Merimbula between the lakeshore and coastal trails

Merimbula by the lakeshore

Merimbula lies on the edge of Merimbula Lake. The lake offers opportunities for water activities, while the Merimbula Boardwalk follows the shore through mangrove forests, beneath eucalyptus trees and past oyster farms. Along this path, different elements of the lakeside landscape come together: mangroves, trees and oyster farms. The scenery shifts between the wooded shore and the oyster farms beside the path. If you want to get to know the area through its landscape, the Boardwalk offers a tangible connection to the lakeshore.

Activities on Merimbula Lake

Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, boating and swimming are possible on Merimbula Lake. The options range from paddlesports and fishing to other activities on the water. You can consider which of these you’d like to shape your stay, rather than associating the lake with just one sport. Local conditions and operators may vary. If a particular activity is important to your plans, check the specific options locally.

Walking trails and a coastal hike

Two walking trails can be distinguished by their length and route. The Long Point Walking Track runs through a melaleuca forest in Merimbula to an elevated lookout and is 2 kilometres long as a loop. In spring, the Long Point lookout is a place for whale watching; sightings may vary. The Rotary Walk, also known as the Djiringanj Peoples Walk, runs from Spencer Park to Bar Beach on the edge of Merimbula Lake and is 2.4 kilometres long as a loop. This makes it 400 metres longer than the Long Point Walking Track. The two routes also differ in character: the Long Point track includes forest and an elevated lookout, while Spencer Park and Bar Beach are the endpoints of the Rotary Walk.

The Wharf to Wharf Walk is on a different scale: this 27-kilometre coastal hiking trail runs between the historic Merimbula Wharf and Tathra Wharf. Compared with the 2- and 2.4-kilometre loops, this is a much longer route that you can plan as a hike in its own right. Conditions may vary along the trail, so check them for your planned hike.

Beach, wharf and local history

Fishing and watching dolphins and stingrays are possible at Merimbula Wharf. Wildlife sightings may vary, so watching wildlife is a possible activity but not something that can be guaranteed as part of your stay. Spencer Park Beach has calm water and a playground. These features offer another point of reference when considering what Merimbula has to offer along the lakeshore.

The Merimbula Old School Museum is housed in a heritage-listed building dating from 1873. The building was formerly used as a school and teachers’ residence and is of historical significance. Historic machinery, an oyster punt and a tip dray are displayed on the grounds. This brings together the building’s former use and tangible exhibits in one place. In planning your stay, this means Merimbula offers a historical focus as well as water activities and walking trails.

Discover more destinations: Pambula, Barragga Bay, Bega, Tanja, Cobargo, Eden, Brogo, Murrah.

Back to the broader travel overview: Bega Valley Shire Council.