PAGE 116 | LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE MERIMBULA Making the most of magical Merimbula Merimbula is an enchanting seaside town on the sparkling NSW Sapphire Coast that offers rugged ocean beaches and tranquil coastal lakes. Whether relaxing, swimming, surfing, boating, walking, dining, or just soaking up the seaside scenery, Merimbula has so much to offer. There’s also a wildlife sanctuary, aquarium, theme park, golf course, scenic wharf, a number of cruise and tour operators, and some of the best fresh seafood you’ll ever try. A place of two lakes Merimbula’s name is derived from a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘two lakes’, a reference to Merimbula Lake, on the southern side of the town, and the smaller Back Lake on the northern side. These calm waterways are popular with adventurous types who like to sailers, kayakers and standup paddle boarders. Main Beach Although it’s just one of several beaches in the area, Merimbula’s aptly-named Main Beach features five kilometres of pristine sand and blue ocean, where you can surf, swim, fish or stroll. Patrolled during the summer months (be sure to swim between the flags), Main Beach has an off-leash area for dogs, and backs onto a beautiful coastal bushland reserve, with lots of peaceful walking tracks. The beach is bordered by Ford Park at its northern end, which is home to monthly markets, a wonderful all-abilities playground, amenities and barbecue area. When the swell is pumping, you’ll find board riders flocking to the sandbank at the northern end of Main Beach, to take advantage of the well-formed waves. Some other beach options Short Point beach is also popular among surfers, thanks to its relatively consistent waves, and breathtaking views. Bar Beach is good for snorkelling, and the relatively shallow Spencer Park Beach and playground are ideal for young families. Merimbula Boardwalk One popular highlight, close to town, is the Merimbula Boardwalk. Punctuated with seats and jetties, the boardwalk runs around the lake shore, guiding you through mangrove forests, under gum trees and past oyster farms. About 3.4 kilometres return, the boardwalk will take around 1.5 hours to complete (but of course you don’t have to walk it all!). Goodenia Rainforest Located a little over 30 minutes’ drive west from Merimbula is the Goodenia Rainforest Walking Track and Picnic Area. The 1.2-kilometre walk starts at Goodenia Rainforest picnic area, so if you have time before or after the walk you could stop for a picnic or barbecue lunch. An excellent track for walking with children, especially on a hot summer day, the nature walk is part of a of cool temperate rainforest, which leads down into a cool, lush gully of ferns and under storey species. As you walk, enjoy the shade provided by the dense lilly-pilly canopy and keep an eye out for moss-covered rocks, vines and quirky-looking beetles. Also listen out for the mimicked calls of the forest’s resident lyrebirds, or the distinctive whipcrack song of the eastern whip-bird. Bournda National Park Just a 14-minute drive north of Merimbula is Bournda National Park, is a natural playground with something for explorers of all ages. If you feel like getting away from the crowds, take a drive to Turingal Head, where you can wander down to Wine Glass Bay and spend the afternoon picnicking by the beach. Another place to check out at Bournda National Park is the Kangarutha walking track, along which you’ll discover secluded beaches and rugged coastal cliffs. The Park’s Hobart Beach makes a good base, with camping facilities and lots of activities to keep the kids entertained, including swimming in the calm waters of Wallagoot Lake and Bondi Lake, scour the nearby coastline, do some fishing or birdwatching, or take a walk or bike ride on the many short tracks. If you’re into sailing, water skiing or paddling, head to the northern shores of Wallagoot Lake, where you can launch your water craft into the smooth waters. Stay close to it all If you’d like to base yourself within easy reach of all the wonderful things Merimbula has to offer (which go far beyond those mentioned here) there are some excellent places to stay close by. See pages 112-115 of this edition for details of some popular Merimbula sightseeing and accommodation options. Note that vacancies can be scarce during main holiday periods so, if possible, it’s always a good idea to book well ahead of your planned arrival. Find out more To find out more about travelling in and around Merimbula, go to visitnsw.com and type ‘Merimbula’ into the search field. You can also pop into the Visitor Information Centre in Market Street, or visit escapetomerimbula.com.au The beautiful Goodenia Rainforest Track. The Merimbula Boardwalk. Scenic views of Merimbula Bay from Bar Beach. Photo: Destination NSW The view across Merimbula Bay from Merimbula wharf. Photo: Destination NSW
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTU5ODU=