The untouched wilderness of the Sapphire Coast in southern New South Wales is overflowing with natural attractions and activities. From Bermagui in the north through to Eden in the south, the coastal townships and ancient landscapes in this region are renowned for their national parklands, maritime history, up-close whale watching, deep sea fishing, plus diving, surfing and kayaking. Natural bathing pools, stunning beaches and extensive waterways complement local gourmet experiences. The region lies halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and is the perfect stopover for a yacht heading to or from either major hub.

MONTAGUE ISLAND

Accessed by tour boat transfer directly from Narooma (north of Bermagui), Montague Island is only nine km offshore and is a protected nature reserve. Visitors can go ashore to the grassy island and stay overnight in the Lightkeepers Cottage. The sea around the island is teaming with wildlife and visitors can snorkel or dive with fur seals and the little penguins from the local colony. Access to the island is only available via guided tours or by booked accommodation visitors. Marine sanctuary protection zones operate around the island’s waters.

HORSE HEAD ROCK – Horseshoe Bay / Wallaga Lake

Horse Head Rock is unmistakable for its sheer size, as well as its horse-like resemblance. It is believed to be about 500 million years old, one of the oldest rocks in NSW. Attracting photographers from all walks, Horse Head Rock and the close by Camel Rock are locatedon the southern point of the Wallaga Lake entrance, only a 10 min drive north from Bermagui. A walking track (accessible at low tide) from Camel Rock Surf Beach provides stunning views of the coastline, Wallaga Lake and Gulaga (Mount Dromedary).

BLUE POOL – Bermagui
Now the most famous of all ocean rock pools on the NSW south coast, Bermagui’s Blue Pool is a must-swim location. Popular with locals alyear round, Blue Pool is located at the base of a dramatic rocky cliff, with steps down to the pool. Enlarged in the early 1930s, the pool is now approximately 50 metres in length with a smaller pool nearby for children and is only a couple of minutes’ drive from Bermagui township.

WHARF TO WHARF WALK – Tathra to Merimbula

With two historic wharves in the region both dating back to the 1800s, the ‘Wharf to Wharf Walk’ is a stunning 27 km coastal journey on foot taking hikers to cliff tops and headlands; tucked away inlets and bays; lakes, and freshwater lagoons; and long sweeping beaches. The walk is between Tathra Wharf and Merimbula Wharf traversing Bournda National Park and the ancient lands of the Yuin people. Pre-planning the walk experience is recommended. It can be completed as a one day hike; an overnight walk; or visitors can take more time over several stages traversing the route in either direction.

Steeped in history, Tathra Wharf has a museum portraying the region’s rich maritime history with its roots as a cargo centre for produce and livestock. Steamers also left from here taking passengers north to Sydney. Heritage-listed, the wharf is Tathra’s main landmark overlooking the bay. During the whale migration months, it is a great spot to watch whales as they come into the bay to rest.

Historic Merimbula Wharf was also a prominent port in the coastal shipping trade along the east coast in the late 1800s – mid 1900s. The iconic red rocks below and around the Merimbula Wharf are a significant geological feature known as the ‘Red Beds’. They were formed in the Devonian era approximately 370 million years ago. Start or finish the walk at the Merimbula Aquarium and Merimbula Wharf Restaurant. Here, you can enjoy refreshments and local fare plus visit the aquarium below.

WHALE WATCHING

Every year between August and November the humpback whale migration brings visitors to the Sapphire Coast. During these Spring months the whales are heading south for the summer in Antarctica with their new calves. Local bays and inlets provide safe waters for the whales to feed, rest and nurse their young, bringing the whales close to the shoreline and making them visible from headlands and wharves. The Sapphire Coast has been named by Australian Geographic as Australia’s premier whale watching destination.

EDEN KILLER WHALE MUSEUM

This truly unique museum pays tribute to the pods of killer whales in Twofold Bay who worked as ‘partners’ with the European and Indigenous whalers in the 1800s, helping to drive the migrating humpback whale’s inshore towards the whaling longboats. The museum holds records of 21 killer whales that were individually recognised and known by name. It is also the resting place for the most famous killer whale ‘Old Tom.’ The museum has a huge viewing deck overlooking Twofold Bay, where whales can be spotted in the bay during their migration.

BEN BOYD NATIONAL PARK

Ben Boyd National Park is the largest coastal national park on the Sapphire Coast, featuring rugged coastlines, vivid rock formations, unspoilt beaches and intriguing history. This extensive state-managed National Park is the largest in the region and comprises two main areas within the Sapphire Coast – Pambula River in the north between Merimbula and Eden and from south of Eden to Green Cape.

PAMBULA RIVER ESTUARY

The calm sandy waters in the Pambula River mouth makes it a perfect spot for exploring the local area by kayak or SUP and take in the changing blue and green colours. Surrounded by native forests it is popular with locals for swimming and fishing and can be accessed on foot via the Pambula Walking Track that meanders along the riverbank from the township.

Superyacht Anchorages & Berths

Berths – Port of Eden

Port of Eden is the perfect stopover for superyachts with Twofold Bay providing the third deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, plus it is the ideal location to stop and enjoy the Sapphire Coast. Along with its marine facilities and the new Eden Welcome Centre, the Port of Eden also provides secure shelter from any prevailing weather when sailing this stunning coast.

  • Max length of 325 LOA
  • Tender drop off / pick up available
  • Pilotage required for vessels > 30m
  • Fuel available
  • Power is available on the Eden Cruise Wharf upon request
  • Eden Welcome Centre (includes the Eden Visitor Information Centre)

Recommended Anchorages:

  • Snug Cove in the north near the port
  • East Boyd Bay in the South

The Oyster Trail

Further upriver in Pambula Lake, the Oyster Trail starts. Millions of oysters are harvested every year on the Sapphire Coast, making it one of Australia’s more prominent oyster-producing centres. The local estuaries in the region offer different natural environments with the area known primarily for the popular Sydney Rock oysters. Including Pambula Lake, there are six main estuaries offering various tasting experiences for
oyster lovers. Visitors can meet directly with growers at ‘shellar doors.’

Fresh local produce abounds in this region and is available on menus in most local cafes and restaurants up and down the Sapphire
Coast, and beyond. In March, the annual EAT Festival is held over three days lining the foreshore in Merimbula, showcasing local produce all cooked by local chefs.

Green Cape

One of the best ways to experience this extensive southern-based national park is the ‘Light to Light Walk’ – a 30 km Grade 4 coastal trail. Starting at Boyd’s Tower, on the south side of Twofold Bay, the route hugs this impressive coastline finishing at Green Cape where the Green Cape Look Out and historic light house and cottages are located.

Once at Green Cape, visitors will find additional attractions, including shorter local walks, lighthouse tours, land-based whale watching opportunities and astonishing views of the extensive rugged coastline. The entire path is clearly marked and some hikers elect to complete the walk in one day. Most visitors, however take their time and stay in the national park for one or two nights. There are campgrounds located at Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee. Green Cape is also accessible by car.

For more information, visit:
www.sapphirecoast.com.au

The Sapphire Coast lies within the Country of the Yuin-Monaro Nations, who have inhabited the region for tens of thousands of years. From ancient times they have been the inhabitants and custodians of the land, sea and waterways. Note: Ben Boy National Park is currently undergoing a renaming process.

Images courtesy of Destination NSW, Port Authority NSW and David Rogers Photography.

This article was first published in Superyacht Australia magazine in September 2022.

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