Wonderfully Wild Sapphire Coast Winter
6 WAYS to EXPERIENCE SAPPHIRE COAST WINTER
Visiting the Sapphire Coast in any season is always a wonderful idea, but there’s a special kind of magic in the air in winter. The mornings are fresh and golden, the days are mild (and often even warm), and there’s no shortage of cool-weather adventures to be had along our spectacular coastline. And once you’re done with your day’s activities, you can cosy up by the fire with a mulled wine and a book in hand!
So pack your puffer jacket, pop on a beanie for good measure, and get ready to come alive in our pristine coastal wonderland this winter.
Winter Whale Watching
This is not a fluke!! In 'whaley' exciting news for 2024, Sapphire Coastal Adventures will be running whale watching tours throughout the whole of winter in Eden and Merimbula! Sapphire Coast whale season usually kicks off in spring as humpback whales travel south on their way to Antarctica, and runs until November. However, we have been seeing such an increase of whales year-on-year that tours will now be available during the northern migration from May - August as the whales travel north to their breeding grounds in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Northern migration tours commence in mid-May in Merimbula and Eden, followed by Bermagui in June. Tours will continue running until the end of the southern migration in November.
Step out in a winter wonderland
Winter is perfect for outdoor exploration in our pristine coastal landscape. Whether it’s a morning beach stroll with a hot coffee in hand, or a multi-day hiking adventure through our national parks, winter days on-trail will leave you buzzing and reinvigorated. With cooler temps perfect for walking, you might like to try one of our more challenging walks like the Light to Light Walk (30km), Kangarutha Walking Track (9km), Wharf to Wharf Walk (27km), or the Balawan (Mount Imlay) Summit Walking Track (6km).
If you’re looking for a shorter walk, you can’t go past Merimbula Boardwalk, Murunna Point Walking Track, Bundian Way Story Trail, or Tathra Headland Walk.
Country cottage dining by the fire
Is there anything better than the cosy ambience of an open woodfire paired with a red wine and a hearty winter meal? Feel embraced by the flickering firelit dining room of Banksia, situated within the heritage-listed Old Pambula Bank building in Pambula’s main street. Banksia’s food is generous, rich and classic, served in three courses with the choice of matched wines, presented by knowledgeable and experienced servers
Dulcie’s Cottage is a reimagined 1925 weatherboard cottage in Merimbula, now home to a humming bar and eatery serving up boutique beers, fabulous cocktails and perhaps the best burgers on the South Coast. Make sure you book ahead if you want to nab the sought-after tables closest to the fireplace!
For cosy coffee dates, we recommend taking the scenic drive to
Candelo Cafe in the beautiful village of Candelo, about 25-minutes inland from Merimbula. You can warm up by the fire of their country-style eatery and enjoy local Bega Valley eggs, wood-fired Wheatley Lane sour dough (made by Candelo's famed micro-bakery) and seriously awesome homemade sausage rolls.
WINTEr events and festivals
Four Winds: Winter in the Windsong, June - August
The stunning Four Winds venue at Barragga Bay (just south of Bermagui) is presenting a fabulous lineup of live music events this winter. From astonishing classical pianists, to sultry jazz fusion and hip hop / cello mashups, these special performances are not to be missed. And, with new more accessible pricing, it's easier to visit more often! All performances are $45 General Admission, $35 Concession and 16&U's FREE.
Artists include renowned pianist Stefan Cassomenos (June 2), Follow the Rain Film Screening (June 29), progressive-rock legend David Bridie (Not Drowning, Waving and My Friend the Chocolate Cake June 30), talented flautist Ana de la Vega performing alongside pianist Grace Kim (7 July), Jazz-Fusion trio Koi Kingdom (21 July), The Offering a collaboration between hip-hop poet Omar Musa and cellist Mariel Roberts (Aug 4), award winning Affinity Quartet performing Beethoven’s iconic Opus 18 (17 & 18 Aug) and the sensational Sharon and Slava Grigoryan (cello and guitar, Aug 23).
Three days of golden celebrations in our stunning natural landscape! Merimbula’s WinterSun Festival includes competitive ocean swims in Merimbula Lake, a 27km Wharf to Wharf Walk challenge (walk and run categories available), Pups on SUPs at Merimbula Lake (woof woof!), Streetfest on Market (live music and local food) and more!
Merimbula Jazz Festival, 7-10 June
Merimbula’s annual seaside jazz festival has been bringing together jazz musicians from across Australia since 1981. With six venues within walking distance and 100 bands on offer, you can experience big band, swing, modern, funk, fusion, traditional and ragtime across four fabulous days.
Located just 15 minutes from Merimbula , it is with good reason that the Sapphire Coast Turf Club is fast becoming one of the most popular tracks in regional New South Wales. Jazz Festival Winter Race Day is a 7 race TAB meet with free buses to and from the track with pickup locations in Eden, Pambula, Merimbula, Tura Beach, Tathra and Bega.
Fungi Feastival, 21 June – 21 July
Learn about the fascinating and unique world of fungi, mushrooms and truffles at this fungi-licious event! Taking place over four weeks, the festival features a range of pop-up fungi-themed events from Eden to Bermagui, and north to Batemans Bay. You can go on a truffle hunt, learn how to grow edible mushrooms at a fungi workshop, book a bespoke truffle and mushroom dinner experience, and heaps more.
Far South Film Festival, 17 August
Far South Film Festival shines a spotlight on all things moviemaking in and around our region. Featuring stories told by regional and remote filmmakers from all over Australia, the festival takes place in Merimbula.
Winter stargazing SESSIONS
Pack your head torch and bring your winter woollies (and thermos of hot chocolate), because the clear skies of winter are ideal for stargazing and spotting the Milky Way. The best stretch of coast for stargazing is anywhere south of Eden, where the wide open spaces of Beowa National Park, Nadgee Wilderness and surrounding forests are free from any outside light interference. However, pretty much anywhere along the Sapphire Coast makes a worthy stargazing destination, so don’t forget to look up! Some favourite spots for our local photographers include Green Cape Lighthouse, Boyds Tower and Horse Head Rock.
If you want to take things a step further and sleep under the stars along our ancient coastline, check out the beautiful campgrounds in Beowa National Park, Mimosa Rocks National Park and Bournda National Park, as well as private camping and glamping options available throughout the region. That way you can stargaze and roast marshmallows at the same time!
Check out our accommodation offerings here
Hit the mountain bike trails
The ski fields of Thredbo and Perisher may be only a few hours away, however our favourite winter trails are the mountain biking kind. No crowds, no expensive lift ticket (the trails are free!), no snow storms... and no traffic! Winter is the ideal time of year to plan a road trip to the Sapphire Coast and check out the fresh MTB trails at Gravity Eden. These trails are no joke - 58km of premium, machine-built single track from an elevation of 300m with options for all skill levels - including black diamond riders!
Explore the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail
Oysters may be a summer staple, however these tasty (and healthy) morsels pack a punch year-round on the Sapphire Coast. Our unique climate is favourable for growing Sydney Rock Oysters all year long and our key estuaries serve up oysters not only to local eateries, but also to top restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, who rely on the Sapphire Coast to provide a reliable supply of quality oysters during the cooler months. Unlike the super fat oysters of summer and autumn, winter oysters are usually firmer in texture, with a deliciously robust and briny flavour.
Head out on the Oyster Trail and explore our oyster farm gates, immersive food and farm experiences, and tide to table dining.
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