It might not surprise you to learn that Sapphire Coast is one of the most popular regions of the state and there are many reasons for this. The official name is the Bega Valley Shire, with 6,000 square km of land including 225km of pristine coastline, a major attraction for both foreign and domestic tourists alike.
Major Towns
Sapphire Coast is home to the following towns:
- Bega
- Tathra
- Merimbula
- Wolumia
- Cobargo
- Pambula
- Eden
Each town has its own unique charm and for tourism, Merimbula and Pambula are the top destinations, while Eden is a major port.
Tourist Activities
There is much to see and do in Sapphire Coast; if you are holidaying in September, October or November, this is prime whale-watching season. It is hard to describe the feeling when you are close up with these graceful, yet majestic animals and they exhibit a variety of surface behaviours, such as tail and fin slaps, while they often breach right out of the water. For the best whale-watching, you can book with Sapphire Coastal Adventures, who offer deep-sea fishing and whale watching. This is a fertile stretch of coastline that is rich with marine life and the skippers know the waters very well and can take you to the best spots.
Green Cape Lighthouse
At a height of 29m, Green Cape Lighthouse is the furthest southern lighthouse in NSW and has a long and colourful history. Constructed in 1883, this was the first concrete lighthouse in Australia and we recommend you take the guided tour, which includes a visit to the observation balcony at the top. This is the best view of the Sapphire Coast and worthy of your Instagram page, especially if you manage to see an epic sunset.
Pambula Village
This quaint fishing village is a tourist hot-spot with arts & crafts shops, tea rooms and a couple of pubs. Trendy boutiques can be found along the main street and local cuisine is well represented, serving fresh seafood dishes cooked to your liking.
Kianinny Bush Cottages
You can have archery lessons at this venue, which is in Tathra, where there is a stunning stretch of coastline and some amazing hikes. Set in 100 acres of prime bushland, you can see wallabies, possums, kookaburras and various species of parrot, all in their natural habitat. There is a plush mini-18-hole golf course called Wombat Holes and the whole family can play. There is something for everyone at Kianinny Bush Cottages, with the gripping Flying Fox amusement ride.
There is a lot of information online about Sapphire Coast, so you can plan each day to get the most out of your holiday.