Sapphire Coast Beaches

The beaches of the Sapphire Coast, the southern gem of the NSW South Coast, come in all shapes and sizes, but all are naturally beautiful, with crystal-clear water, soft squeaky sand and pretty bushland. Whether you want to surf, read, body surf, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, there is a perfect beach for it.

Get beached

Surfers from Sydney will love that the surfing breaks on the Sapphire Coast are blissfully uncrowded. Locals often see more dolphins than people. There are many beaches that produce a good wave, with favourites including the dirt road-accessed Aragunnu, Middle or Nelson beaches in Mimosa Rocks National Park, Merimbula Main Beach, Short Point and Bar Beach in Merimbula, and Jiguma and the break off the Lions Park in Pambula. Look for the tiny Wallagoot Gap beach in Bournda National Park. It is on the Kangarutha Walking Track that links to Kianinny Bay. Hobart Beach is another great spot in the park.

Favourite havens

Bermagui is on the northern edge of the Sapphire Coast, and while it is famous for game fishing, it has some glorious beaches including pretty Horseshoe Bay. Close to Bermagui is Cuttagee Beach and Lake, great for swimming, surfing and fishing. One of the Sapphire Coast’s iconic timber bridges straddles the pretty lake. Make sure to stop and swim at the stunning Blue Pool.

Between Bermagui and Tathra, there are a couple of spectacular spots for families in Mimosa Rocks National Park, including idyllic Bithry Inlet, Moon Bay and Nelson Lagoon.

The delightful village of Tathra is part of Australia’s Oyster Coast. Unwind on gorgeous Tathra Beach, go for a snorkel at Kianinny Bay where you might see stingrays, or take a short drive south to Merimbula, which is necklaced by five pretty beaches. Merimbula’s Bar Beach is always beautiful and the little kiosk is a gem.  

Pambula Beach, near the historic village of Pambula, has a fine sandy shore with rolling waves and azure seas. On the southern side of Pambula River is pretty Severs Beach, surrounded by national park. Barmouth Beach is at the river mouth. Families will love the charming Aslings Beach in Eden, as well as the beach at Boydtown and at Bittangabee Bay, at Green Cape south of Eden.

Riding high

When away from the bustling city beaches, consider learning to surf or stand-up paddleboard on the Sapphire Coast. You can take a surf or kayak lesson with Coastlife Adventures or try stand-up paddleboarding. Keen snorkellers and divers can discover the coastal marine life while on an underwater adventure on the Sapphire Coast. Under the Tathra Wharf is a great spot.

Many beaches are regularly patrolled by lifesavers, but always check the Beachsafe website for daily updates and information.