Beaches in Merimbula

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Merimbula is located on the far south coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is a popular holiday destination for families and couples. A big part of the attraction is the great weather all year round and the amazing beaches.

In this article, we will look at what Merimbula beaches are best for you, what beaches in Merimbula have facilities and where they are located.

Merimbula BeachesShort Point

Short point beach in Merimbula with its rocky outcrops. One of the best beaches in Merimbula for surfing
Sunset at Short Point Beach, Merimbula.  Dee Kramer Photography

The beach access is via steps from an elevated car park. At times, this Merimbula beach receives large swells from the east and is a popular surf spot. The headland above has seating, an open grassy area for sunbathing and picnicking. There is a purpose-built lookout area and the beach stretches north for 5 kilometres until it reaches Tura.

The beach is sandy but is also linked to the south by rocks, which can be dangerous if you get too close to them.  This beach attracts big swells at times coming in from the Pacific Ocean. It is recommended for experienced surfers only. Short Point is the best of the beaches in Merimbula for surfing. You will often see people fishing off the rocks.

Are there life savers at Short Point?

The area below the headland is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer. Monitor the conditions and always swim between the flags at this beach in Merimbula. The headland has a dog off-leash area and a walking track onto the nearby peninsula.

Facilities at Short Point Merimbula:

Facilities: Car park and toilets.

How to find Short Point in Merimbula:

 Follow Main Street past the Merimbula RSL until you reach a roundabout and follow Short Point Road, go past the NRMA Merimbula Resort until you reach the car park.

Bar Beach Merimbula

Bar Beach on a cloudy day. This is one of the most popular beaches in Merimbula

Bar Beach is a small sandy beach that also has rock pools for exploring at low tide. There is limited parking and it fills up very quickly in the summer tourist season. The beach is not exposed to the ocean swells but lies on the edge of Merimbula Lake. The wave-free Merimbula beach makes it ideal for kids, but the lake does have a current that runs with the change in tides that can be dangerous. If the breeze is blowing from the north, this is the best beach in Merimbula to get out of the wind.

National Parks and Wildlife Rangers run snorkelling programs in the summertime for visitors interested in what lurks under the surface of Bar Beach.

Are there life savers at Bar Beach Merimbula?

Like many of the beaches in Merimbula, Bar Beach is patrolled seven days a week in the summer months. Bring a picnic or BBQ and make a day of it at Bar Beach. The kiosk is open, selling cold drinks and ice creams.

Facilities at Bar Beach Merimbula?

Car park, picnic table, BBQ, kiosk and showers.

How to find Bar Beach in Merimbula:

Follow Main Street past the Merimbula RSL until a folk in the road allows you to turn down Lake Street, follow the signs towards Merimbula Wharf and turn off right when you see the Bar Beach sign

Merimbula Main Beach

An overcast day on the Merimbula beach

The Main Beach at Merimbula occupies the northern end of a long stretch of white sandy beach. The main beach is very popular and located close to many Merimbula apartments and accommodation options. The main beach is a sandy shallow bottomed beach with small waves for surfers and inexperienced people using bodyboards and surf lilos.

There are no Surf Lifesaving patrols at this beach, so proceed with caution if you have no ocean swimming experience. This beach is located adjacent to a large green area where families can kick a ball or throw a Frisbee. There is a children’s playground, as well as toilets and a beach shower that you can use to wash off. You have picnic tables and BBQ facilities to help make a day of it. If that’s not enough, there is a fish and chip shop and a bike, surfboard, and bodyboard hire shop close by.

At low tide, you will find people fishing the channel that separates the main beach area from Merimbula Bar Beach. There is a deep channel where the Merimbula Lake flows out into the ocean.

Are there life savers at Main Beach Merimbula

There are no Surf Lifesaving patrols at this beach so proceed with caution if you have no ocean swimming experience.

Facililties at the Merimbula Main Beach:

 Car park, toilets, shower, playground, shops, BBQ, picnic tables and large green space

How to find Main Beach in Merimbula:

Cross the bridge at Merimbula heading south. Turn left onto Fishpen Road and then nearly immediately right into Elizabeth Street. Elizabeth Street ends at the park near the beach.

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Middle Beach Merimbula

Middle Beach is possibly the best beach in Merimbula if you want to get away from the crowds. Middle Beach faces directly onto the Pacific Ocean between two rocky headlands. Situated between Short Point headland to the north and Long Point to the south. The beach is around 500 metres long and is accessed by a steep track. The path itself is a dirt track with the occasional set of stairs and boardwalk sections.

Being an easterly point, you may see whales passing by out to sea during the season. At the right time of the day, you can explore the rock pools and experienced divers can check out the sea life and the rocks. You won’t find any facilities at Merimbula Middle Beach.

Are there life savers at Middle Beach Merimbula?

The beach is unpatrolled and has strong tides so take care and always check conditions, be careful if you have no previous ocean swimming experience.

Facilities at Middle Beach Merimbula:

There are no facilities at the Middle beach Merimbula

How to find Middle Beach in Merimbula:

Follow Main Street past the Merimbula RSL until you reach a roundabout and then follow Cliff Street until you see the walking track sign to Middle Beach.


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Pambula Beach

surf live savers on the Pambula Beach

The beach at Pambula is located on the same stretch of sand as Merimbula Main Beach. The two swimming spots are 5 kilometres apart. Pambula Beach is popular for holidaymakers and locals alike with Discovery Parks – Pambula Beach Holiday Park running adjacent to the beach.

The beach is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing. Rockpools at the mouth of the Pambula River can be explored at low tide and it is not uncommon to see kangaroos on the beach.

Are there life savers at Pambula Beach?

The Pambula Beach Surf Lifesaving Club is just a few meters away from the sands and the beach is patrolled in the warmer months. The beach is the hive of activity with the surf club running many programs, encouraging youngsters into the water.

Facilities at Pambula Beach

Behind the beach is Lions Park, with a barbecue and picnic area. You will find toilets and a beach shower to wash off the saltwater. Plenty of car parking spaces are available with a beach lookout for those not wanting to venture onto the sand.

How to get to Pambula Beach

Cross the bridge at Merimbula heading south, follow the road round towards the airport. Look out for the Pambula sign on your left and follow the road until you reach the Pambula Surf Lifesaving Club.

Where to stay near the beaches in Merimbula

Merimbula has many great options for accommodation. You will have a choice of everything from caravan parks, to apartments and hotels. No matter if your a group, family or couple you will find something for everyone when staying in Merimbula.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has encouraged you to visit Merimbula and spend a day at one of the amazing beaches in Merimbula. We are sure you will enjoy your time and find many things to do in Merimbula. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Australia click through to our Australia Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.


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