Getting to the Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast’s temperate climate makes it a year-round destination. Summers are the time for swimming, surfing beaches and splashing around. The water stays warm right through autumn, and the cooler months are great for hiking or biking the area’s many national parks. Come between September and November to enjoy superb whale watching – there’s a reason this region is one of the most famous stops on the Humpback Highway. 

Both Qantas and Rex Airlines offer flights from Sydney to Merimbula Airport. Direct flights take one hour and connecting flights (via Moruya) take 1hr 50min. 

You can reach Bermagui, the northernmost town on the Sapphire Coast, in just over five hours non-stop, but we highly recommend taking your time and discovering some of the scenic stops along the way. 

Start your trip south along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive, passing over the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge and through coastal hubs including Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven region. Alternatively, take the inland route, which travels through the scenic Southern Highlands before joining the coast road at Nowra. From there, you’ll continue on through Eurobodalla, past Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma, before arriving in Bermagui. 

Nestled between the bush and the beach about two hours south of Sydney, Bangalay Luxury Villas is an indulgent place to hole up for a break. Seven Mile Beach is just a short walk away, and the on-site restaurant is the best in the area. 

Located on Kiama’s main drag, Otis Deli has an outstanding Middle Eastern-inspired menu courtesy of owner Emily Herbert, who worked alongside acclaimed chef Yotam Ottolenghi in London. In Ulladulla, the menu at the harbourside Native Cafe includes chilli eggs and veggie bowls, along with Will & Co Coffee. 

The Husky Hotel is an institution in the Jervis Bay area – drop in for pub fare and fabulous views. In Ulladulla, head to Cupitt’s Estate, home to a winery, brewery, fromagerie and stylish restaurant that uses produce from their own kitchen garden. In Narooma, The Quarterdeck, now owned by Merivale, serves tiki-style cocktails and seafood. Next door, The Inlet serves fish and chips with outdoor tables and sunset views. 

The bush-scapes you’ll pass through are as spectacular as the beaches, so make time for a hike (try the Minnamurra Rainforest near Kiama, or the Beecroft Peninsula near Jervis Bay). The Shoalhaven Coast is also one of NSW’s most exciting wine regions: pay a visit to Silos Estate near Berry or Crooked River Wines in Gerringong.  

Don’t leave home without your swimsuit, your walking shoes, and a layer or two in case of temperature changes. Even in summer, nights can be cool in this part of NSW. 

At one of the world’s largest blowholes, in Kiama, the spouts can spray 30m into the sky. Another guaranteed highlight is a dolphin-watching cruise at Jervis Bay. 

The coastal town of Nowra, two-and-a-half hours south of Sydney, is a great place to stop overnight. Pay a visit to Shoalhaven Zoo or enjoy a kayak or cruise along the Shoalhaven River while you’re there. 

Let the kids eat fruit fresh from the tree at Darkes Glenbernie Orchard near Stanwell Park – they may even get to pick their own! - or go retro at The Dairy Bar, an old-school milk bar in Berry. And of course, a stop for fish and chips is a must – you’ll find options in every town. 

Take a hike through the tree fern-filled Minnamurra Rainforest or opt for a more adrenaline-charged experience at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Got a kid who loves planes? The collection at the HARS Aviation Museum in Albion Park will put a smile on their faces. 

Whether you take the inland route, via the Snowy Mountains Highway, or the Princes Highway along the coast, it takes around three-and-a-half hours to reach Bermagui, the northernmost town on the Sapphire Coast.

The coastal route takes you through lush bush-scapes and scenic coastal hamlets. Head east out of town along the Kings Highway to join the Princes Highway heading south. You may want to stop for a stroll or a swim at Batemans Bay, Moruya or Narooma. 

Stop in at Alfresco Coffee Roasters at Batemans Bay  or Moruya for ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee. At Mossy Point, long-time favourite The Mossy Cafe has a vegan-friendly menu (try the vermicelli rainbow salad or the Middle Eastern bowl) that also caters to diners who are dairy-free and gluten-free.  

At Batemans Bay’s The Sandbar, chef David Tinker – who worked with legendary French chef Pierre Gagnaire – marries Japanese flavours and French techniques. Every detail of his degustation menus is considered, right down to the handmade Japanese crockery each course is served on.  

In Narooma, The Quarterdeck, now owned by Merivale, serves tiki-style cocktails and seafood. Next door, The Inlet serves fish and chips with outdoor tables and sunset views. 

On the banks of the tranquil Moruya River, chef Peter Compton offers sophisticated dishes showcasing local ingredients at The River Moruya, from seared scallops with cauliflower puree to pork belly with pickled fennel salad. 

Stretch your legs on the scenic Depot Beach Rainforest Walk near Bawley Point, a short but atmospheric walk which winds its way through a stand of 50-million-year-old littoral rainforest. This stretch of coast is also home to a large number of artists; make an appointment to visit one of the studios, such as Grace Paleg at Batemans Bay or the Around Art Studio at Malua Bay, set in two hectares of gardens. 

Mogo Wildlife Park, just south of Batemans Bay, is a sure-fire winner with the kids. The Close Encounter packages include opportunities to play with meerkats or, for older children, the chance to feed a lion or a tiger. Take them on a glass-bottom kayak tour with Region X Tours to discover the stingrays, octopus, blue swimmer crabs and other sea life that makes its home in the Batemans Marine Park.

Stop in at Sam’s Pizza in Batemans Bay for pizza, pasta and gelato in a laid-back, waterside restaurant with an alfresco terrace. At Narooma, Narooma Ice Creamery Café offers a long-list of ice-cream flavours, from peanut butter to Mars Bar and jam doughnut, as well as an array of delicious ready-made meals ready for a quick drive by. 

Stretch your legs on the scenic Depot Beach Rainforest Walk near Bawley Point, a short but atmospheric walk which winds its way through a stand of 50-million-year-old littoral rainforest. Join one of Narooma Charters’ boat trips to Montague Island to discover the resident colonies of seals and penguins. On the way there you may spot dolphins, manta rays and other marine life.