Merimbula, NSW 2548

Merimbula is a vibrant town that is situated on the southern coast of New South Wales. Throughout the year Merimbula's population is quite low, however is summer periods it peaks with a vast amount of people travelling from Victoria and northern New South Wales to get away from the hustle and bustle. Merimbula's tourist population once made Merimbula over-populated but now with low cost flight options to Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, many of the tourists go elsewhere. This means the beaches are now very accomodating for people to find a clear spot to play cricket, throw a frisbee and general lazy behaviour!

Fishing is amazing in the sea fed 'top' and 'bottom' lakes with flat head, bream and trevally very easy to catch. Some people may argue that the accomodation within Merimbula is started to date and can't compete with places such as Port Douglas, Noosa and Byron Bay, which may be true, however, unlike these places you won't be over crowded when walking down the main street.

Dining is quite good at any of the restaraunts, including the RSL, Bowls Club, Golf Club and other restaraunts in the main street (Market Street). Younger ones may be put off by the lack of nightlife, the local pub (Lake View Hotel) closes around midnight on a Friday and Saturday night. This makes it a much more family friendly destination that other destinations such as Torquay or Lorne in Victoria. Fresh seafood is delightful, however, it can be quite costly as local suppliers try to capture the tourist dollar.

Merimbula is quite a drive to any capital city, which is its biggest downfall, however, with flights available daily to Melbourne and Sydney it does make it a bit more accessible, albeit quite costly.

Land prices are increasing, but properties can be leased out over summer months at inflated prices which 'may' suit some residents.

I have come here many times in the past 15 years, however I have not been since 2017, I just visited in August 2024, and has it changed, so many shops closed, (thanks COVID), and the place seems to be suffering what so many towns along the coastlines are, run down, tired, and when you view areas from a retirement perspective, instead of just a holiday destination it becomes clear this is not a place I want to retire in, its too far away from medical facilities, it really has not much to do, and lots of bogans seems to have settled in, the place is dead most of the time , 60% of the accomodations are tourists places (which mind you are overpriced and run down). not my sort of place anymore, I wont be coming back again, its lost its once lovely charm

We moved here from Sydney 6 years ago and never looked back. It has the feel of a country town by the beach. Friendly people, abundance of outdoor activities, surf school, SUP board/bike & boat hire, camping, lakes, waterfalls, bushwalking, lookouts , lighthouse, animal sanctuaries, fun parks! The list goes on. And how can you not mention the sapphire coloured beaches & pristine lakes! It’s heaven on earth and a town not to be missed on your travels only 6 hours from both Sydney & Melbourne!

I made the Sea Change from the Western Suburbs of Sydney to Merimbula in 2004. It was the best move we ever made. It's a great place to bring up kids, the community makes you feel welcome and there is plenty of things to do, what ever your age or interest.
You can play any sport, and get involved in any number of outdoor activities like Fishing, Kayaking, Bushwalking, Mountain Biking and more.
There are plenty of shops and you don't have to leave the valley to get anything.
We had not problem finding work and housing is very affordable compared to the city. We sold a small 3 bedroom house in the suburbs and built a new house which is walking distance to the beach. There are plenty of great restaurants and you can get fresh oysters straight from the lake.
If you are thinking of moving I would highly recommend it.

Merimbula is nestled about halfway between Melbourne and Sydney on the far south coast of NSW. The beauty of this little coastal town is hard to put into words. From sapphire blue waters, pristine uncrowded beaches to rugged bushland, Merimbula has it all. Merimbula has a tight knit community that welcomes visitors with open arms. The fishing is fantastic, in the estuaries as well as the beaches and ocean, with visitors travelling here year round to get their fishing fix. The golf courses are manicured with an abundance of native animals. Overall a great place to live!

A relaxed atmosphere with amazingly beautiful waterways is what you will find in Merimbula. Perfectly suited to bringing up a family, the schools are well known for producing quality results and nurturing values education. There is a wealth of sporting and cultural opportunities for children. Probably the most appealing feature of the area are the waterways. Whether you are a surfer, into SUP riding, wavesailing, kite surfing, waterskiing, kayaking, and of course, fishing . . . the waterways here have it all, and more.

Merimbula is a great place to live. It has beautiful beaches and national parks, plus lush (after rain) rolling hills inland. The area as a whole has something for everyone, and different areas attract a different set of people, but most are city escapees looking for a more relaxed lifestyle. If you want action, and nightlife, then this is perhaps not the place for you. Good community, a lot of retirees, but increasingly younger people moving to the area.

Wide range of housing available ranging from $1M to below $200K, and you get an awful lot more for your money than in the city or more 'trendy' resort towns. $500k will get you a quality 4 bed home with ocean views. $600K upward & you can get spectacular views. Upmarket areas areas are Long Point, Mirador and Sunny Waters and Dolphin Cove (Tura Beach). Good value for money overlooking the lake and Tura Beach.

Professionals, people with office and bookkeeping skills are particularly in demand, low skilled jobs may be in short supply, but usually if you want to work, you can find a job, although it may be in Bega. Wages are lower than in the city, but cost of living is lower too, plus you live here for the lifestyle not the money.

The town gets busy over summer, with the tourist influx, but you learn to live with it & pick your times at the supermarket, or travel to Eden or Bega where the checkouts are quieter & prices lower. Afterall, the tourists provide the town with its income & we residents get empty beaches the rest of the year. New supermarket currently being built at Tura Beach, and a new one planned in Merimbula town centre.

Good choice of resturants and cafes, increasingly cosmopolitan and not all seafood.

Serviced by daily flights to Melbourne & Sydney, 3 hours by road from Canberra

I first went to Merimbula for work in June and found it a bit of a cold place esp. if the wind was blowing. But when the season picked up I found it to be a great place to be, and a place that i would consider moving to if an income was not an issue. Im not sure what the job prospect are like, but the after hours life was great with lots of choices from fishis to swiming, golf etc. There is lots to do and with free electric bbq around the beaches, it is defently a great place to take the family for a holiday. There might not be a Myer or Darid Jones etc but If i wanted shoping I would go to Melbourne or Sydney, as for restrants there is a good varity and the clubs are good for a feed to.

Plenty of things to do-golf,bowls, nice resturants,walks & fishing.
There are beautiful beaches.
However for retirement there is poor infra-structure & medical services.
Most retirees we have meet while on holidays love to tell their medical nightmare stories & how they had to go to either Melbourne or Sydney for hospital treatment. Canberra is the closest major city but because it is in the ACT there seems to be limited access.

Merimbula is located about six hours' drive south of Sydney and is part of the beautiful Sapphire Coast. As with any country town in New South Wales, Merimbula's main street (market street) is lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, surf shops and etc. At Merimbula, there is always something to do for everyone in the family. From fishing, golfing, sailing, kayaking to shopping, surfing and snorkelling.

Although Merimbula has a much nicer coastline than Eden, it gets much more crowded. Many holiday makers flock to many of Merimbula's tourist parks, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts and beach houses to spend the long summer days by the beach.

Merimbula is located about six hours' drive south of Sydney and is part of the beautiful Sapphire Coast. As with any country town in New South Wales, Merimbula's main street (market street) is lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, surf shops and etc. From fishing, golfing, sailing, kayaking to shopping, surfing and snorkelling, there is something for everyone.

Although Merimbula has a much nicer coastline than Eden, it gets much more crowded. Many holidaymakers flock to many of Merimbula's tourist parks, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts and beach houses to spend the long summer days by the beach.

The streets are Merimbula are very clean and organised. Unfortunately, the traffic was really congested as we went into Merimbula via Market Street. It is a two-way traffic lane with only one lane for each way and that contributed to us sitting in traffic for at least half an hour. With that many people visiting the town of Merimbula, it makes it very difficult to find a place to park in Merimbula's town centre. We had to park in the carpark of MacDonald's. I recommend this place for a day trip if you are visiting the Sapphire Coast. However, I think that Eden is a more peaceful place than Merimbula when it comes to staying overnight or retirement.