Wild beaches, oyster farms, tiny coastal towns and some of the most spectacular national parks in NSW – the Sapphire Coast is the kind of place where the travel is slow because there is so much to savour. It is truly insane to think this natural beauty is only a few hours from the city.

Stretching through towns including Bermagui, Tathra, Merimbula, Pambula and Eden, this pocket of the NSW South Coast feels noticeably wilder than the holiday towns further north. Here, you can spend the morning swimming in an ocean pool, kayak through an oyster farm before lunch, walk through coastal national parks in the afternoon and finish the day eating seafood overlooking the water.

Whether you're planning a family holiday, romantic weekend or a longer Sapphire Coast road trip, these are the 25 of the best things to do on the Sapphire Coast in 2026.

The Best Things to Do on the Sapphire Coast at a Glance

Best overall: Bermagui Blue Pool

Best beach experience: Mimosa Rocks National Park

Best foodie experience: Oyster tour

Best coastal walk: Wharf to Wharf (Tathra to Merimbula)

Best hidden gem: Kianinny Bay

Best wildlife experience: Whale watching in Eden

Best local produce experience: Sapphire Coast farmers markets

Best town to wander: Pambula

Beaches, Swimming & Natural Wonders

1. Swim at Bermagui Blue Pool

Bermagui | Best overall

If there's one swimming spot synonymous with the Sapphire Coast, it's the Bermagui Blue Pool.

Built into the rocks beneath the headland, this natural ocean pool has uninterrupted views across the Pacific and is particularly beautiful early in the morning.

Bring your swimmers even if the weather looks questionable. This is one Sapphire Coast classic that genuinely deserves the hype.

2. See Horse Head Rock & Camel Rock

Bermagui | Best natural landmark

Just north of Bermagui you'll find two of the most distinctive geological formations on the Sapphire Coast.

Camel Rock is easily accessible, while nearby Horse Head Rock is one of the most photographed formations on this stretch of coastline.

The Local Compass tip: Come around sunrise if you're willing to set the alarm.

3. Swim at Kianinny Bay

Tathra | Best hidden swimming spot

This is one of our favourite smaller and quieter alternatives to the Sapphire Coast's larger beaches.

Just south of Tathra, Kianinny Bay is a sheltered little inlet surrounded by bushland, with remarkably clear water, making it also a perfect spot for kids.

Keep an eye below the surface, too – stingrays are regularly spotted cruising through the bay.

4. Snorkel at Bar Beach

Merimbula | Best for snorkelling

Protected by the entrance to Merimbula Lake, little Bar Beach is a lovely spot for swimming and snorkelling.

Its calmer water makes it a particularly good option when the surf is up elsewhere.

Grab a coffee nearby and settle in for the morning.

5. Find a Wild Beach in Mimosa Rocks National Park

Between Tathra & Bermagui | Best for escaping the crowds

Mimosa Rocks National Park is home to headlands, lagoons, forest and wonderfully undeveloped stretches of coastline. Rather than rushing towards one particular attraction, give yourself a few hours to explore.

Moon Bay is one beautiful place to start.

The Local Compass verdict: This is the Sapphire Coast at its best – wild, quiet and wonderfully unpolished.

Read more: Things To Do in Regional NSW

Bermagui Blue Pool

Horse Head Rock

Kianinny Bay

Bar Beach

Mimosa Rocks National Park

Walks, Lookouts & National Parks

6. Walk Part – or All – of the Wharf to Wharf Walk

Tathra to Merimbula | Best coastal walk

The 27-kilometre Wharf to Wharf Walk connects two historic wharves in Tathra and Merimbula, travelling through Bournda National Park and along some spectacular stretches of coastline.

Serious walkers can tackle the entire route, but a nice leisurely stroll is also perfectly acceptable, simply choose a shorter section and you'll still get the secluded beaches, coastal forest and ocean views.

7. Tackle the Light to Light Walk

Beowa National Park | Best adventure

For something considerably bigger, you can take on the Light to Light Walk.

Running between Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse, the multi-day coastal walk reopened after a major upgrade in 2025.

It's now one of the Sapphire Coast's standout wilderness experiences.

Best for: Hikers planning a trip specifically around a walk.

8. Walk the Pinnacles Loop

Beowa National Park | Best short walk

Want dramatic scenery without walking 30 kilometres?

This is your answer.

The short Pinnacles Loop walking track leads through coastal bushland to viewpoints over the park's striking red-and-white erosion cliffs. It's relatively short, photogenic and easy to add to a day exploring Beowa National Park.

9. Walk Tathra Headland

Tathra | Best easy coastal walk

Start around historic Tathra Wharf and follow the headland for spectacular views over the coastline.

It's a particularly good option during whale season, when you may be able to spot migrating humpbacks from land.

Finish with coffee or lunch in Tathra.

10. Spend a Day Exploring Beowa National Park

Near Eden | Best national park

If you only explore one national park on the southern end of the Sapphire Coast, make it Beowa.

You'll find rugged cliffs, beaches, heathland, historic sites and some exceptional walking trails. Rather than racing between individual landmarks, pack lunch and give the park most of a day.

Wharf to Wharf Walk

Light to Light Walk

Pinnacles Loop

Tathra Headland

Beowa National Park

Food, Oysters & Farm Experiences

11. Take an Oyster Tour

Pambula/Merimbula | Best foodie experience

The Sapphire Coast produces some of Australia's great oysters – so don't settle for simply ordering six at dinner.

Sure to be the highlight of your trip, visit one of many ‘shellar doors’ for an incredible oyster tour where you’ll get out onto the estuary to see where they're actually grown.

Our favourites include: Magical Oyster Tours, Merimbula Oyster Tours, Broadwater Oysters and Tathra Oysters.

12. Kayak Through the Oyster Farms

Pambula | Best food-meets-adventure experience

Want to make it even more memorable?

Take to the water by kayak and paddle through the oyster-growing country around Pambula in a Kayak to Shuck tour with Navigate Expeditions. Combine kayaking with oyster tasting and shucking, turning lunch into an actual adventure.

Local Compass tip: Navigate Expeditions also offer plenty other tours around the Sapphire Coast you should absolutely check out.

13. Follow the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail

Across the Sapphire Coast | Best DIY foodie experience

Oysters are grown in several pristine estuaries along the Sapphire Coast, including Pambula Lake, Merimbula Lake, Wapengo Lake, Wallaga Lake and Wonboyn Lake.

Make your own little oyster trail as you drive south.

Stop at farm gates and oyster sheds, talk to growers and eat them as close to the water as possible.

14. Eat Your Way Around Bermagui Fishermen's Wharf

Bermagui | Best seafood stop

Bermagui's working harbour has been the heart of this seaside town, being a major supplier to Sydney Fish Market since 1946.

Head down to the Fishermen's Wharf and see what's come in, then stay for lunch overlooking the harbour. You can keep things extremely simple with fresh fish and chips or turn it into a longer waterfront meal.

15. Visit a Local Farm or Producer

Bega Valley | Best farm experience

The farmland behind the Sapphire Coast is just as much a part of the region's food story as the ocean.

Keep an eye on Millford Acres Farm near Tanja, which runs seasonal food experiences ranging from cooking-with-fire workshops and long lunches to baking, pasta and passata-making days.

Because events aren't necessarily held every weekend, this is one to check before your trip!

Broadwater Oysters

Kayak and Shuck Tour

Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail

Bermagui Fishermen's Wharf

Millford Acres Farm

16. Eat your way through the Sapphire Coast

Prefer a brunch to a hike? Foodies rejoice, because you can easily build your entire trip around eating.

From hidden gems, local favourites to fine dining, here are the best places to eat on the Sapphire Coast.

Bermagui

Octopii – Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fresh seafood and local produce served in a relaxed spot overlooking Bermagui Harbour.

Honorbread– A tiny artisan bakery specialising in excellent sourdough, pastries and the kind of baked goods worth getting up early for.

Mimosa Wines – A boutique, fine-dining restaurant just outside Bermagui where seasonal food, estate wines and beautiful vineyard views make lunch an experience in itself.

Boneless Vegetarian Cafe – A colourful vegetarian café in Bermagui serving creative plant-based breakfasts and lunches that go well beyond the standard avo toast.

Tathra

Tathra Hotel – A historic clifftop pub pairing sweeping ocean views with relaxed food, local seafood and beer brewed on site.

Wild Orchid Café – A laid-back local café for coffee, generous breakfasts and an easy lunch between swims and coastal walks.

Tathra Oysters – Skip the restaurant and buy award-winning Sydney rock oysters directly from the producer for one of the most quintessentially Sapphire Coast food experiences.

Merimbula

Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar – A polished neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar showcasing seasonal produce, making it one to save for a special dinner.

Umi-Ko Izakaya – A lively Japanese izakaya serving sushi, sashimi and share plates when you're ready for something other than classic coastal fare.

Dulcie's Cottage – Burgers, drinks and good times served from a character-filled 1920s cottage and garden, with a wonderfully casual holiday-night atmosphere.

Pambula

Wild Rye's Baking Co – An artisan bakery worth actively planning breakfast around, known for sourdough, excellent pastries, pies and plenty of treats for the road.

Banksia Restaurant – An intimate fine-dining restaurant showcasing local and seasonal produce, and one of Pambula's best choices when the occasion calls for something special.

Cafe Pambula – A relaxed village café for coffee, breakfast or an easy lunch while wandering Pambula's shops.

Longstocking Brewery – A laid-back brewery and oyster bar at Oaklands offering craft beer, wood-fired pizza and local oysters in a relaxed garden setting.

Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant – A long-running Merimbula seafood institution serving locally sourced oysters and seafood, with its own oyster farm and tours adding to the experience.

Eden

Snug Cove – Head to Eden's working harbour for fresh seafood, fishing boats and water views rather.

Hotel Australasia – A beautifully restored historic hotel in the heart of Eden, combining heritage interiors with contemporary dining, drinks and a more polished option for dinner.

Octopii

Wild Orchid Café

Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar

Banksia Restaurant

Hotel Australasia

Adventure, Wildlife & Marine Experiences

17. Go Whale Watching in Eden

Eden | Best wildlife experience

The Sapphire Coast becomes particularly special during whale season.

Eden's Twofold Bay is renowned for whale watching, particularly as humpbacks migrate south along the NSW coastline.

Join a boat tour or simply keep watch from the region's coastal lookouts.

When: Generally May to November, with conditions and sightings varying.

18. Snorkel or Dive Around Twofold Bay

Eden | Best underwater experience

There is always something happening just beneath the surface!

The waters around Eden are home to diverse marine life, with divers and snorkellers encountering everything from colourful fish to blue gropers and weedy sea dragons, making a dive or a snorkel a particularly special activity.

24. Ride Tathra's Mountain Bike Trails

Tathra | Best for mountain bikers

Tathra has become one of the Sapphire Coast’s great mountain-biking destinations, with a substantial network of trails running through the surrounding bush.

There are options for different abilities, so you don't necessarily need to be an expert rider to make a morning of it.

25. Ride Gravity Eden

Eden | Best newer adventure

At the southern end of the trip, Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park provides another reason to step away from the beaches.

Its extensive trail network winds through Nullica State Forest just outside Eden, with trails catering to different levels of rider.