The Sapphire Coast, Australia's wilder, less-known coastline
Beaches all to yourself
The smorgasbord of beaches and nature along our way means there's plenty of chance to unplug and unwind. Along the coast-hugging road, we've driven through a series of national parks, marine and nature reserves (there are more than 30 such protected reserves on the South Coast), quaint seaside villages and towns, encountered friendly bush kangaroos and marine life at Jervis Bay (the Commonwealth-owned marine park has the best snorkelling in the state), picnicked on the placid shores of Lake Conjola, and more. The centrepiece is a never-ending string of blue beaches, bays, inlets and lakes, mostly to ourselves.
Surprise seals
At Narooma's popular, shark-netted, South Bar Beach, I'm alarmed by a screaming public. There's a seal swimming along the beach! Chasing a getaway fish, the seal weaves through thrilled and startled bathers just metres from the shore. Narooma is known and loved for its resident seal colony. Several tour operators also run tours to Barunguba Montague Island (a 30-minute boat ride off the coast of Narooma) where you can swim with the seals, see Little Penguins, and more. Such opportunities to encounter wild animals in their own habitat are one of the greatest features of the area.
Seaside cycleways
Yet another way to explore the coastline is taking the coastal Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway, which is ranked top three of Australian Geographic's great bike rides of NSW but remains barely known.
We opt to cruise the easy-grade 21km trail on E-bikes hired from Southbound Escapes (a coffee spot, eatery, gift shop, tourist hub, and local visitors centre), crossing the Narooma Mill Bay Boardwalk, where we glimpse stingrays, seals, and the dazzlingly blue Wagonga Inlet, and passing eye-catching beaches, lookouts, forests, reedy mangrove swamps and lakes.
Enchanting ocean rock pools
At Bermagui, we clamber down a rock staircase carved out of the cliff, to the Blue Pool. It's hard to keep one's eyes off the sight below: rugged, amber-orange cliffs where the Pacific Ocean swirls and foams. Cut into the cliff like an opal, looking out to the blinding blue of the Pacific, the Blue Pool is an Instagrammer's dream and one of the most famous rock pools in the world. Courtesy of the Pacific, the pool has plenty of southern bite. While my husband relaxes like Neptune against a rock, I take photos, and my daughter braves the freezing pool to snorkel, discovering small fish schools, clusters of nudibranch, and a starfish.
While in Bermagui, we toss on snorkels and explore the beautiful Bruce Steer Pool, a 150m-long saltwater pool fed by the serene harbour at Bermagui Point. After watching octopus, striped fish, and more dart through the water, we pick up some tasty pastries from Honourbread and park up on the beach alongside watchful pelicans and cormorants.
Other enchanting ocean rock pools are found at Eden, Mystery Bay and elsewhere in and around the Sapphire Coast.
Magical rock formations
Hardy bushes screen us from the wind, and shelter coastal fungi and tiny chirping birds, as we traverse the cliff top trail to see Bermagui's iconic Horse Head Rock. The bushes also offer protection against the sheer drop to the sea floor below. The gigantic rock, estimated to be over 500 million years old (one of the state's oldest rock edifices), looks magically like a giant horse taking a drink from the sea.
Descending the trail, back at Camel Rock Surf Beach, we take a closer look at Camel Rock. A photographer's dream, the rocks are just two of the South Coast's unique, ancient coastal formations. Other key geological formations in and around the Sapphire Coast include the Pinnacles and Glasshouse Rocks.
Heart of the Sapphire Coast
At Merimbula, an hour from Bermagui, and the centre of the Sapphire Coast, there's lots more to do, including walking the 500m-long trail out to Long Point, kayaking and canoeing tours on the Pambula River and the Merimbula to Pambula Cycleway. Short on time, we take the timber boardwalk along the Tahitian-blue inlet, snorkel at the historic Merimbula wharf alongside stingrays, and enjoy coffee at one of the many cafes staring down at the water.
Seaside chillaxing
Chillier than northern Australia, the southern morning is brisk, but there's sun, views and good nosh at Tathra Wharf; a key attraction in the far south village of Tathra. The last remaining wharf and building combination on the NSW coast from the coastal shipping trade of the 1800s, the heritage-listed building brims with crafts and treats. It's now a cafe, shop, gallery, museum, and popular coffee spot for locals. Seated on a wooden bench by a sunny window, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast, drinking in the sea view. The wharf is just one of scores of south coast eateries where you can sit by the water. Cliffside jaunt, the Tathra Headland Walk, starts outside the wharf, another opportunity to enjoy the startlingly azure water.
Edge of the world
Once a whaling and fishing town, and now home to a killer whale museum, Eden is the last key town of the Sapphire Coast. Two lighthouses also attest to its history and feature in the Light To Light coastal walk. Using directions from the award-winning Eden Visitors Centre, we take the lonely walk to the remnants of Ben Boyd Tower on a stony outcrop, gazing upon the desolate vastness of Twofold Bay. At the lookout, there's that eerie feeling of standing at the edge of the world with whatever ghosts of the past linger. In six days, we've barely scratched the surface of the treasures, the mystery and history that exist in this beautiful region.
Checklist
Sapphire Coast, South Coast, Australia.
GETTING THERE
Fly from Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra airports direct to Merimbula with Rex Airlines or Qantas.
Drive. The beginning of the Sapphire Coast is about a 5-hour drive from Sydney or 3.5 hours from Canberra.
Countrylink train from Sydney via Canberra.
STAY
nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/gillards-campground
MORE DETAILS
sapphirecoast.com.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1News
10 hours ago
- 1News
From 90-minute commute to six: Hanmer Springs boss returns south
Sarah Wiblin is settling into her new life in Hanmer Springs. Wiblin took over as general manager of the Hurunui District Council-owned Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa in March. She came to Hanmer Springs from Auckland, where she was general manager of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the holder of the America's Cup, for three years. "There are a lot of similarities and overlap between the roles, but it's also different. "It's about offering great experiences." Her commute to work has reduced from 1.5 hours a day to a six-minute round trip. ADVERTISEMENT Husband Ryan was working remotely for Westpac, travelling back to Auckland for one week a month. Born and bred Aucklander Ryan has invested in some merino clothing to adjust to the colder temperatures, Wiblin said. "'Covid has changed the way we work. I've met lots of people since I've been here, who are working two days a week in Christchurch and the rest of the week working remotely, and I've met someone who works remotely for an Australian company." Canterbury-born Wiblin went to primary school in Kaiapoi before her family moved to Picton. She has worked in Wellington, Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney. While at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, she organised the programme in the build up to last year's America's Cup defence. "'We had a roadshow where we travelled 600km around the country, visiting schools and communities," Wiblin said. "We engaged with 32,000 people and it was just a special experience for our team to help the country engage." Growing up in Canterbury, Wiblin regularly visiting Hanmer Springs, but never imagined she would one day be managing the pools. ''It was an opportunity which came along and it has paid off.'' While Wiblin was focusing on the day-to-day running of the pools complex, marketing manager Shane Adcock was taking more a leadership role of Hurunui Tourism, a partnership between the council and tourism operators. The pools were a major tourist attraction, but also served the local community, she said. ''We have local community groups using the pools, like aqua joggers on a Monday and local schools come here and use it, which is really cool.'' Hanmer Springs has potential to grow including the possibility of a flyride, growth in mountain biking and a new ice skating project, she said. The pool has a resource consent to establish a flyride, a gravity-based ride on the western face of Conical Hill Reserve. ''The more reasons we can have for people to come and visit the better, Wiblin said. Now settled, Wiblin said more of their family and friends were visiting. ''Every weekend we seem to have half a dozen visitors. It's a great spot to be and it's a good excuse to visit.'' LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
Scoop
29-07-2025
- Scoop
YourRide Launches Fixed Fares In Auckland
Auckland, NZ - July 30 2025 YourRide, New Zealand's No.1 taxi app, has introduced Fixed Fares to and from Auckland Airport - a simple, reliable way to book a taxi without worrying about unpredictable pricing. YourRide displays your fare upfront before your ride begins. No More Guesswork. Just the Price, Upfront. For New Zealanders juggling work, whānau, and everything in between, the last thing anyone wants is a mystery fare. With fixed pricing now available through the YourRide app, customers can: See the total cost before confirming a ride Book in advance or on the spot — no hidden fees Travel with confidence knowing the fare won't change, even if there's traffic or roadworks. This move reinforces YourRide's focus on delivering predictable, honest, and stress-free transport experiences for everyday travellers and businesses alike. YourRide is constantly working with its taxi partners to bring value to Kiwis. Keep an eye on their Fixed Fares and Promotions page. Safety, Simplicity, and a Bit of Sanity YourRide isn't just another app. It's backed by more than 2,000 registered, full-time taxi drivers from trusted local fleets across the country: Professional, police-vetted drivers Security cameras in all taxis Local knowledge and real-time ride tracking TaxiCharge integration, making work travel easy to reconcile Pre-booking options for early flights, after-hours pickups, or anything in between This isn't gig work. It's a professional, fully regulated service built for people who want more than just 'a ride,' says Conrad Heaven, CMO. Why It Matters for Kiwis New Zealanders care about fairness, transparency, and supporting local, and YourRide delivers on all three: We're 100% Kiwi-owned and operated. We pay our fair share of tax. No surge pricing, no funny business Local drivers, paid fairly. Our drivers receive over 90% of the fare. Nationwide reach with regional insights (we know when the school holidays hit) 90% of our fleet is late-model hybrid vehicles, and our EV fleet is growing! YourRide's growth story also reflects a broader trend: a growing preference for ethical, community-minded services that reinvest in the local economy. Every YourRide trip helps support New Zealand jobs and local operators instead of sending a cut offshore. With full nationwide coverage, Kiwis from Invercargill to Whangarei can now access safe, reliable rides with just a tap. About YourRide YourRide is New Zealand's No.1 taxi app, offering full nationwide coverage and a better alternative to global rideshare platforms. With a network of 2,000 registered taxis, real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and a commitment to local values, YourRide is how New Zealanders move - safely, reliably, and responsibly.
Otago Daily Times
28-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Intimate, priceless adventure
The Galapagos grips you good and doesn't let go, Mike Yardley writes. Do the Galapagos sea lions know how good they have got it? Sprawled across the pristine beaches, they wallow, snooze and frolic across the powder-white stretches of sand, blissfully unconcerned by curious passers-by entering their slice of paradise on goggle-eyed shore excursions. In fact, some of the sea lions waddled up to welcome us into their realm of unrivalled wonder. The Galapagos grips you good and doesn't let go. I'm fresh back from my maiden visit to this extraordinary group of islands with Viva Expeditions, enjoying a four-night cruise aboard the magnificent La Pinta. Recently refreshed from tip to toe, this elegant small ship is perfectly proportioned for Galapagos cruising, with a capacity for just 48 guests and over 30 crew, delivering an ultra-attentive, personable experience. My generously-sized cabin had a fresh, soothing design palette, complete with floor-to-ceiling window and superb en suite. The daily towel art was extra-imaginative. Despite being an expedition ship, La Pinta certainly doesn't skimp on luxury comforts, adorned with sophisticated yet relaxed decks and lounges. The canopied sun deck fast became a favourite spot to survey the scenery over a few cocktails, complete with alfresco dining area, bar and hot tub. Watching a fireball sunset torch the skyline with a brush stroke of ethereal colours, over pre-dinner drinks, became an essential twilight spectacle. The main restaurant presented exquisitely divine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I feasted on so many memorable dishes, carefully curated by a Le Cordon Bleu gastronomic director. But it was the ocean-fresh seafood that constantly shone, binging on Neptune's bounty. The supersized shrimps were commonly mistaken for prawns because they were so ginormous and bursting with flavour. My fellow table guests featured a French male model and Hollywood actor, along with a Dutch psychiatrist. Yes, it sounds like the opening line to a joke! Swiftly bonding, we got on like a house on fire. Nature's pulling power is magnetic with young professionals. There were so many perky 30-somethings aboard the cruise, I felt decidedly aged! Our charismatic waiter Wilson attended to our table for every meal service, underscoring La Pinta's winning brand of personal guest service. The sparkling Ecuadorian crew were understandably fuelled with pride in sharing their rarefied pocket of the world with us. And they were unfailingly outgoing, effervescent and hospitable. My four-night cruise began after the 90-minute flight from the Ecuadorian mainland, touching down on Baltra Island, a flat slab of rock thrust out of the ocean by geological uplift. The airport was established by the United States Air Force during World War 2. The short bus ride shuttled us to the dock, where we boarded one of La Pinta's zodiacs (which are called ''panga'' in Ecuador), zipping us over to the ship. The panga rides became a fond feature of our cruise experience, because all the islands we visited entailed tendering ashore in these whip-smart zodiacs. Accentuating the experience, every shore excursion was escorted by one of La Pinta's naturalist guides, with a very small group of guests — no bigger than 10. Sharing the experience with such a small, intimate group of fellow travellers heightened every natural encounter. My main guide was Alexis, who was like a male Alexa. You could ask him anything about the Galapagos and he'd deliver a commanding, enlightening answer. My four-night cruise threaded together the eastern islands of the Galapagos archipelago, marvelling over the diverse landscapes, iridescent waters and abundant wildlife. The eastern group are the oldest islands, the newer islands rising from the west, principally shaped by eruptions. Our first stop was South Plaza Island, where the turquoise waters of the channel pop in the sunlight, contrasting dramatically with the fiery hues of the volcanic terrain. Unfurling like a magic carpet, scarlet Sesuvium succulents sprawled across the lower slopes, studded with a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. It was here that I enjoyed my first rendezvous with a yellow-grey land iguana, one of the ''big 15'' wildlife heroes of the Galapagos. Their yellow colour is a result of eating so many cacti. You might even spot them rolling these prickly plants in the sand to blunt the spikes. Another South Plaza highlight was standing above the cliffs and watching the sea birds riding the thermals. Frigatebirds are a highlight here, scanning the sea for fish, swooping down to catch them in flight. The males have the most fascinating bright red throat skin sacks, which inflate to form heart-shaped balloons when courting the females. Santa Fe Island is fawned over for its picture-perfect sandy white beaches, heavily populated by hordes of nonchalant, cavorting sea lions. Fully kitted out with snorkelling equipment and wetsuits by La Pinta, the sublime clarity of the water off Santa Fe was begging to be explored. The watery world revealed more majesty, with sea lions, sea turtles and dolphins frolicking, while a vast school of tropical fish flitted about in a carnival of colour. Parrot fish are prolific in these parts and I was intrigued to learn that they are responsible for creating many of the world's white coral sand beaches. Those powder-white sands are the result of parrot fish poop, after they have tucked into the algae or polyps that form over coral. The average parrot fish poops out 450kg of sand a year! They are the great sand-makers of the Galapagos and elsewhere. San Cristobal Island delivered more indelible memories, disembarking at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island's bustling, colourful capital. If Galapagos is a byword for tortoises for you, you'll enjoy several intimate encounters with these graceful giants. My first such experience was at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat, a magnificent breeding centre for these endangered species. Their lush, deciduous forest is home to dozens of bird species, including another island endemic, the San Cristobal mockingbird. A personal highlight here was ogling the marine iguana, unique to the Galapagos, and a poster-child for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. These lizards began life as land-lubbers before spreading throughout the archipelago, adapting to graze on submersed algae at low tide. Their striking charcoal colouring blends in perfectly with the lava rock of the islands. Speaking of Darwin, San Cristobal Island is also home to the most astonishing white coral beach, Cerro Brujo. Darwin walked these sands back in 1835, left agog by the enormous colony of sea lions and birdlife. Trying to pick your favourite island in the Galapagos is like being asked to pick your favourite child. But Espanola Island is a perennial heart-stealer because it throngs with so much wildlife and striking scenery. The star of the show is the Galapagos albatross that heavily populates this blessed island. It is the only species of albatross that lives in the tropics, and not only is this bird endemic to the Galapagos, but has the dual distinction of exclusively being found on this island. I gazed in awe watching these enormous birds take flight, walking to the edge of the cliff face and stoically hurling themselves at the sea below, in order to gain speed for flight. Once again, you can get right up close to these birds, who have no fear of people. Backdropped by a gushing lava blowhole, another thrill at Espanola Island was to see so many blue-footed boobies. These clownish birds, with their electric blue feet, are comical to watch on land because their ungainly walking style is highly reminiscent of circus clowns. But in flight, they transform into precision-hunting machines, with spectacular plunge-style dives underwater to snare fish. We also witnessed a mating dance, whereby the male exuberantly shows off his feet to his prospective girlfriend. Apparently, the females prefer a turquoise shade of blue to a deeper blue, and the shade of blue indicates how proficient the male is at catching fish and feeding himself. On my last night aboard La Pinta, before disembarking for more natural glories at Santa Cruz Island, I was enjoying some nightcaps in the inky darkness with some new-found British friends out on the sun deck. As we gazed down at the stern of the ship, over 30 sharks were on the prowl, circling directly beneath us, as flying fish did kamikaze acrobatic manoeuvres, playfully dicing with death. They were too quick for Jaws, but this mass presence of sharks resolutely underscored what a wild, unplugged playground for nature the Galapagos is. There are few places left on Earth where the wildlife shows no fear of humans, allowing you to observe it from just a couple of metres away. While on board the HMS Beagle, Darwin witnessed the Galapagos in complete isolation. La Pinta artfully keeps the faith with that supreme sense of solitude. When we stepped ashore, our small group felt like we had each island only to ourselves. It was a priceless experience with the Galapagos National Park — a living laboratory of evolution and scientific discovery, where the wildlife runs free. Swarming with sharks, crawling with critters, aflutter with remarkable birdlife, surrender to the primal pull of this striking archipelago. A Galapagos cruise is not just enticing or addictive, but transformative.
