Pambula

Pambula is a historic village between Merimbula and Eden on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. The intimate main street with its colonial buildings is its heart, and a stone’s throw away is Panboola Wetlands, a glorious sanctuary brimming with birdlife. The 77-hectare wetland begins at the bottom of the main street and is a thriving freshwater billabong with walking and cycling tracks, viewing platforms and place to sit and relax.

Pambula highlights

Things to do

Explore the riverbank and coastal woodlands on the Pambula River Walking Track in Beowa National Park, formerly Ben Boyd National Park, a gentle trail along the river bank with views across the river to Severs Beach. At Severs Beach, also in Beowa National Park, you can stroll on a boardwalk past 3,500-year-old Aboriginal middens. For a short but beautiful walk in ancient rainforest, head inland to the Goodenia Rainforest in the South East Forest National Park.

Pambula River Walking Track at Beowa National Park in Pambula, Sapphire Coast

Pambula River Walking Track, Beowa National Park

Pambula Beach is popular with surfers, families and beach walkers, with another popular break located at Jiguma. Apart from all the aquatic activities in the area, Pambula also has an exceptional golf course, the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club.

Pambula River Mouth - Couple kayaking - South Coast - DNSW

Pambula River Mouth, Pambula

For animal lovers, visit Potoroo Palace Native Animal Sanctuary north of Merimbula on the road to Bega, and kids will love the farm animals at Oaklands Barn. Oaklands is where Pambula was established in 1833 and you can stay in the original Homestead.

Man enjoying a surf off Pambula Beach, Pambula

Surfing, Pambula Beach

Wine, dine & stay

The pristine waters of Pambula Lake and Merimbula Lake are part of Australia’s Oyster Coast and produce premium oysters. You’ll find a number of oyster tours, like Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours, and you can visit farms such as Broadwater Oysters and Wheeler’s, which also has Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant.

Friends sharing Seafood at Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant and Take Away in Pambula, Merimbula & Sapphire Coast, South Coast

Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant and Take Away, Pambula

Pambula also has the fine dining restaurant Banksia, located in the heritage-listed Old Pambula Bank, the vibrant Toast Café with its cosy courtyard, and the popular Longstocking Brewery & Oyster Bar, with beer, cocktails and wine, as well as good food, live music and woodfired pizzas.

There are several places to stay including motels, holiday parks, cottages including the elegant Oaklands Homestead, and for glamping in the bush, Currajong Retreat is exceptional.

Outdoor bar area at Longstocking Brewery in Pambula, Sapphire Coast

Longstocking Brewery, Pambula

Getting there

Pambula is a 6hr drive from Sydney, 6hr 45min from Melbourne and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly from Sydney or Melbourne to Merimbula Airport and rent a car for the short drive to Pambula.