Adventures on the stunning Sapphire Coast of NSW

By Dallas Sherringham
The magical Sapphire Coast is the perfect region for Sydneysiders to enjoy a relaxing getaway during the Spring and Summer months of this most unusual year.
When describing the Sapphire Coast, words like “pristine, wilderness, untouched” easily come to mind.
Then throw “blue waters, unspoilt beaches, oysters, local beer, adventures” and…well, you get the idea, I love this region and so will you.
You see, along this beautiful stretch of coastline you will find everything you need in a perfect holiday destination, all  within a short, relaxing drive from Sydney
Spring on the Sapphire Coast means standing on an ancient coastline, watching the whales as they come in close to shore.
It means Indulging in the freshest oysters grown just metres from where you dine or laying down under a sky full of stars listening to the wildlife settle in and waking to the crisp, clear dawn and the sound of the ocean. 
Only five hours from Sydney, you can take a break away from rush the rush and bustle of the city in serene surroundings.
It is the perfect place to reconnect with nature during the prime whale watching season on the Sapphire Coast. 
Australian Geographic has named the Coast as one of the best places to watch whales in Australia.   Travelling in large numbers and staying close to shore with their young, there is nothing quite like a close encounter of this kind.
From Eden to Bermagui, either by boat or from shore you  can easily be a part of this massive migration.  
The Sapphire Coast is one of the few places in south east Australia that whales nurse and rest as they migrate to their summer grounds in Antarctica.
In Australia, their lives are played out across the southern hemisphere, forever migrating between the warm equator to birth their young and the frozen pole to feed.
More than 25,000 humpback whales make this journey annually plus seen orcas, southern rights and minke whales.
Once hunted for their oil and baleen, today the whales are considered guests of honor on the Sapphire Coast.
Its ancient coastline and ports offer unique opportunities for encounters from sea and shore.
There are also many short walks to take, headlands to picnic on and a small fleet of passionate boat operators.
Reconnect with Nature
Warmer weather and longer days mean a hundred adventures to enjoy along the  entire Coast.
You can choose whale watching, wilderness kayaking, fishing, walk the epic coastline or just settle in with a picnic on the sand.  
A visit to the Sapphire Coast in Spring is also a delicious voyage of discovery with the local produce taking centre stage.
The region is home to some of the most awarded oysters in the world.  Home to some of the most awarded dairy in the world.  Home to passionate growers, brewers, farmers and chefs.   Home to farm gates, cellar doors, bespoke cafes and waterfront restaurants.   
Relax and Rejuvenate
This is your chance to break away from the city life with all its trials and tribulations and reconnect with nature.
My suggestion is to choose an isolated beach and settle in with a picnic or wander the many nature trails that take you along rugged clifftops.
For those seeking a little culture and creativity,  visit the many galleries that feature art inspired by nature and coast or just take some time out with a good book. You can even be pampered if you wish.
For more information: www.sapphirecoast.com.au

 Great little towns

​A visit to the Sapphire Coast is all about little towns dotted along a pristine coastline.
Each town has a charm of its own, so leave plenty of time to explore each one on your visit to the region.
-Bega is the urban centre of the Sapphire Coast, but its heart is dotted with rich lagoons and galleries and it is surrounded by rich pastures and rain forests.
-Bemboka is “the Village in the Valley” and the road through Candelo leads to Wolumla and Wyndham to the South and onward to the Monaro and the Mountains to the north.
-Bermagui is a beautiful town that hugs the edges of its harbor. It is the perfect place to stay awhile and relax without a traffic jam in site. You will love exploring Bermagui’s laid back lifestyle and the famous Bermagui Blue Pool.
-Brogo: Just 19kms north of Bega is the stunning Brogo Dam, which is contained within the Brogo wilderness area and the southern section of Wadbilliga National Park.
-Candelo: Travelling inland along the valley of the Bega River, the road ambles through rich dairy and beef country, passing the historic pastoral estate of Kameruka and arriving at the delightful little village of Candelo.
-Cobargo: It combines the skills and craft of a working village with a genuinely historic past, its streetscape featuring the many turn of the century buildings that make Cobargo such an attraction for visitors.
-Eden: The region is known as the ‘humpback highway’ and every year, between September and November, its waters play host to thousands of humpbacks heading home to Antarctica.
-Merimbula: This true gem’s magic begins with a first glimpse of the beaches, brilliant beneath the bright sunshine.
-Pambula: Enjoy a timeless day  at this pretty coastal village, which is big on history, with the discovery of gold in local rivers in the mid 1800’s. Some of Pambula’s lovely historic buildings date back to this industrious time.
-Tathra: Another gem, featuring sparkling shades of green and blue. It surrounds itself in the natural beauty of both Mimosa Rocks National Park to the north, and Bournda National Park to the south, home to many seabirds and an abundance of wildlife.
-Wonboyn: The stunning Wonboyn Lake 30km south of Eden, is surrounded by pristine forests, unspoilt beaches and abundant animal and birdlife. It is the perfect getaway renowned for its breathtaking beauty of water and wilderness and particularly significant for bushwalkers, birdwatchers and fishermen.