Gigi's Merimbula guide
Food scene
Some of our favourite cafes and restaurants.
Great coffee and breakfast/lunch offerings in a cheery setting about a block away. Indoor/outdoor seating available. (Remember to take the reusable coffee cups we provide.) Grab a bag of beans if you like to brew your own.
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Mor Mor's
20-30 Market StGreat coffee and breakfast/lunch offerings in a cheery setting about a block away. Indoor/outdoor seating available. (Remember to take the reusable coffee cups we provide.) Grab a bag of beans if you like to brew your own.
Fresh, tasty sushi and rice-paper rolls for an inexpensive grab-and-go lunch or snack. Plenty of unique vegetarian options too.
Nori Hub
58-68 Market StreetFresh, tasty sushi and rice-paper rolls for an inexpensive grab-and-go lunch or snack. Plenty of unique vegetarian options too.
A foodie fave in a casually sophisticated setting, with a menu focused on local seafood, share plates and complementary wines, all creatively prepared. Great for groups, couples and special occasions.
15 personas locales recomiendan
Valentina
2 Market StreetA foodie fave in a casually sophisticated setting, with a menu focused on local seafood, share plates and complementary wines, all creatively prepared. Great for groups, couples and special occasions.
This lively local favourite boasts top-notch beer, wine, cocktails, oysters, and build-your-own burgers in a charming, historic cottage. Order the delicious mushroom burger if meat's not your thing. There's live music some nights and kids are welcome every day until 8pm. (Bookings recommended.)
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Dulcie's Cottage
60 Main StThis lively local favourite boasts top-notch beer, wine, cocktails, oysters, and build-your-own burgers in a charming, historic cottage. Order the delicious mushroom burger if meat's not your thing. There's live music some nights and kids are welcome every day until 8pm. (Bookings recommended.)
A stone's throw from Gigi's, this trusty local shop is the place to pick up fresh fish or prawns and oysters for happy hour on the deck with a glass of bubbles.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Merimbula Surf Shop
4 Merimbula DrA stone's throw from Gigi's, this trusty local shop is the place to pick up fresh fish or prawns and oysters for happy hour on the deck with a glass of bubbles.
A family-friendly club with stunning views over the lake, this popular club is mere steps from Gigi's. A nice place for a beer after a day at the beach, with an array of menu options. Raffles are held on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday eves.
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Merimbula RSL Club
52-54 Main StA family-friendly club with stunning views over the lake, this popular club is mere steps from Gigi's. A nice place for a beer after a day at the beach, with an array of menu options. Raffles are held on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday eves.
This open-air cafe is about a 15–20-minute trek (or 5-minute drive) from Gigi's. Enjoy a morning coffee or breakfast while taking in views of Bar Beach and Merimbula Lake. You'll find baked goods, savory toasties, healthy bowls and more. The little beach here is ideal for kids, thanks to its calm waters and soft sand.
66 personas locales recomiendan
Bar Beach Kiosk
Off Lake StThis open-air cafe is about a 15–20-minute trek (or 5-minute drive) from Gigi's. Enjoy a morning coffee or breakfast while taking in views of Bar Beach and Merimbula Lake. You'll find baked goods, savory toasties, healthy bowls and more. The little beach here is ideal for kids, thanks to its calm waters and soft sand.
A brief drive or pleasant hike along the lake trail from Spencer Park, this iconic spot is a sweet place for a coffee or meal with a stunning sea view. Stroll down to the pier to see what the fisherfolk are catching.
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Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant
Lake StreetA brief drive or pleasant hike along the lake trail from Spencer Park, this iconic spot is a sweet place for a coffee or meal with a stunning sea view. Stroll down to the pier to see what the fisherfolk are catching.
The best hearty pies and sourdough loaves around await at Wild Rye's in nearby Pambula. You'll also find great coffee, muffins, and other treats at this bustling bakery. (Melburnians: there's another outpost in Cann River so you can grab pies for lunch and a loaf to go on your way home.)
40 personas locales recomiendan
Wild Rye's Baking Co
26 Quondola StThe best hearty pies and sourdough loaves around await at Wild Rye's in nearby Pambula. You'll also find great coffee, muffins, and other treats at this bustling bakery. (Melburnians: there's another outpost in Cann River so you can grab pies for lunch and a loaf to go on your way home.)
Fish and chips taste better after a day at the beach, and this popular spot – across from Main Beach and around the corner from Mitchies Jetty – fits the bill. Pro tip: get your order in early or be prepared to wait.
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Fishpen Takeaway
1A Marine ParadeFish and chips taste better after a day at the beach, and this popular spot – across from Main Beach and around the corner from Mitchies Jetty – fits the bill. Pro tip: get your order in early or be prepared to wait.
This tiny health-food shop and café, just a few minutes' walk from Gigi's, serves up wholesome and tasty sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more to take away or enjoy at one of a handful of outdoor tables along the boardwalk.
Nourish Wholefoods & Cafe
4 Market StThis tiny health-food shop and café, just a few minutes' walk from Gigi's, serves up wholesome and tasty sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more to take away or enjoy at one of a handful of outdoor tables along the boardwalk.
Serious foodies need not settle for fish and chips while at the beach. Banksia owners Huw and Renee Jones, who earned multiple Chef's Hats for their Zanzibar cafe in Merimbula, offer memorable fine dining with their three-course set menu featuring classic dishes and matching wines in an intimate, heritage-listed former bank.
Be sure to call as far in advance as possible to make a reservation, as it often books up.
24 personas locales recomiendan
Banksia Restaurant
22 Quondola StSerious foodies need not settle for fish and chips while at the beach. Banksia owners Huw and Renee Jones, who earned multiple Chef's Hats for their Zanzibar cafe in Merimbula, offer memorable fine dining with their three-course set menu featuring classic dishes and matching wines in an intimate, heritage-listed former bank.
Be sure to call as far in advance as possible to make a reservation, as it often books up.
A family-friendly, independent brewery serving craft beer, cider, oysters, and wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner seven nights a week.
Check out the live music calendar or try your luck at trivia on Thursdays. If you need a lift (it's in Pambula), call ahead to book the Lockstocking Limo ($40 from Merimbula).
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LONGSTOCKING BREWERY
3546 Princes HwyA family-friendly, independent brewery serving craft beer, cider, oysters, and wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner seven nights a week.
Check out the live music calendar or try your luck at trivia on Thursdays. If you need a lift (it's in Pambula), call ahead to book the Lockstocking Limo ($40 from Merimbula).
Sightseeing
The gorgeous coastline and lush bushland make for epic sightseeing.
This park – a mere ten-minute walk from the property – has it all: beach access, barbecues, picnic tables, playground, and plenty of grass where you can spread out a picnic blanket. There's a pier that's popular for fishing too. At low tide kids will love wading out to the sandbar and catching glimpses of little fish and the occasional crab.
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Spencer Park
Main StreetThis park – a mere ten-minute walk from the property – has it all: beach access, barbecues, picnic tables, playground, and plenty of grass where you can spread out a picnic blanket. There's a pier that's popular for fishing too. At low tide kids will love wading out to the sandbar and catching glimpses of little fish and the occasional crab.
A stunning ocean beach with medium-sized waves and seemingly endless stretches of soft sand. There's an excellent, modern playground and barbecues in the park just behind it.
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Merimbula Main Beach
A stunning ocean beach with medium-sized waves and seemingly endless stretches of soft sand. There's an excellent, modern playground and barbecues in the park just behind it.
Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, this scenic 27-km coastal walk between the Merimbula and Tathra historic wharfs features rugged cliffs, secluded bays, stunning headlands and gorgeous beaches. Break it up into two or three single-day hikes, or, if you're very fit, a day hike.
During whale-watching season (September to November) you're likely to spy these beautiful creatures from lookout points along the trail. You might spot sea eagles too, so bring your binoculars.
wharftowharfwalk.com.au
Wharf to Wharf Walk
Wharf RoadIdeal for nature lovers and photographers, this scenic 27-km coastal walk between the Merimbula and Tathra historic wharfs features rugged cliffs, secluded bays, stunning headlands and gorgeous beaches. Break it up into two or three single-day hikes, or, if you're very fit, a day hike.
During whale-watching season (September to November) you're likely to spy these beautiful creatures from lookout points along the trail. You might spot sea eagles too, so bring your binoculars.
wharftowharfwalk.com.au
See historic landmarks, seals, and dolphins on a cruise with live commentary around Eden's Twofold Bay, one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. Private charters for groups, celebrations, and other events are available too. Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum afterward if you get the chance.
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Cat Balou Cruises
Weecoon StreetSee historic landmarks, seals, and dolphins on a cruise with live commentary around Eden's Twofold Bay, one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. Private charters for groups, celebrations, and other events are available too. Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum afterward if you get the chance.
One of the Sapphire Coast's most breathtaking vistas and a great place to windsurf, walk or simply admire the view and lounge on the grassy area. Head here during whale-watching season (September– November) for a good chance of spotting these majestic creatures from the shore.
From the car park it's a brief walk down a rocky section to the beach; the southern end is patrolled during summer.
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Short Point
One of the Sapphire Coast's most breathtaking vistas and a great place to windsurf, walk or simply admire the view and lounge on the grassy area. Head here during whale-watching season (September– November) for a good chance of spotting these majestic creatures from the shore.
From the car park it's a brief walk down a rocky section to the beach; the southern end is patrolled during summer.
Fun activities
Kids love this arcade featuring the usual games and ten-pin bowling. It's less than a five-minute walk from Gigi's.
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Top Fun Merimbula
99 Main StKids love this arcade featuring the usual games and ten-pin bowling. It's less than a five-minute walk from Gigi's.
Tathra's famous for its oysters, but this skate park and neighbouring playground and beach are noteworthy too. Kids of all ages bring their boards and scooters to ride the bowl and little ones will love the swings and climbing equipment. The beach beckons a few steps away, so remember to pack your bathers.
Tathra Skate Park, Andy Poole Dr station
Tathra's famous for its oysters, but this skate park and neighbouring playground and beach are noteworthy too. Kids of all ages bring their boards and scooters to ride the bowl and little ones will love the swings and climbing equipment. The beach beckons a few steps away, so remember to pack your bathers.
This small amusement park is just a few kilometres from the property in a bush setting. Alpine and tube slides, go-karts, two waterslides and a gentle rollercoaster are among the attractions. Bring your own picnic or choose from limited food options there (think nuggets and chips).
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Magic Mountain Merimbula
134 Sapphire Coast DrThis small amusement park is just a few kilometres from the property in a bush setting. Alpine and tube slides, go-karts, two waterslides and a gentle rollercoaster are among the attractions. Bring your own picnic or choose from limited food options there (think nuggets and chips).
Popular swimming beach Mitchies Jetty (marked by the bright aqua shed across the lake from Gigi's) offers fishing trips with Fishpen Charters, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayak hire. Kids love to swim and snorkel in the gentle waters too. Mitchie's Espresso Bar serves coffee and baked treats at water's edge.
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Mitchies Jetty
Fishpen RoadPopular swimming beach Mitchies Jetty (marked by the bright aqua shed across the lake from Gigi's) offers fishing trips with Fishpen Charters, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayak hire. Kids love to swim and snorkel in the gentle waters too. Mitchie's Espresso Bar serves coffee and baked treats at water's edge.
A favourite place for lawn bowls, a fun activity for all ages when you're ready for a break from the beach. (The sun shade is a nice touch). You'll also find bars and restaurants, evening raffles and a tiny, gated outdoor play zone to keep tykes occupied. (Call ahead to make a booking.)
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Club Sapphire
119 Main StA favourite place for lawn bowls, a fun activity for all ages when you're ready for a break from the beach. (The sun shade is a nice touch). You'll also find bars and restaurants, evening raffles and a tiny, gated outdoor play zone to keep tykes occupied. (Call ahead to make a booking.)
Here's where you can hire motorboats, pedal boats, and kayaks in a picturesque location at the Top Lake Boardwalk.
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Merimbula Top Lake Boat Hire & Sunsets Kiosk
68 Lakewood DrHere's where you can hire motorboats, pedal boats, and kayaks in a picturesque location at the Top Lake Boardwalk.
City/town information
Located just a few kilometres from Gigi's, Pambula boasts stunning beaches and a charming little village where you can browse the handful of shops along the main street.
Check out Switchfoot, a surf shop with style, and Pambula Wholefoods, offering produce, pantry staples and snacks in bulk. And don't miss the great coffee, baked treats, pies and sourdough loaves at Wild Rye Bakery before or after a beach session.
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Pambula
Located just a few kilometres from Gigi's, Pambula boasts stunning beaches and a charming little village where you can browse the handful of shops along the main street.
Check out Switchfoot, a surf shop with style, and Pambula Wholefoods, offering produce, pantry staples and snacks in bulk. And don't miss the great coffee, baked treats, pies and sourdough loaves at Wild Rye Bakery before or after a beach session.
Shopping
Find the latest best sellers and a wide range of other books for all ages. This shop also stocks stationery and an impressive selection of arts and crafts supplies, games, small toys, and gifts.
Collins Booksellers Merimbula
33 Market StreetFind the latest best sellers and a wide range of other books for all ages. This shop also stocks stationery and an impressive selection of arts and crafts supplies, games, small toys, and gifts.
Consejos para la ciudad
Cómo moverse
Book Sapphire Coast Personal Transport when you need a lift
Call owner Graeme in advance if you need a ride to the airport, a nearby town or restaurant, or anywhere else. The service surpasses that of the one local taxi outfit and prices are comparable.
Call to book: 0433 648 451
https://www.facebook.com/sapphirecoastpersonaltransport/
Cómo moverse
Get around by bus for an inexpensive option
From Gigi's you're just a few minutes' walk to most places in Merimbula, but if you want to go further and don't have a car the public buses are an affordable option. Catch one to Eden, Pambula, Bega or the airport for just a few bucks (cash only).
https://scbuslines.com.au/public-bus-services/timetables/
No te lo pierdas
Explore by SUP, kayak, surf and canoe
Get out onto the water to truly experience the Sapphire Coast's natural beauty.
You can rent gear locally (Gigi's doesn't have storage available) and sign up for a lesson or two if you're trying something new.
Find all the info you need to make the most of your adventure at www.sapphirecoast.com.au/paddling.
No te lo pierdas
Visit the Sapphire Coast's best beaches
Lakes, rivers, lagoons, ocean – with so many pristine waterways, it's no wonder the Sapphire Coast is known for its beautiful beaches (more than 150, in fact).
Whether you're seeking surf or prefer calm waters for kiddos to splash in, you'll find beaches that fit the bill at www.sapphirecoast.com.au/beaches.
Reserva antes de ir
Book restaurants, tours and services ahead of your trip
If you're traveling during a peak period, be sure to book ahead for restaurants, beauty appointments, boat tours, surf lessons and the like to avoid disappointment.