Some like diamonds, some like pearls – I prefer sapphire.  The Sapphire Coast, NSW that is!

Within easy reach of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra the Sapphire Coast is a great place for a family holiday.   There are pristine beaches for swimming and fishing, national parks for hiking and exploring, waterways for boating, golf courses, whale watching – the list of activities is endless.  If you are more the antique hunter or market shopper, there are plenty of crafty villages to visit.  Foodies can tantalise their taste buds with local produce, wineries and seafood.

The Sapphire Coast stretches from Bermagui south along the coast through Tathra, Tura Beach, Merimbula and Pambula to Eden.  Inland villages include Cobargo, Bega and Candelo.  

Most accommodation is found in Merimbula, which has been a popular holiday resort since the 1950′s.  The township boasts a fabulous lake and beaches.   Main Beach and Mitchies Jetty are in the ‘fishpen’ area and great beaches for families where the kids can swim, snorkel, surf and even fish.  The streets are quiet and safe and the kids can ride their bikes or scooters around the streets to the local shops without worry.  The Merimbula Seaside Market is held here on the 3rd Sunday of each month with lots of local arts and crafts, food stalls and bric-a-brac.  If you like your food hot, grab some Disaster Bay Chilli Products – I recommend the Spicy Kasoundi!

The Coast Resort Merimbula offers a great location, just a short walk one way to Main Beach or to the lake in the other direction.   There’s water in each direction just minutes away from the hotel.  The large apartments feature modern furnishings with separate bedroom, living area, fully stocked kitchen and balcony.  Our two bedroom, two bathroom apartment overlooked the family friendly swimming pool.  Perfect for watching the kids splash around while reading the paper or having a coffee out on the balcony.   Even though it was school holidays it wasnt noisy around the pool area and there were only a few kids out swimming each day – there’s too much else to do in the area.  There is also a more adult friendly lap pool at the other end of the resort.  You can hire racquets and balls and have a hit on the tennis court if you have any energy left.

If you prefer to stay in the centre of town, close to all the shops and restaurants then Penguin Mews Merimbula is less than a minute walk to the town centre.  The apartments offer views over the lake and ocean and the property offers a large swimming pool with toddlers’ pool area.

Just a short drive north of Merimbula is the historic wharf township of Tathra, complete with pub, coffee shop and small art gallery.   Stay at Tathra Beach House Apartments directly opposite the surf beach.  There are motel style rooms or family apartments and the property offers an outdoor swimming pool and BBQ area.

At the end of a long day, dont worry about dinner – head to one of the local clubs for a feast.  You dont even have to worry about driving – many have a courtesy bus to pick you up from your hotel and bring you back home so you can enjoy a drink with dinner.  If you are keen on the pokies, some clubs also have a supervised child-minding room.  Check the local tourist guides for schedules and contact numbers.

Oh, and don’t let dad pack his golf clubs or you will never see him.  There are eight golf courses within a short drive of Merimbula.   The Pambula Merimbula Golf Club boasts the only 27 hole course on the Sapphire Coast and Club Sapphire at Tura has million dollar views over the Pacific Ocean. 

Magic Mountain theme park, Potoroo Palace animal sanctuary, Boardwalkart Gallery, Merimbula Aquarium, Top Fun amusement park, Eden Killer Whale Museum, Bega Cheese Factory, Merimbula Boardwalk, Wheeler’s Oyster Farm – we did all this in ten days.  I think next time we will have to make it a two week holiday so we actually get a couple of days rest!