Outdoor adventures on the Sapphire Coast

Paddle to paradise with Navigate Expeditions 

If you're looking for the ultimate antidote to the routine of everyday life, floating atop crystal-clear sapphire-hued water surrounded by sea birds and lush mangroves comes pretty close. Navigate Expeditions offers a variety of kayak tours to leave your worries on the shoreline and explore the Sapphire Coast’s natural wonders on water. Led by an expert guide and featuring a locally sourced morning tea, join a relaxed three-hour cruise along the pretty blue Bermagui River or glide along the Pambula river mouth, as wildlife and stunning Beowa National Park pass you by. Amp up the indulgence on their Kayak and Shuck tour, where you’ll taste award-winning Broadwater Oysters in between paddles. 

Bermagui River Kayak Tour with Navigate Expeditions

Discover hidden gems in national parks 

With the Sapphire Coast covered by so much protected land, the area offers a utopia of secret beaches, uncrowded picnic spots, pristine waterways and secluded campgrounds just for you and whoever you choose to bring with you. In Mimosa Rocks National Park, climb the steep walking track to discover secluded Moon Bay, and stop by Wajurda Point lookout for incredible ocean views and the chance to spot dolphins all year round and whales from August to November. In Bournda National Park, find a cosy coastal picnic spot at Wallagoot Gap (also known as Turingal Head) near the wildlife-packed wetlands of Wallagoot Lake and glistening waters of Wine Glass Bay. And in Beowa National Park, pitch a tent at Saltwater Creek Campground, an intimate bush spot surrounded by rough-barked apple gums, serene lagoons, creeks with good fishing opportunities, and a beach you’ll likely have all to yourself. 

Aerial view of Saltwater Creek Campground in Beowa National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DPE

Lace up your hiking boots on coastal walks 

The Sapphire Coast is threaded with less-travelled, wild walking trails that lead you to the best sights in the region, whether you want a gentle wander or a more adventurous hike. Start with the elevated 1.5km Camel Rock to Murunna Point Walking Track and get up close to Camel Rock, a spectacular formation created by underwater avalanches, as well as the 500-million-year-old Horse Head Rock. On the 1.1km Pinnacles Loop Walking Track, marvel at the spectacular red and white cliffs as you meander the easy trail. If you’d prefer to have someone show you the way, Sapphire Coast Guiding Co hosts multi-day adventures with knowledgeable guides, catered meals and all luggage carried for you – experience it on the three-day Wharf to Wharf Walk between Merimbula to Tathra, which travels past rugged cliffs, spectacular headlands, secluded bays, lakes, freshwater lagoons and long, isolated beaches. 

Horse Head Rock

Find an underwater world in the Blue Pool 

Clamber down the cliff in Bermagui’s east and you’ll be greeted by an aquamarine oasis – the Blue Pool – a 50m-long seawater swimming hole carved into the rockface. During low tide it’s a natural treasure trove: dip your head under water with a snorkel and you’ll likely be greeted by a cornucopia of marine life, from anemones and sea stars to crabs, fish and marine snails. If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, head to the viewing platform for dazzling views over the pool and coast – with whale sightings possible over the winter and spring months. 

Blue Pool, Bermagui

Feel the freedom of exploring Tathra on two wheels 

Leave your worries at the top of Tathra’s coastal peaks and descend a eucalypt-edged dirt track as it twists and turns through lush green forest, over wooden bridges and down epic gully drops. The winding Tathra Mountain Bike Trails are some of NSW’s best – featuring more than 50km of dirt track hand carved by the local Tathra community alongside volunteers from the Bega Aboriginal Lands Council. Known as the Bundadung Trail Network, riders will climb both beginner creek tracks as well as challenging sections (like the sharp twists and turns, and big dips of the ‘Humpty Dumpty’) that are met with stunning beach views at the trails’ bottom. 

Tathra Mountain Bike Trails/Bundadung Trail Network, Tathra

Follow ancient footsteps on the Bundian Way Story Trail 

There’s nothing more humbling than coming face to face with signs of what life was like tens of thousands of years ago. On the Bundian Way Story Trail in Eden, you can follow pathways Aboriginal people from Yuin, Ngarigo, Jaitmathang and Bidawal Country have walked for generations. The full 365km trail goes from Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) to Targangal (Mount Kosciuszko), but in the Sapphire Coast you can embark on a more accessible 1.8km snippet that starts at sheltered Cocora Beach and travels around the headland to the quiet fishing spot of Quarantine Bay. Through the trail, eight signposts offer information about traditional meeting points, native flora and fauna used as bush food and medicine, and ceremonial performance spots, plus you’ll experience sweeping views of the entire bay at Budginbro Lookout. 

Cocora Beach, Eden - Credit: David Rogers Photography