Named for its deep blue sparkling waters, the Sapphire Coast stretches from Bermagui down past Eden on the far New South Wales South Coast, with Bega at the inland heartland of this beautiful region.
This is oyster country, with stunning beaches, sprawling national parks and historic buildings to discover as well. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to the state’s south-eastern corner, a six-hour drive south of Sydney.
What to see and do on the Sapphire Coast
Beautiful beaches abound on the Sapphire Coast, but for a particularly memorable swimming or snorkelling experience, Bermagui’s Blue Pool is a natural rock pool that lies at the base of a dramatic rocky cliff face. Visit SearchandStay.com for lovely holiday houses in Bermagui, right nearby Bermagui's Blue Pool.
Eden and the Whales
Further south, Eden is a paradise for whale watching. Historically Eden holds a dark past of whaling and the town was renowned for the remarkable pod of killer whales that assisted the whalers of the Davidson Whaling Station. The friendship between man and killer whales began with the Yuin people. The indigenous people revered the orcas. The killer whales would regularly herd passing baleen whales into the bay and the meat and oil was used by the local Aboriginal people. After the Europeans set up whaling, many Aboriginal people worked in the industry and continued their traditional practice of ‘calling’ the killers. 
So when in Eden, don’t miss the intriguing Killer Whale Museum. But Eden now offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy these majestic Baleen Whales in all their natural beauty. Cat Balou Cruises runs regular trips during peak season from September to mid-November.
Water sports
You can also go kayaking on the beautiful Bega River, SUP or learn to Surf in Merimbula with Coastlife or go game fishing with Headland Fishing charters in Merimbula.
National Parks
There are a number of exceptional national parks to explore. Just north of Tathra hides Mimosa Rocks National Park, check out the intriguing rock formations and rugged cliffs separate a string of idyllic beaches. If bushwalking is your jam, visit Bournda National Park between Tathra and Merimbula and hike the 9km Kangarutha Walking Track that hugs the coast (allow up to four hours each way) or not up for an 8 hour walk…go kayaking in Bournda Lagoon. Wallagoot Lake, is a playground for watersport enthusiasts and nature lovers. Enjoy sailing, paddling, fishing and birdwatching. Set up a picnic on the shores of the lake while the kids swim in the protected waters. SearchandStay.com has relaxed holiday cabins to retire to after a long days hike.
Bega (Cheese)
While best known for its cheese, Bega and the Bega Cheese Factory serves up great food – with or without cheese! Learn the history of cheese at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, relax with a milkshake overlooking the Bega River, then take home some local cheese, preserves and honey.
Tathra
The only remaining deep-water timber wharf on Australia’s east coast, Tathra Wharf, built in 1862, holds a significant place in maritime history. Once a docking station for steamships carrying cargo and passengers between the Bega Valley and Sydney, the wharf is now more popular for its café-gallery, The Wharf Local, and the fascinating Tathra Wharf Museum.
Tathra is also a great base for mountain biking, with the Bundadung Mountain Biking Network beginning just 800m from the hub of all things mountain biking, Tathra Beach and Bike.
Merimbula
Merimbula is a beautiful coastal town and a favourite haunt for Victorian's seeking the warmer weather. Merimbula and the surrounding towns are known for the natural beauty of its coastal landscapes and lush national parks, seaside and hinterland towns, and an abundance of fresh Australian seafood. Visitors to Merimbula can experience deep-sea fishing; oyster shucking; art gallery trails; cellar door and cheese tastings; kayaking; whale watching in season; and exploring the many national parks. Merimbula is a popular self-drive destination along the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive
The surrounding towns are Bermagui, and the hinterland villages of Cobargo, Bemboka and Candelo are also well worth a visit.
Where to eat on the Sapphire Coast
Sapphire Coast oysters are prized — find out everything there is to know about oyster farming river and shuck your own with Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours on the Pambula River. You can also taste fresh award-winning Sydney rock oysters from family-owned Tathra Oysters’ Little Shop Behind The House in Tathra, or order a dozen how you like them at local restaurants such as Fat Tony’s Bar and Grill, also in Tathra.
In Eden, buy local produce at Sprout Eden, which also has a café menu that skilfully reflects the seasons.
For a special meal, plan a lunch or dinner at Mimosa Wines, a family-owned vineyard, cellar door and restaurant in Murrah, where head chef Glen Simpson whips local produce into signature dishes such as his seared fresh kingfish, slow-cooked pork belly, and local oysters and mussels.
Where to drink on the Sapphire Coast
As the name suggests, the multi-award-winning North of Eden micro-distillery is located on a working farm in Stony Creek, 64km (or 50 minutes’ drive) north of Eden. All its London dry-style gins are all made in 200-bottle batches and feature ingredients grown on the farm or foraged locally. With most of its bar/cellar door seating outdoors, sunny days are the best time to visit.
If craft beer is more your thing, pull up a seat at the historic Tathra Hotel, which is home to the Humpback Brewery.
Where to stay on the Sapphire Coast
The Sapphire Coast is a popular family destination, with plenty of self-catering family holiday apartments to choose from among the region’s accommodation options on Search and Stay. You’ll find everything from a relaxed family beach house to more luxurious premium holiday accommodation, visit Search and Stay today to book a Sapphire Coast holiday.