The view from the lookout above Bar Beach

Merimbula
Attractive seaside resort town on the far south coast
Located 471 km south of Sydney, Merimbula (population 4259) is a small charming seaside town rising on the tree-clad hills around Lake Merimbula which is actually the wide mouth of the Merimbula River.

Once inhabited by the Dyirringany Aborigines the area was first explored by Europeans when Bass and Flinders travelled up the Pambula River and Lake while on a voyage south in 1797.

The Imlay Brothers owned land from Broulee to south of Twofold Bay and west to the mountains by the 1830s. The economic depression of the early 1840s resulted in the loss of their property to Sydney merchants, the Walker Brothers, who in turn sold their leases to the newly formed Twofold Bay Pastoral Association in 1852.

Merimbula began its existence as a private village belonging to the Association which opened it as a port in 1855. All that remains of the original port are two sheds.

A postmaster was appointed in 1857 and allotments of land went on sale in 1860 when the Association was dissolved. The first ferry service across the 'lake' was established in 1857 and a bridge constructed in 1908 (replaced in 1982).

Aborigines inhabited South Merimbula until early this century and given that oyster farming is still a major industry, a large number of middens have been found on both sides of the lake.

By 1866 the town's population was around 90. There was a weekly steamship service from Bega to Merimbula and an eight-horse wagon followed this route on a weekly basis two years later. After this the town continued to grow slowly as a service centre for the surrounding rural area. It was not gazetted until 1912 and little changed until the 1950s when it first became a popular holiday resort.

Today Merimbula is a very typical, modern holiday resort town with mini golf (in Market St) and video game arcades. The principal activities for visitors, not surprisingly, are fishing, swimming, surfing, boating, lake cruises, scuba diving, sailboarding, canoeing. The main beach, six kilometres in length, is ideal for surfing and sailboarding.

Things to see:  

Munn's Tower House

Munn Tower House
A cornflour factory, the Maizena Company, was established in the town by Matthew Munn in 1865. Matthew Munn built a large stone cottage called 'Courunga' (known as the Munn Tower House) around 1870. It is now a prominent landmark. His son added extensions about ten years later including a remarkable two-storey timber tower with attic, and two single-storey timber structures with castellated parapets. The residence is privately owned. It can be found at 20 Monaro St.

The Museum and Historic Buildings
The Merimbula-Imlay Historical Society has a Museum which is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. It is located in Main Street. This stone building was the old Public School (1873-1874). It is thought to be one of only three surviving examples in New South Wales of a school containing both classrooms and teacher's residence. There is an oyster punt at the side of the museum which dates from about 1915.

The Steamer Wharf
A big steamer wharf was erected in the deep water beyond the sand bar at the turn of the century and was used by shipping until the steamer service ended in 1952. Though popular with fishermen it was deemed unsafe and destroyed in 1979. Local efforts saw the reconstruction of the wharf in 1983. The wharf storage sheds were classified by the National Trust and restored in 1987 for usage as an aquarium and restaurant. Open 10-5 daily a diver hand-feeds the fish during school holidays. To visit these sites follow Main St and then take the right branch into Lake St. The view from the wharf is outstanding.

Coastal Beaches
Other popular spots around the town include Short Point, Spencer Park and Bar Beach. Fishing is popular at the wharf, from Middle Beach on the opposite side of the peninsula to Bar Beach and from a jetty which you can find by taking the right branch off the Princes Highway along Lakewood Drive on the northern outskirts of Merimbula.

Further afield is Tura Beach (with a golf course designed by Peter Thomson and luxurious club house), 9 km north via the Sapphire Coast Highway where surfing and both beach and rock fishing can be enjoyed. Further information: the Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Clubs or from the tackle shop (02 6495 1681).

Magic Mountain Recreation Park
North of the town on the Tura Beach Rd is Magic Mountain Recreation Park with its two large water slides, mini golf course, pools and toboggan run, all situated amidst attractive parkland with native flora and fauna and bushwalking tracks.

St John's Wood slab cottage at Scotts Bay recreation area

Wallagoot Lagoon
Wallagoot Lagoon, 15 km north of Merimbula, is an appealing and unspoilt area ideal for canoeing, sailing, waterskiing, power boating, windsurfing, beach and rock fishing, prawning (in season), safe family swimming in the shallows and, on the southern side of the lake, picnicking at Hobart Beach and Scott's Bay. There is a boat club on the northern shore which charges a launching fee, and a boat ramp at Wallagoot Gap, just north of Turingal Head which offers fine views back across the lake and down the coast. It can be reached via a walking track that starts at the Wallagoot Lake Boat Club.

Kangaroos in Bournda National Park

Bournda National Park
The Lake is situated in, and neatly divides the northern and southern sections of, Bournda National Park, a known fossil site which covers an impressive span of coastline consisting of steep cliffs and rugged rock masses in the upper half and excellent surfing and fishing beaches to the south.

The park stretches from Tathra down to an area just north of Merimbula and contains a wide variety of birdlife and other fauna, including grey kangaroos, swamp and red-necked wallabies which can be seen grazing on the shores in the mornings and evenings. Both sections of the park are noted for their numerous and excellent bushwalking tracks.

Phone the National Parks and Wildlife Service district office at Merimbula for further information, pamphlets and maps, tel: (02) 6495 5000.

Wallagoot Lagoon

Tourist Assistance
Scuba diving, canoeing tours, lake cruises, bus tours to Bournda Island and Wallagoot Lake, joy flights, boating hire and other local information can be obtained from the Visitors' Information Centre.

Bicycles, surfskis, skates, body boards, fishing and prawning gear, friendly tips and advice are all available from Cycle 'n' Surf on Marine Parade who can also arrange bike tours, tel: (02) 6495 2171. Wandarrah Lodge, also on Marine Parade, will organise tours and activities relating to windsurfing, scuba diving, surfing, bushwalking, kayaking, canoeing and bike riding, tel: (02) 6495 3503.

	Tourist Information
	Visitors' Information Centre Beach St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1129 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1267
	Motels
	Black Dolphin Resort Motel Arthur Kane Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1500 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1207 Rating: ***1/2
	Comfort Inn Merimbula Cnr Reid St & Merimbula Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3077 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3517 Rating: ***1/2
	Fairway Motor Inn 180 Arthur Kaine Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 6000 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1411 Rating: ****
	Hillcrest Motor Inn 97 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1587 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1869 Rating: **1/2
	Kingfisher Motel 105 Merimbula Dr Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1595 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1111 Email: enquiries@kingfishermotel.com.au Rating: ***1/2
	Merimbula Gardens Motel Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 5900 Facsimile: (02) 6495 5999 Rating: ***
	Merimbula Motor Lodge Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1748 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2188 Rating: ***
	Merimbula Sea Spray Motel 38 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3299 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3176 Rating: ****
	Norfolk Pine Motel Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2181 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2297 Rating: **1/2
	Ocean View Motor Inn Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2300 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3443 Rating: ***1/2
	Pelican Motor Inn 18 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1933 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3693 Rating: ***
	Sapphire Waters Motel 32 Merimbula Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1999 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3550 Rating: ***1/2
	South Seas Motel Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1911 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1743 Rating: ***
	Summerhill Motor Inn 24 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3111 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3573 Rating: ****
	Town Centre Motor Inn 8 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1163 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3713 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	Merimbula Lakeview Hotel 1 Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1202
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Bellbird Bed & Breakfast 28 Tantawanglo St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3536 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3536 Rating: ****
	Carltons of Casuarina 1 Casuarina Pl Tura Beach Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 0242 Facsimile: (02) 6495 0271 Rating: *
	Robins Nest Guesthouse 188 Merimbula Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4956 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3554 Rating: ****1/2
	Apartments
	Admirals Lodge Holiday Apartments 2 Calendo Court Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1121 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1121 Rating: ***
	Albacore Luxury Holiday Apartments Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3187 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3439 Rating: ****
	Albatross Holiday Units 35 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1314 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4975 Rating: ***
	All Seasons Holiday Apartments 39 Sapphire Coast Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1573 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1573 Rating: ***
	Anchor Bell Apartments 10 Cameron St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1153 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1153 Rating: ***1/2
	Apollo Apartments 61 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3599 Rating: ***1/2
	Aquarius Apartments Cnr Dunns Rd & Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3085 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1822 Rating: ***1/2
	Azalea Court Holiday Apartments 27 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1611 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3554 Rating: ****
	Banksia Court Holiday Apartments 22 Marine Pde Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1663 Rating: **1/2
	Baywatch Apartments 67 Main St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4120 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4122 Rating: ****1/2
	Beach Haven Holiday Apartments 5 Calendo Court Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1273 Rating: ***1/2
	Beachcomber Apartments 19 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2143 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2143 Rating: ***1/2
	Beachfront Units 53 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3203 Facsimile: (02) 6495 6495 Rating: ***1/2
	Bittangabee Holiday Apartments 9 Cameron St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1028 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4431 Rating: ***1/2
	Calendo Apartments 7 Calendo Court Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2391 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2391 Rating: ***1/2
	Capri Holiday Apartments 38 Main St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2367 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2367 Rating: ***
	Chapman Court Apartments 3 Cahpman Ave Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1780 Rating: ***
	Colonial Cove Holiday Apartments 17 Marine Pde Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2038 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2038 Rating: ***
	Crown Apartments 22 Beach St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2400 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4800 Rating: ****
	Dolphin Cove Apartments 6 Rebecca Pl Tura Beach Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 0622 Facsimile: (02) 6495 0622 Rating: ****
	Falcon Court Holiday Apartments 7 Chapman Ave Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1231 Rating: ***
	Fishpen Holiday Apartments 30 Fishpen Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1752 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2820 Rating: ***
	Gracelands Holiday Apartments Cameron St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2005 Rating: ***1/2
	Hydra Holiday Apartments 15 Short St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2310 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3109 Rating: ***
	Kara Yaringa 34 Hill St Tura Beach Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3555 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3122 Rating: ****
	Lakeside Holiday Apartments 14 Fishpen Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1956 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1956 Rating: ***1/2
	Marine Court Holiday Apartments 1 Marine Pde Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1904 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1904 Rating: ***
	Merimbula Lake Apartments 12 Fishpen Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4320 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2566 Rating: ****
	Nautilus Apartments Merimbula 9/20 Elizabeth St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2099 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2099 Rating: ****1/2
	Ocean Breakers 31 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1991 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1944 Rating: *****
	Ocean Dve Holiday Apartments 55 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1006 Rating: ***1/2
	Pacific Heights Apartments 1 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2366 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2195 Rating: ***1/2
	Pipers Lodge Serviced Apartments 107 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1440 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3364 Rating: ***1/2
	Sandpiper Holiday Apartments 36 Sapphire Coast Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3415 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3415 Rating: ***
	Southern Comfort Holiday Apartments 9 Marine Pde Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1778 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1778 Rating: ***
	Sunnyside Holiday Apartments 12 Chapman Ave Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1124 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1124 Rating: **1/2
	Surfside Merimbula Holiday Apartments 37 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1317 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1317 Rating: ***1/2
	The Fronds Holiday Apartments 4 CameronSt Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3792 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2832 Rating: ***
	The Palms Apartments 63 Main St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1835 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4122 Rating: ****
	The Peninsular Holiday Apartments 57 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3232 Rating: ***1/2
	The Peninsular Merimbula 57 Ocean Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3232 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2959 Rating: ***1/2
	The Quays 69 Main St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1904 Facsimile: (02) 6495 2599 Rating: ****1/2
	The Sands Holiday Apartments 4 Calendo Court Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2107 Rating: ***
	Tuscany Holiday Apartments 10 Marine Pde Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2030 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3845 Rating: ****1/2
	Waterview Apartments 12 Arthur Kaine Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3408 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4992 Rating: ****
	Holiday Homes & Units
	Boardwalk Waterfront Holiday Units 34 Oceanview Ave Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4333 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4333 Rating: ***1/2
	Caribou Close Holiday Units 1 Calendo Crt Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2050 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4544 Rating: ***
	Harbour Lights 7 Cameron St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1028 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4431 Rating: ***
	Hillview Holiday Units 41 Sapphire Coast Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1764 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1764 Rating: ***
	Panoramic Town Houses 13 Short St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3004 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3004 Rating: ***1/2
	Penguin Mews 27 Beach St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1660 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1660 Rating: ***
	Seashells Holiday Units 5 Chapman Ave Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4827 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4837 Rating: ***
	Telopea Court Holiday Units 86 Main St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1554 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4544 Rating: ***1/2
	Cottages & Cabins
	Mandeni Cabins Sapphire Coast Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 9644 Facsimile: (02) 6495 0192 Rating: ***1/2
	Merimbula Beach Cabins Short Point Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1216 Facsimile: (02) 6495 4206 Email: stay@beachcabins.com.au Rating: ***
	Woodbine Park Holiday Cabins Widgaream Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 9333 Facsimile: (02) 6495 9333 Rating: ***
	Lodges & Chalets
	Amaroo Lodge Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1708 Rating: **
	Caravan Parks
	Tween Waters Tourist Park Dunns Rd Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1530 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1530 Rating: ***1/2
	MerimbulaHoliday Park Cliff St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1269 Facsimile: (02) 6495 3381 Rating: ***
	Sapphire Valley Caravan Park Reid St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1746 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1034 Rating: ***1/2
	South Haven Caravan Park Elizabeth St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1304 Facsimile: (02) 6495 1095 Rating: ****1/2
	Restaurants
	Bahn Thai 17 Merimbula Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4555
	Beachbites Italian Restaurant 42 Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4477
	Black Dolphin Motel Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1500
	Bunga Raya Stay House Malaysian Restaurant Shop 8/15 Merimbula Square, Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4477
	Come 'N Get It 86 Merimbula Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1377
	Costa's Bayside Seafood Cafe & Restaurant 23 Beach St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4073
	Duci's Italian Restaurant Shop 9 Merimbula Square, Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3936
	Hillcrest Motor Inn 97 Princes Hwy Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1587
	Market 56 Wine Bar & Restaurant 56 Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1085
	Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant Lake St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4446
	Merimbula Flower Rain Shop 3a, Variety Arcade Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3677
	Merimbula Panda Chinese Restaurant 3 BeachSt Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2077
	Merimbula RSL Club Dining Room Main St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1724
	Ocean City Chinese Restaurant Shop 4, 11 Merimbula Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3676
	Pedro's Mexican Restaurant 11 Merimbula Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1546
	Peppered Pelican 8 Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1989
	Sandbar Restaurant 3 Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4644
	Sinbad River Cruises 2/39 Yarrawood Ave Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 2037
	Thai NoodleHouse Shop 5/6, 62-66 Main St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 4410
	The Balcony Cnr Princes Hwy & Reid St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3077
	The Grapevine Pizza Restaurant-Meribula Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1119
	Cafés
	Palm Cove Cafe Shop 3 & 4 Centre Mall Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3933
	Poppy's Courtyard Cafe 15 The Plaza Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1110
	Tfhe Pampered Cow Coffee Barn 40 Market St Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 1076
	The Stonehouse Cafe Sapphire Coast Dve Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 9759
	Zanzibar Cafe Cnr Market & main Sts Merimbula NSW 2548 Telephone: (02) 6495 3636