Best Things to Do in Pambula & the Sapphire Coast, NSW

Last Updated: October 2026

The Sapphire Coast in southern New South Wales is one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal regions, yet it somehow manages to fly under the radar compared to other popular seaside destinations.

With its pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, spectacular national parks, abundant wildlife and charming coastal towns, it’s a wonderful destination for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the crowds.

We first discovered the Sapphire Coast when a close friend recommended Pambula for our Christmas getaway. Until then, we’d barely heard of the region, but after a little research, we were completely sold!

So, during our week off between Christmas and New Year, we drove up from Melbourne and made Pambula our base for six nights. It turned out to be the perfect location for exploring the surrounding towns of Merimbula, Tathra and beyond.

And what a beautiful part of Australia it is! From swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Pambula River Mouth to spotting kangaroos, echidnas and countless birds along the coastal walking trails, we absolutely loved our time here.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Pambula and the Sapphire Coast, including our favourite beaches, wildlife encounters, coastal walks and places to eat and stay.

What to do in Pambula?

Swim in the Pambula River Mouth

The top thing to do in Pambula is to visit its river mouth. Due to its location, the Pambula river mouth is well sheltered from the winds and the swells that come from the south. This makes it a perfect place to head to for a swim with the whole family. Not only is the water there calm and beautiful, but there are stunning views across the northern end of the Beowa National Park.

When you’re done with swimming and relaxing, take the short Pambula River walking track. This 1.2-kilometre walk offers scenic views over the bay to Haycock Point. It winds along the coast through woodlands, before reaching a lookout with fabulous views across Severs Beach and the Pambula River.

Surf Pambula’s main beach

If you’re a keen surfer or boogie boarder, Pambula’s main beach is a fine, white, sandy stretch with rolling waves and a beautiful blue sea. If you simply want to swim, the southern part of the beach is patrolled during summer. Even if you don’t fancy getting wet, Pambula’s main beach is perfect for walking along. To really burn some calories, you can walk along it all the way to Merimbula. It’s a long but beautiful walk. For a shorter stroll, take the headland walking track between the main beach and Pambula River mouth, or check out the rock pools at low tide.

Have a picnic and a stroll in Panboola Wetlands

The 77-hectare floodplain of Panboola is a nature reserve and wetland comprising fresh water billabongs, salt marshes, mangroves, a tidal channel and tidal mud flats. It has excellent walking and cycling tracks, some great birdlife and an abundance of Eastern Grey kangaroos. The park is wonderful for friend and family outings for all ages. Take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy it at one of the many picnic areas inside the park.

Spot Kangaroos at Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club

Even if you don’t play golf, the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club is worth knowing about. Why? Because it’s home to a large population of wild kangaroos!

These furry locals are often spotted lounging around the fairways, grazing on the grass and generally making themselves at home. It’s quite a sight, especially if you’re a wildlife lover like us!

The golf course is also home to plenty of birdlife and other native wildlife. Just remember that the kangaroos are wild animals, so admire them from a safe distance. If you’d like to see the kangaroos, contact the golf club beforehand to ask about current wildlife-viewing opportunities, as access to the course may be restricted.

Go bushwalking in the Beowa National Park

The Beowa National Park surrounds Pambula Beach, but the best part is ten kilometres south of Pambula, accessed via the unsealed but easily driven Haycock Road. This area of the park offers some magnificent coastal walks, deserted beaches and some great wildlife spotting.

Be sure to tackle the six-kilometre return walk from Haycock Point to Barmouth Beach. This easy walk gives you dramatic coastal views over Merimbula Bay, as you walk through a Banksia forest filled with singing birds. You’ll end up at the practically deserted Barmouth Beach. However, you may have to share the beach with the local goannas! This walk is also great for spotting wallabies, Eastern Grey kangaroos and echidnas (we saw three echidnas on our walk!).

Once you’re finished with that walk, stop off at both the Pinnacles and Quondolo Point for some more stunning views.

What to do in Merimbula?

Merimbula is right next door to Pambula, just a short five-minute drive away.

Stroll the Merimbula Boardwalk

The Merimbula Boardwalk path is an easy three and a half kilometre return walk. It follows the shores of the lake, meandering through mangroves, under eucalyptus canopies, past oyster farms and Melaleuca. Along the way, you’ll find informative guides and a kiosk cafe for refreshments at the far end.

Snorkel at Bar Beach

Bar beach is a small but gorgeous beach situated on Merimbula Lake. Because it is quite sheltered, it’s another popular swimming spot for families. So arrive early if you want to secure a place. In the summer, you can snorkel at Bar Beach. But be careful, although the water appears quite calm, there are strong tidal currents that can take you by surprise. It’s definitely not the Great Barrier Reef, but we did see a few fish during our snorkelling session!

Check out the soldier crabs at Spencer Park

At low tide, Spencer Park is a great place to see thousands of soldier crabs leaving their burrows for their daily stroll on the beach. You need to be patient though; it can take a while for them to appear!

Taste the Famous Sapphire Coast Oysters

The Sapphire Coast is home to numerous oyster farms, producing some of the freshest and most delicious oysters in Australia. The region is particularly famous for its Sydney rock oysters, known for their rich, creamy flavour.

If you’re an oyster lover, you’re in for a treat! You’ll find fresh local oysters served in many restaurants and seafood outlets throughout the region, and some oyster farms also sell directly to the public.

One place worth checking out is Wheelers Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Farm near Pambula, where you can enjoy locally grown oysters and other fresh seafood.

Even if you’re not usually an oyster fan, this is certainly the place to give them a try!

What to do in Tathra?

Tathra Steamer Wharf

Tathra has the only remaining timber wharf on the eastern seaboard of Australia. After undergoing some major restoration, it is now a tourist attraction. The storage shed has been restored by the locals and turned into a small museum. The museum provides an insight into the shipwrecks in the area and the history of the wharf. During whale season (late August to November), the Tathra Wharf is a prime spot for observing the whale migration.

Drive up to the Mimosa Rocks National Park

You will find two easy walking tracks to Mimosa Rocks and Aragannu Beach in the carpark at the end of the unsealed Aragannu Road (no 4WD needed, just drive slowly). The wheelchair accessible track to Mimosa Rocks crosses an aboriginal midden on the way to the lookout. As you reach the lookout, you will see a pyramid-shaped rock. Beneath this rock lies the SS Mimosa, a paddle steamer shipwrecked in 1863. The National Park is named after it.

You can also take an easy walk through a forested area to Aragannu Beach. Look out for birdlife along the way. This beach is 630 metres long and is accessible via a set of stairs. Swimming is not recommended due to the strong currents, but it is a nice beach for a stroll.

Take a swim or kayak at Wapengo Lake

Wapengo Lake is located between Narooma and Tathra and is a pristine estuary. It is best accessed by turning off Tathra-Bermagui Road onto Haighs Street. At the end of the gravel road, you’ll find a stunning lagoon that is perfect for swimming and for kayaking. At the far side of Wapengo lake, there are some oyster farms where you can buy fresh, tasty oysters.

Exploring more of the NSW South Coast? Don’t miss Narooma, another beautiful coastal town with turquoise waters, gorgeous beaches and incredible wildlife encounters, including the chance to swim with wild fur seals at Montague Island.

Best Time to Visit Pambula and the Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast is beautiful year-round, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are particularly lovely, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer holidays.

Summer is perfect for swimming, kayaking and enjoying the beaches, although Christmas and January can get busy.

If you love wildlife, September to November is especially rewarding, with migrating humpback whales passing along the coast. Winter is quieter and can be a lovely time for coastal walks, although it’s generally too cold for swimming.

How Many Days Do You Need on the Sapphire Coast?

We recommend spending at least three nights exploring Pambula and the surrounding Sapphire Coast. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, coastal walks and nearby towns without rushing.

We spent six nights here and certainly didn’t run out of things to do! If you enjoy nature, wildlife and exploring at a relaxed pace, five to seven days would be ideal.

How to Get to Pambula and Get Around

Pambula is located on the NSW Sapphire Coast, approximately six hours’ drive from Melbourne, seven hours from Sydney and three hours from Canberra.

The nearest airport is Merimbula Airport, just a short drive away, with flights connecting the region to major cities. Having a car is highly recommended, as many of the best beaches, national parks and coastal towns are spread across the region.

Where to eat?

Wheelers Seafood Restaurant

Wheelers is an obligatory stop for seafood lovers. Try one of their seafood platters or some of their fresh farmed oysters. Pair it with a nice bottle of local white wine!

Address: 162 Arthur Kaine Drive, Pambula – opposite the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club

Oakland’s Cafe

This is a great place for breakfast or lunch, complete with pretty surroundings, an animal farm to keep the kids happy and a gift shop and garden centre.

Address: 3546 Princes Hwy, Pambula

Dulcie’s cottage

Dulcie’s serves the best American burgers on the Sapphire Coast and the food is cooked inside a restored, quirky 1950’s caravan. It’s a popular spot in Merimbula, so go early.

Address: 60 Main St, Merimbula

Where to Stay in Pambula and the Sapphire Coast

There are some lovely accommodation options around Pambula and the Sapphire Coast, from beachside cabins to stylish boutique stays.

The Love Shack – Best for Couples

We stayed at The Love Shack for six nights and absolutely loved it! This charming one-bedroom beach shack offers beautiful ocean views and is within walking distance of Pambula Beach and Pambula River Mouth.

We particularly loved enjoying our morning coffee on the deck, watching the lorikeets and the kangaroos visiting the garden. A wonderful place for a peaceful coastal escape!

Discovery Parks – Pambula Beach – Best for Families

Located right beside Pambula Beach, Discovery Parks is a fantastic choice for families and nature lovers. It offers cabins and camping facilities, with kangaroos and native birds regularly spotted around the grounds.

We didn’t stay here, but we walked through the park and loved its beautiful natural setting.

Hillcrest Merimbula – Best for a Boutique Escape

For something a little fancier, Hillcrest Merimbula is a stylish boutique property overlooking Merimbula and the surrounding coastline.

With beautifully renovated rooms, spectacular views and an outdoor swimming pool, it’s a lovely choice for couples wanting a little extra comfort while exploring the Sapphire Coast.

Continuing your NSW South Coast road trip? Head north to discover the spectacular blowholes and coastal walks of Kiama, or venture inland to explore the lush green countryside, waterfalls and wildlife of Kangaroo Valley.

FAQs About Visiting Pambula and the Sapphire Coast

Is Pambula worth visiting?

Absolutely! Pambula is a charming little town surrounded by beautiful beaches, national parks and abundant wildlife. It’s also a fantastic base for exploring the Sapphire Coast.

Can you swim at Pambula Beach?

Yes! Pambula Beach is a beautiful spot for swimming and surfing, while nearby Pambula River Mouth offers calmer waters that are popular with families. Always check conditions before entering the water.

Where can you see kangaroos around Pambula?

Kangaroos are commonly spotted around Pambula Beach, particularly near Discovery Parks and the surrounding grassy areas. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to look for them.

Is Merimbula or Pambula better to stay in?

Merimbula offers more restaurants, shops and accommodation options, while Pambula has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. We loved staying in Pambula for its natural surroundings and wildlife, but both make excellent bases for exploring the region.

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