Guide to the Sapphire Coast

Just outside of the Sapphire Coast lies an unforgettable wildlife experience. Take a tour to Montague Island to hop into the water with playful (and sometimes mischievous) seals that will splash, spin, blow bubbles and put on a show.

Add to the #horseheadrock hashtags on Instagram by snapping a selfie in front of this iconic attraction, said to be about 500 million years old. For the best vantage point, walk along the elevated track between Camel Rock and Murunna Point.

You’ll find many great vantage points to see whales in the waters off Bermagui, Tathra and Merimbula as the giant mammals make their migration to Antarctica between September and November. Spot them from shore or book a whale watching cruise.

This multi-day walk begins at Boyds Tower and winds its way to Green Cape Lighthouse, passing from heathland to tea-tree groves and towering red-rock platforms. Spot seals, seabirds and whales on one of the best walks of the south coast.

Bermagui’s famous Blue Pool, rated as one of the top eight ocean rock pools in the world, is set like a precious gem into the coastline. Enjoy a swim or snorkel in the natural sea pool, then spot whales from the viewing platform (in season).

The Sapphire Coast produces some of the world’s best oysters due to the fact they are grown in pristine nutrient-rich waterways surrounded by national parks. Try the prized delicacy at local oyster shacks, top restaurants and on tasting tours. 

Embark on a six-day road trip from Sydney to the Sapphire Coast and you’ll find yourself joining the dots between pretty townships with boundless charm, such as Berry, Mollymook, Merimbula, Bega, Tathra and Eden. 

Challenge yourself on some of the best mountain-bike trails in the country such as the Bundadung & Fire Shed Trails near Tathra. For less intensity but no less fun, hire an e-bike or join a tour to effortlessly cycle the coast.

Getting back to nature never felt so luxurious. Sleep beneath the stars in a plush eco safari tent at Currajong Retreat and enjoy local produce, romantic picnics and balcony baths overlooking the retreat’s charming farmlands.

Get your scuba-diving certification, learn to free dive or take your diving skills further with courses tailored to suit all skill levels on the Sapphire Coast. You can also explore the underwater environment on a wreck dive or cave dive.

The skeleton of Old Tom is the centrepiece of Eden Killer Whale Museum where the tales surrounding the killer whale are well documented. See the Meet the Killers exhibition, book a guided tour and learn about the natural wonders of Eden.

Explore nature at your own pace on a kayaking tour through the Sapphire Coast's tranquil rivers. Learn about local Aboriginal cultures, spot azure kingfishers in the trees and pause for a shaded picnic on the sandy river banks.

Sink your toes into squeaky white sand, swim at under-the-radar bays, surf uncrowded waves and splash about in turquoise sea pools on beaches that stretch along the Sapphire Coast from Cuttagee Beach to Pambula, Barmouth to Bittangabee Bay.