Action weekend on the Sapphire Coast

Getting to the Sapphire Coast requires a long drive from Sydney or Canberra, but in compensation you’ll have an exhilarating sense of really getting away from the daily grind and into uncrowded, beautiful landscapes. Leave early and you could be moseying into seaside village Bermagui for a late lunch. Shake off cramped car legs with a swim or snorkel at Blue Pool, a spectacular natural rock pool.

Head onto Tathra. It’s conveniently central, making an excellent exploration base without the hassle of having to change accommodation. Choose between the ensuite cabins at BIG4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park or Tathra Beach House Apartments, both right opposite the main surf beach, or the bush setting of Kianinny Bush Cottages, where a pool and tennis court tempt anyone with energy to spare.

Morning

After yesterday’s journey, you’ll want to stick close to Tathra today, but that doesn’t mean you’re short of options. The town is famous for its magnificent timber wharf and water activities, so take your pick from kayaking, boating, surfing or fishing. The 3km beach invites a run or swim, and you can hire a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard (and take lessons) from Coastlife Adventures.

Fuel up for the afternoon on a hearty pub lunch at the Tathra Hotel, matched with ale, pilsner or lager from its Humpback Brewery.

Afternoon

While the Sapphire Coast is rightly considered a water world, it often goes overlooked for its brilliant mountain biking trails, many of which are found around Tathra. Hire a bike from Tathra Beach and Bike and spend the afternoon on an easy ride amid beautiful scenery, or tackle a more challenging rollercoaster track through forest – there are options for both beginners and experts. A cycling track also leads 5km south to Kalaru

Evening

You’ve certainly earned your dinner at Fat Tony’s Bar and Grill inside a 1905 heritage house in Tathra. The chicken risotto, pork-belly burger or triple-cheese seafood mornay will hit the spot – and after all that exercise, you’re entitled to a caramel tart or sticky-date pudding, too.