LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 117 MERIMBULA Sapphire Coast plates up four days of foodie experiences Good food, great company and unforgettable coastal experiences are on the menu when EAT Festival Merimbula returns in March 2026, transforming the Sapphire Coast into a four-day celebration of local flavour, culture and community. From pristine waterways and award-winning produce to the chefs, growers and makers who define the region, EAT Festival brings the very best of the Sapphire Coast together in one vibrant long weekend. The festival’s main event takes place on Sunday 8 March 2026, overlooking the oyster leases on the shores of Merimbula Lake. Set against this iconic backdrop, visitors can sample a diverse range of dishes where local ingredients take centre stage, crafted by some of the coast’s most loved food businesses. Crowd favourites including Dulcie’s Cottage, Kitty’s Bar and Merimbula Wharf will return to the line-up, joined by exciting newcomers such as Marindja, an Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council initiative showcasing exceptional native flavours and Indigenous food culture. Beyond the main event, EAT Festival’s partner events will immerse visitors in the tastes and stories of the region. Experiences include Captain Sponge’s EAT-themed Magical Oyster Tour on Pambula Lake, hands-on oyster shucking at Broadwater Shucking School, and a lakeside dining experience overlooking Merimbula Lake. For this special collaboration, Metro Merimbula, North of Eden Distillery and Frogs Hollow Brewing Co will come together to present a menu celebrating the region’s finest produce. Sapphire Coast Tap House will host a craft beer showcase, while Drift Tathra pays tribute to one of the coast’s most iconic producers with a Bega Cheesy Pizza Night. In 2026, EAT Festival is the Sapphire Coast distilled into four unforgettable days of food, flavour and connection. Visitors from across the country are invited to plan a long weekend escape, while locals will be encouraged to “tag a mate from interstate” as part of the festival’s marketing campaign, with delicious prizes up for grabs. Event information EAT Festival Merimbula Date: Sunday 8 March 2026 Time: 10am – 2pm Location: Fishpen, Merimbula Entry is free, with no bookings required. All dishes are capped at $15, making it a fun, accessible and family-friendly day out. Partner events run from Thursday 5 March to Saturday 7 March 2026 at various locations across the Sapphire Coast. Events are ticketed and numbers are limited. For bookings and more information, visit www.eatfestival.com.au Some of the fun times and fabulous food enjoyed at previous year’s EAT Merimbula event. All photos: David Rogers Photography EAT Merimbula Sunday 8 March. With pristine Merimbula Lake as the backdrop, taste the best of the Sapphire Coast at our annual celebration of local farmers, growers, brewers and chefs. Plus partner events all long weekend including: Captain Sponge’s EAT themed Magical Oyster Tour on Pambula Lake, shuck your own oysters at Broadwater Shucking School, Nine Circles Distillery Meet the Producers farmers market, Drift Tathra's Bega Cheesy Pizza Night, North of Eden Distillery Cellar Door Collab and more! www.eatfestival.com.au MARCH 5-8 2026 Merimbula | Sapphire Coast MERIMBULA EAT FESTIVAL 5 - 8 March 2026
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