South Coast Summer Series: Merimbula

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Nestled between two lakes and surrounded by pristine coastline and bushland, Merimbula is the perfect destination for those seeking an adventure.
The local landscape isn’t all the town has to offer – with an aquarium, wildlife sanctuary and mini golf you will be looking to extend your stay to fit it all in. Here’s where to eat, play and stay.
EAT
Dulcie’s Cottage
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A favourite for locals and tourists alike, Dulcie’s Cottage is a renovated weatherboard cottage from 1925, named after the original owners Arthur and Dulcie Goodsill.
Here you’ll find mouth-watering burgers and oysters, along with divine cocktails, beer and wine. And with live music filling the outdoor space as the sunsets, it’s the place to go if you’re craving kicked-back summer energy.
60 Main Street, Merimbula | dulcies.com.au
Valentina
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Nominated for 2024 best regional restaurant in NSW, Valentina is a beautiful dining destination that serves the best locally sourced produce from Merimbula and the far South Coast. Located in an upstairs spot it has sweeping views over Merimbula Lake, you can soak in the sunset as you sip away on a cocktail and feast on a decadent menu full of fresh and imaginative items. But we recommend trying their tasting menu for a morsel of everything.
2 Market Street, Merimbula | valentinamerimbula.com
Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant
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With spectacular 180-degree ocean views (and the choice of indoor or outdoor) seating be swept away by the choices at the Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant.
Open for lunch, dinner or just a cup of coffee and house-made cake, it has something for no matter what you’re craving. And as a little bonus, the restaurant is built right above the aquarium, which is home to 28 tanks filled with local and tropical marine life. Check out feeding times to get the most bang for your buck.
The Wharf, Lake Street, Merimbula | merimbulawharf.com.au
Cranky Café
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Located right across from Main Beach, Cranky’s is the place to go post-swim to fill up some wholesome in-house cooking and baking. Serving coffee sourced from Alfresco Roasters, as well as snacks like raspberry lemon meringue muffins, cheese, bacon and beef sausage rolls, burgers and more, you’ll be in heaven. Pram and dog-friendly the whole family can head along – and they also have a dedicated takeaway window for all your fish and chip needs.
33 Ocean Drive, Merimbula | facebook.com
Santa Fe
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Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas and more – Santa Fe has all your Mexican cravings sorted. Snack on some chips and guac as you sip away on a margarita (Psst! They come in jugs as well) and take in the vistas of Merimbula Lake as you enjoy a collection of modern and classic Mexican food.
Merimbula Plaza, corner of Alice and Beach Streets, Merimbula | santafetacobar.com.au
MorMors
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Tucked away into a leafy little spot in Merimbula Plaza, pop into MorMors for breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee, tea, booze and sweet treats. Sip on coffee from ONA, nibble on a crispy pork belly Bahn Mi, or turn your brunch bottomless with unlimited house booze and mimosas.
15/20-30 Market St, Merimbula | mormors.com.au
Bar Beach Kiosk
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You guessed it, Bar Beach Kiosk is smack bang on the edge of Bar Beach (making it the perfect location for refuelling post-swim or hike). Serving up local produce and delicious coffee, why not enjoy your morning meal with the sand between your toes?
Bar Beach, off Lake Street, Merimbula | facebook.com
PLAY
Top Fun
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The combination of bowling, mini golf, laser tag and over 40 video games make this one of Merimbula’s most fun-filled spots in town. All located inside (except for the 18-hole mini golf) this is a great spot for the whole family to escape the weather.
99 Main Street, Merimbula | topfun.com.au
The Picture Show Man
Salty popcorn, sweet ice cream and the latest blockbusters. This is a classic way to spend a summer’s day. The Picture Show Man has two theatres showing all the current hits and latest releases. Meet you in the aircon?
80 Main Street, Merimbula | pictureshowman.com
Magic Mountain
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Fun for the young and young at heart, head along to Magic Mountain for a day filled with theme park rides including a roller coaster, go-karts, water slides and toboggans. With rides for the whole family, take a picnic or buy some hot food to have lunch under the trees. Up in the trees, tackle the tree climb challenge with three courses of different difficulties!
134 Sapphire Coast Drive, Merimbula | magicmountain.net.au
Potoroo Palace
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This is a not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary located ten minutes outside of Merimbula. Head along to see a koala, wander among the kangaroos, touch a snake, stroll through the cooling mist of the walk-through aviary and have lunch and coffee at the Blue Wren Café. You can get up close to some kangaroos, emus and ducks who roam the park freely and hand feed them with an Animal Feed Bag or explore the park on their little train.
2372 Princes Highway, Merimbula | potoroopalace.com
Bar Beach
A small, beautiful beach on Merimbula Lake, Bar Beach is famous for its stunning turquoise channel and breathtaking views across Merimbula Bay and the rolling hinterland. Patrolled seven days a week in the summer, this beach is wave-free but lies on the channel of Merimbula Lake which can have strong tidal currents (so always swim between the flags). Sheltered from summer’s northerly winds and has outdoor showers and amenities, it’s a beautiful way to spend a day.
Bar Beach, off Lake Street, Merimbula | visitnsw.com
Merimbula Main Beach
With five kilometres of pristine blue ocean where you can surf, swim, fish or stroll, this beach is perfect for families. Patrolled during the summer and even has an off-leash area for the family dog, the beach is bordered by Ford Park at its northern end, which is home to monthly markets, and a wonderful state-of-the-art accessible playground, amenities and barbecue area.
Ocean Drive, Merimbula | visitnsw.com
Spencer Park Beach
Picturesque Spencer Park and Beach is a great spot for families, with calm and clear water on the edge of Merimbula Lake, as well as playground and barbecue facilities. Enjoy the beautiful views of vibrant Merimbula Lake and Merimbula Bay, go SUPing or kayaking, or drop in a line and try your luck fishing off the sandy shore. It’s also a great place to go prawning when the moon is full and the tide is right and is just a short walk up to Bar Beach!
Main Street, Merimbula | visitnsw.com
Merimbula Boardwalk
Merimbula Boardwalk meanders around the lake shore and through mangrove forests, under eucalyptus canopies and past pristine oyster farms. It’s approximately 3.4 kilometres return and will take around one and a half leisurely hours to complete.
It’s famous for sunset views and dotted with seats and jetties so you can enjoy them. Look for Merimbula’s resident seal, who sleeps nearby and patrols the oyster leases looking for fish to snack on.
Market Street, Merimbula | visitnsw.com
STAY
There is no shortage of places to stay in and around Merimbula, so we have chosen just a few for you to check out.
Beach Cabins Merimbula
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With ocean views, pet-friendly cabins and beautiful walks that lead you to the beach, lake and bush reserve, what’s not to love? Perfect for couples, families and groups enjoy your own unique, self-contained and air-conditioned cabin. Don’t want to leave the grounds? There is a range of facilities that will keep you entertained.
47-65 Short Point Road, Merimbula | beachcabins.com.au
Sapphire Valley Caravan Park
Set on 14 acres of bushland get ready to unwind and relax as you leave the hustle and bustle of the city. Want to make your trip a bit more budget-friendly? Book into a campsite where you can chill out in a tent but still have a hot shower each night.
29 Sapphire Coast Drive, Merimbula | sapphirevalleycaravanpark.com.au
The Palms Apartments
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Treat yourself to some luxury this summer. This four-star hotel features modern self-contained apartments, a pool and is within walking distance of the main street, beaches and boardwalk. Bliss.
63 Main Street, Merimbula | thepalmsapartment.com
Feature image: Valentina. Via Facebook.