Marine and Wildlife
SAPPHIRE COAST
Sapphire Coast wildlife experiences
Feed a kangaroo, meet a koala or take a guided snorkel tour - you can do all three in a day! Wander the 77 acres of Panboola Wetlands where kangaroos and birdlife abound, or visit Haycock Point within Beowa National Park and spot wallabies, birds, goannas and even echidnas snuffling along. Find kangaroos on the beach at Middle Beach and Bithry Inlet in Mimosa Rocks National Park between Tathra and Bermagui and take the surfboards along in case the waves are on, too!
Spot dolphins, fur seals and a variety of bird life as you explore the magnificent ancient coastline of the Sapphire Coast aboard a marine discovery cruise, and don't miss our world-class
whale watching spectacle in the spring, when thousands of humpback whales cruise the 'Humpback Highway' southbound on their way to Antarctica for the summer. The Sapphire Coast is considered one of Australia's premier whale watching locations.
MARINE ENCOUNTERS
Spot dolphins, fur seals, and a variety of bird life as you explore the magnificent coastline of the Sapphire Coast aboard a marine discovery cruise. Cruises depart from Eden, Merimbula and Bermagui all throughout summer and you can choose from bbq lunch cruises, sunset cruises or cruises designed just for families.
For your own mini marine discovery tour, why not pack a picnic and hire a tinny from Top Lake
Boat Hire
at Merimbula Lake or Bermi Bait and Tackle
at Bermagui. Swim, throw in a fishing rod or just enjoy the scenery as you explore the pristine waterways.
UNDERWATER ADVENTURES
For underwater enthusiasts, explore an underwater wonderland on a scuba or snorkelling adventure and encounter a spectacular variety of aquatic creatures including weedy sea dragons, cuttle fish, rays, seals and tropical visitors - as well as reefs, corals, sea caves and wrecks.
There are several wrecks covered in rust and coral, including the 135 metre Empire Gladstone which was wrecked on Haycock Point in Beowa National Park in the 1950s.
potoroo Palace
Potoroo Palace Native Animal Sanctuary is always a wonderful day out and offers the chance to experience native wildlife up close. You’ll be able to observe and learn about kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, bettongs, wombats, koalas, reptiles and many species of birds. Potoroo Palace is located a ten minute drive from Merimbula.
Guided Nature tours
Join a guided walking or kayaking tour and explore the stunning natural environment, wildlife and birdlife of the Sapphire Coast. Tours are available with Navigate Expeditions, Sapphire Coast Guiding Co and Yandama on Country.
THE MEETING OF THE WATERS
The Meeting of the Waters is an oceanic phenomenon that makes our beaches something special! Wildlife is abundant, thanks to the warm East Australian Current from the north – yes Nemo’s famous EAC – which collides with the southern current coming from Antarctica, causing a colossal eruption of marine bio-diversity.
Aquatic and marine ecosystems of many different kinds can be found here, including sheltered beaches, lagoons and estuaries, mangrove ecosystems, seagrass beds, rocky reefs and over 150 beaches. These pristine beaches of the region are mostly bordered by national park, while its temperate seas edge the mighty Pacific Ocean. It’s here that two great ocean systems meet, one from the frozen seas of Antarctica, the other from the equator. This creates a unique ‘convergence’ zone that promotes unparalleled marine biodiversity.
The main player in this convergence is the East Australian Current (EAC) that originates in the tropical Coral Sea. This current travels down the east coast of Australia, transporting heat into the Tasman Sea. The EAC is the largest ocean current close to Australian shores, moving as much as 30 million cubic metres of water per second in a warm wedge over 500 metres deep and up to 100 km wide. Its strongest flow is during the summer months when it reaches speeds of seven knots, providing a super-highway for marine life of all shapes and sizes. Its influence extends through the winter months.
SEE AND do
Immerse yourself in nature with one of our guides, zoom down a twisting mountain bike trail, find your dream beach, secret fishing spot, hidden cove or perfect wave. Make the most of the Sapphire Coast.
