Cobargo

Cobargo Folk Festival, Cobargo - Credit: Sabine Friedrich - Yuin Folk Club Inc

Shop up a storm

The Princes Highway, which links Sydney with the Sapphire Coast before crossing into Victoria and then South Australia, runs through Cobargo and doubles as the main street. There are a host of places showcasing the work of local artisans including the Cobargo Creators Centre, which has a great selection of art and beautifully crafted handmade works and is run by a not for profit community group.

At The Lazy Lizard Gallery look for the Himalayan salt lamp trees, paintings and stunning timber pieces, while at Twig and Feather you’ll find an inspiring selection of homewares and gifts. Just out of town on the Bermagui Road find Bandicoot Pottery, who lost their studio in the fires but rebuilt and reopened in 2020. For vintage clothing, visit Little Birdie Vintage, who love to rescue, salvage and restore.

Stunning ceramics to inspire at Twig and Feather in Cobargo, Merimbula & Sapphire Coast

Twig and Feather, Cobargo

Eat & drink

The Cobargo General Store sources fruit and vegetables from local market gardens and also stock locally made cheeses, salami, honey, jams, pickles, chutneys and olive oil. Make sure you buy one of their homemade ice creams from a secret family recipe and please pick up a copy of the book The Day She Stole the Sun produced by students from Cobargo Public School about their bushfire experience.

Pick up a pie or some bread from Working Dog Bakery, enjoy a fantastic breakfast or brunch at Kitchenboys, grab a coffee at the Valiant Coffee truck, and stop in at the Cobargo Hotel for a drink or a pub meal.

Valiant Coffee in Cobargo, Merimbula & Sapphire Coast

Valiant Coffee, Cobargo - Credit: David Rogers - SCDM

Things to do

The Cobargo Open Garden Farm has extensive and exquisite gardens including a large orchard, orchids, natives and roses as well as a spectacular sub-tropical area. The market garden has an impressive array of vegetables that you can purchase on a tour of the farm, and you’ll meet some of the farm animals as you stroll around.

Near Cobargo, head to the beaches at Bermagui, Narooma or in the Mimosa Rocks National Park. The rugged wilderness of Wadbilliga National Park is perfect for bushwalking, camping and mountain biking. Cobargo has two major events, the Cobargo Folk Festival and the Cobargo Show, both of which will return in 2022.

Couple relaxing at Gillards Campground inside Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tanja

Camping, Mimosa Rocks National Park

Getting there

From Sydney, the drive to Cobargo takes about 5.5 hours, while the drive from Canberra is three hours. You can fly from Sydney or Melbourne to Merimbula Airport, which is less than an hour from Cobargo.

Merimbula Airport is located 2km from Merimbula’s town centre. Use the taxi services available at the terminal to make the short trip north. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services available at the airport and explore the region at your own pace. Qantas operates direct flights from Sydney to Merimbula four times a week. Regional Express flies to Sydney and Melbourne up to five days a week, with some flights travelling via Moruya.