us we’re wrong when you try it!).
If you’re looking for something closer to the coast, Longstocking Brewery and Oyster Bar have an amazing array of oyster options, some of the best wood-fired pizzas in the region, and great brews to enjoy in their beautiful gardens and bars.
Funky food and festivities
Once you’ve had your fill of oysters and gin (if that’s possible), it’s always a wonderful surprise how many restaurants, cafés and food options are popping up along the coast.
Some of the highlights are the burgers and open fire at Dulcie’s Cottage in Merimbula, fresh-baked bread and pastries from Wild Ryes Baking Co. in Pambula, brunch at Sprout Café in Eden—and if you’re feeling a bit fancy, we suggest the tasting menu and stunning view at Valentina.
During winter, there is also a range of festivals and events to enjoy: the Wintersun and Jazz Festivals in early June; races in July; and colourful local markets held every weekend in towns across the Sapphire Coast.
Scenery to warm your heart
The beach is just as beautiful in winter as it is in summer, and the breathtaking views along the coast are easily accessible by car or short walk.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. have a range of options including guided e-bike tours through the bush or guided walks along some of Australia’s most famous coastal tracks for hikers of all levels.
And in late August and into September, whales begin to move south past the coast with their young – this is not to be missed. It’s a great time of year to plan a whale watching trip to avoid the larger crowds while getting the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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