Sometimes the most unforgettable destinations aren’t the famous ones—they’re the coastlines that hide between the big-name beaches and city skylines. Australia’s Sapphire Coast, nestled between Sydney and Melbourne, is one of those rare places. Here, the Pacific Ocean shimmers in shifting shades of blue, forests tumble toward the sea, and time seems to breathe a little easier. It feels like the kind of place you stumble upon in a travel magazine and wonder if it could really be that peaceful. Spoiler alert: it is.
My journey began in Merimbula, a charming coastal town known for its mirror-like lakes and relaxed rhythm. On my first morning, I walked the Boardwalk—a long wooden path winding along Merimbula Lake. Pelicans glided overhead, stingrays traced shadows beneath the water, and early risers cast fishing lines into the stillness. There was something deeply soothing about the lake’s gentle movements, like a heartbeat in slow motion. I found myself stopping every few minutes just to breathe in the crisp ocean air.
Next, I headed south to Pambula Beach, a long stretch of golden sand kissed by rolling waves. The beach was stunning, but the real surprise came from its most unexpected residents: kangaroos. Entire families of them lounged casually on the grassy dunes, unfazed by the handful of humans walking by. Some nibbled on shrubs while others simply relaxed, taking in the ocean view like seasoned vacationers. It was one of those surreal “only in Australia” moments that makes you grin for no reason.
From Pambula, a short drive led me to the historic village of Eden, a place shaped by the sea—and by whales. Eden was once a whaling town, but today it is one of the world’s great whale-watching destinations. The coastline forms a natural deepwater highway, making it a perfect spot to witness humpbacks as they migrate. I joined a morning cruise, and soon enough, the ocean delivered: a mother humpback and her calf surfaced nearby, their breath rising in misty bursts. The calf practiced mini-tailslaps, still learning, while the mother stayed peacefully close. The captain switched off the engine, and for a long moment, the boat just drifted as these gentle giants moved around us. It felt like a rare privilege—to be in their world, even briefly.
Back on land, I visited Ben Boyd National Park, where crimson cliffs meet deep-blue seas in dramatic contrast. I walked the Light to Light Trail, a coastal path that winds through eucalyptus forests, past hidden inlets, and along windswept headlands. At one lookout, I stood alone watching powerful waves smash against jagged rocks below. The sheer scale of the landscape made me feel small in the best possible way—like the ocean was reminding me of its timeless, untamed spirit.
A highlight of the trip was venturing inland to the tiny town of Cobargo, known for its artsy soul and community warmth. Its streets were lined with craft studios, pottery shops, and cafés serving farm-fresh meals. I wandered into a local artisan market where a woman sold handmade candles scented like wild eucalyptus and wattle. “It smells like our bush walks,” she joked—and she was right. The scent instantly brought back the image of sunlit forests and peeling gum bark.
But the Sapphire Coast isn’t only about landscapes—it’s about flavors too. I spent an afternoon at a lakeside oyster farm in Tathra, learning how the region produces some of Australia’s finest oysters. Standing on a wooden platform above the water, I tasted oysters so fresh they seemed to capture the ocean’s essence—salty, sweet, and impossibly clean. It was as close to tasting the sea as I can imagine.
On my final day, I returned to Merimbula for sunset. The sky blazed in shades of cherry, apricot, and gold, reflecting perfectly on the water. Kayakers glided past, silhouetted against the glowing horizon, while the tide whispered against the shoreline. As the colors deepened, the town lights began to twinkle, and everything felt calm, harmonious, complete.
The Sapphire Coast doesn’t demand attention. It simply invites you—gently, quietly—to slow down and look closer. And once you do, you discover a coastal world so pure, so unhurried, that leaving feels like letting go of a beautiful secret.
