Merimbula & Sapphire Coast Nature

With striking coastal scenery, pristine waterways, national parks and native wildlife, the Sapphire Coast on the far NSW South Coast is one of the state’s undiscovered gems. Visitors will see plenty of wildlife and marine life, with many walks to showcase the region’s natural beauty.

Couple enjoying a morning walk along the Aragunnu Walking Track in Mimosa Rocks National Park, Sapphire Coast

Back to nature

Mimosa Rocks National Park is a short drive from Bega or Tathra and day trippers are rewarded with amazing rock formations, gorgeous empty beaches and tranquil lagoons. The park takes its name from the paddle steamer Mimosa, which was shipwrecked in 1863 on jagged rocks at spectacular Aragunnu Beach. You can still see some of the wreckage. Aragunnu is the starting point for the Mimosa Rocks Walking Track, an easy 2km walk.

The park is a sanctuary for koalas, swamp wallabies, long-nosed potoroos and ringtail possums. For an unforgettable experience, head to Bunga Head at dawn to watch the sun paint the sky pink, creating a striking backdrop for the rocks.

Light 2 Light Coastal Walk guide with a walker enjoying scenic coastal views from the top of the Green Cape Lighthouse in Ben Boyd National Park, Sapphire Coast

For a walk with wow factor head to the Goodenia Rainforest walking track inland from Pambula. This lovely 1.2km track is suitable for children, meandering around a cool temperate rainforest that includes a canopy of lilly pilly and a pretty gully of ferns. Pack lunch to enjoy at the picnic area.

The Goodenia Rainforest is just one highlight of the relatively unknown South East Forests National Park, which has more than 100km of spectacular coastal escarpment, tableland edge and hinterland country to explore. This beautiful, untamed park is also home to several threatened and endangered species. Ben Boyd National Park is also well worth visiting, with its Indigenous and European history, beautiful coastal scenery and glorious beaches.

Walkers heading towards Green Cape Lighthouse, Green Cape in Ben Boyd National Park, Sapphire Coast

Timeless trails

A great way to see Ben Boyd National Park is to do the Light to Light Walk near Eden. You can enjoy the three-day trek with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. who offer self-guided support, fully guided with camping or fully guided with accommodation at the Green Cape Lightstation Keepers Cottage.

Bournda National Park to the south of Tathra is a popular spot for water sports like waterskiing or wake boarding thanks to the boat ramp at Wallagoot Lake. There are good surf beaches and kayaking in Bournda Lagoon, which is magnificent. Take the challenging Kangarutha walking track along the rugged coastline where you will find pockets of rainforest, sandy beaches and scenic vantage points for whale watching. The smaller Sandy Creek Loop track is also excellent.