Holiday houses in Merimbula

The coastal town of Merimbula is located on the Sapphire Coast, a three-hour drive from Canberra. In addition to its beautiful surfing beaches, Merimbula is also home to two lakes — Merimbula Lake to the south of the town and Back Lake to the north. The name Merimbula comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “two lakes,” and the calm waters are ideal for gentle water sports. An easy walking track nearby takes you through the wild wetlands and soft sands of Bournda National Park.

During the winter months, Merimbula is a popular whale-watching spot, and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins and seals frolicking off the coast throughout the year. Wildlife is an integral part of life here, with a local sanctuary caring for wombats, echidnas, and kangaroos. The area around Merimbula is known for its deep-sea fishing, and there are plenty of restaurants and takeaway spots where you can enjoy the day’s catch.

Merimbula has a temperate climate that makes it a pleasant place to visit any time of year. Due to the popularity of water activities in the region, the area is at its busiest during the summer; the hottest and most humid month to visit is February. Winter can bring cool days and nights, although you’ll have more room to explore the town and its beaches at this quieter time of year. Temperatures are still relatively mild in Merimbula in spring and autumn, and you’ll still be able to swim in the ocean without a wetsuit. These are also ideal times to discover some of the nearby bushwalks. March is usually the wettest month here, while August is the driest.

Whale watching

Whale watching is a popular activity in Merimbula, as humpback and southern right whales can be spotted migrating between Antarctica and the warm waters of the Whitsundays. While you can often see the whales from May to July, the best times for sightings are August and September.

Surfing

Stretching for six kilometres, the northern end of the main beach in Merimbula is a particularly popular spot for surfing. Surfers are also drawn to the consistent break at Short Point, and Merimbula Lake and Back Lake boast perfect conditions for stand-up paddleboarding as well as snorkelling, swimming, and kayaking in tranquil surroundings.

Bushwalking

Merimbula offers a host of walking and running trails. The pretty boardwalk that runs alongside Merimbula Lake is well signed and provides information about local marine life. Goodenia Rainforest Walking Track runs for just over a kilometre, enveloped by beautiful trees and lush ferns and home to the native lyrebird and its mimicking call.