SAMPLE ITINERARY

Friday

Arrive at your leisure and visit North of Eden Artisan Distillers at Stony Creek. Meet the distillers and sample their award-winning spirits, from ‘admiral’ gin to oyster shell vodka and ‘Jessie’s batch’ single malt whisky, featuring ingredients like local juniper berry, citrus from the farm and native botanicals.

With gorgeous views of the rolling hills and some very snuggly resident highland cows, you can unwind and enjoy a winter nip in a beautiful country setting.

Check into your accommodation at Hillcrest Merimbula.

Saturday

Wake up to views of the sparkling ocean from your character-filled room at Hillcrest Merimbula, celebrating the property's 50-year heritage and combining a 1970s vibe with luxury comforts. Enjoy a coffee on the balcony before wandering down to the breakfast bar before your choice of an on-Country cultural guided experience with Yandama On Country, OR an exclusive Merimbula Oyster Experience with Wheeler’s Oyster Farm at Merimbula Lake.

Yandama on Country:
Join your local Indigenous tour guide at stunning Pambula Beach and be welcomed onto Country with an intimate smoking ceremony. Explore the beautiful Jiguma track between Pambula Beach and Pambula River Mouth as you gain understanding of the rich cultural history of the local and surrounding areas, hear stories relating to plants, animals and the connection Aboriginal people have with the land. 

Merimbula Oyster Experience:

Discover our winter oysters on an intimate oyster experience with our local oyster farmers. Be whisked away to the Wheeler’s Oysters Farm before donning a pair of oversized waders and exploring the oyster leases at pristine Merimbula Lake, learning about the meticulous processes involved in cultivating and harvesting these treasures of the sea. Watch as fresh oysters are shucked before your eyes or take the chance to learn how, ready for you to wash down with a glass of Australian sparkling. Set upon an immersed, white-clothed table, this is a true tide-to-table experience in the most spectacular of settings.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring stunning headlands and soaking in the winter sun. Keep a keen eye on the horizon as the southern migration of humpback whales commences along our coastline. With thousands of whales stopping in for a rest on their journey south, we have plenty of lookouts and vantage points to choose from.

After your day out, cosy up by the fire and enjoy dinner at Dulcie’s Cottage, a reimagined 1925 weatherboard cottage in Merimbula, now home to a humming bar and eatery serving up boutique beers, fabulous cocktails and the best burgers on the coast.

Sunday (free day)

Sleep in or wake up for a golden sunrise, today is yours to spend at your leisure. Try out a local cafe for breakfast before heading out for the day. Spot whales from the Pinnacles in Beowa National Park on the way to historic Eden, stop in at a local craft brewery, browse boutique shops in quaint Pambula Village, or along the Hinterland Village Trail.

If you fancy a stunning coastal drive, take the Bermagui-Tathra Road from the iconic town of Tathra to spectacular Bermagui. Drive through the towering spotted gum forests of Mimosa Rocks National Park, cross one-lane wooden bridges and explore pristine beaches all to yourself. Visit historic Tathra Wharf, admire the views (or take a winter plunge) at Bermagui's Blue Pool, and spot whales from lookouts and headlands along the way.

Or simply grab a book and unwind, the day is yours!

Who needs Europe when you’ve got Bar Superette? Merimbula’s wine bar features the finest Euro-inspired wines, imported cheeses and charcuterie boards. Enjoy a complimentary charcuterie board and two glasses of wine whilst the crew spin vinyl. Stay for dinner (highly recommended) or head to one of the many other fabulous restaurants in town, from Japanese to Italian, local seafood and more.

Monday (departure day)

After a Wonderfully Wild winter weekend on the Sapphire Coast, grab a coffee for the road before heading home. We'll miss you!