Merimbula to Gerringong: Sapphire Coast Food Trail
This stretch of the NSW coastline may be known for its incredible rock pools, sapphire coloured water and whale watching but what many don't know until they visit is that it is also home to a thriving food and beverage scene.
Many visit the Sapphire Coast to explore it's beautiful beaches, but it is also home to an under-the-radar buzzing food and wine scene. Here is a three stop itinerary perfect for anyone who travels to eat.
Distance: 3 Stops, 325 km total drive distance
📍 STOP 1: MERIMBULA
Where to stay in Merimbula?
Our preference is staying on the beach side of town and our pick of the parks is NRMA Merimbula Beach Resort. Surrounded by beaches and national parks, this is a great spot to stay in touch with nature and there are both sites and cabins with beach frontage available. We love the addition of eBikes that can be hired to cruise around and explore locally.
What to do, eat and drink in Merimbula?
Fuel your day with a morning coffee at the bar beach kiosk, an idyllic location combined with great coffee and some light morning snacks is the perfect way to start the day. You’re in the home of some of the best Oysters in the world, so what do you do at lunch time? Head on over to nearby Pambula and visit Wheelers Seafood and Oyster Farm. This modern restaurant offers mouthwatering seafood with farm fresh oysters, you can even take a tour of the farm if you wish. Of course, make sure you’re washing your oysters down with a glass of Sparkling - the Josef Chromy by the glass is our pick. When evening strikes it’s time for something with plenty of options and a bit of atmosphere, our favourite is Dulcie’s Cottage for a beer and a burger with a great vibe to boot.
What's the onward drive?
Just under three hours on the road and you'll arrive at Dolphin Point. For an extra stop along the way, Bermagui is a go-to and has a thriving food culture.
📍 STOP 2: DOLPHIN POINT
Where to stay in Dolphin Point?
You’d be hard pressed to find a more idyllic location than Dolphin Point Tourist Park. With absolute beach frontage on shallow turquoise waters, this is a great spot to bring the kids and know that they can get out in the ocean and swim without worrying about any rogue waves rolling through. Campsites are spacious and the waterfront cabins are brand new and well worth giving a go.
What to do, eat and drink in Dolphin Point?
Take a short walk up Stony Creek and get your day going at Burrill Lakeside Cafe. A homely vibe and salt of the earth cooking is the vibe here, consistent breakfast classics and a good honest coffee. 15 minutes away in nearby Milton is the famed Heritage Bakery, one of our favourite stops for lunch. Go for one of their famous pies (the Steak & Pepper is our recommendation) and of course, finish up with a Vanilla Slice. An early evening dinner is the order of the day at nearby Cuppitt’s Estate Winery. Make sure you’re there whilst the sun is still out to enjoy views over rolling hills whilst you get stuck into your 2 or 3 course tasting menu, best enjoyed with one of their many wines or a local craft beer on tap.
What's the onward drive?
It will take under 90 minutes to make it to Gerringong but there's still plenty to discover along the way if you wish. We highly recommend a stop in the Jervis Bay Area. You'll find the best of it's food and beverage offering located in the town of Huskisson.
📍 STOP 3: GERRINGONG
Where to stay in Gerringong?
Werri Beach Holiday Park occupies some prime real estate right on the famed Werri Beach. This is a spacious and family friendly park and if you’re not taking the van, we can highly recommend the cabins on the beach side. For those who like to swim but prefer a pool to the ocean, you’re at the right place and no doubt will be spending plenty of time in the resort style swimming pool.
What to do, eat and drink in Gerringong?
It’s worth the short drive over to Blue Swimmer Restaurant in nearby Gerroa. This fantastic cafe and restaurant is open all day but we love their breakfast offering and head straight for the Eggs Benedict or Ricotta Pancakes. At lunch time, nestled in the hills behind gerringong you’ll find Crooked River Wines. This beautiful winery and gourmet restaurant is a bit of a hidden secret, we love the lamb shoulder and pairing it with their “Saddleback Mountain” blend, a delicious combination of Chambourcin, Sangiovese, and Cabernet. Come evening time, head on over to The Hill. This stylish drinking and dining establishment has a stunning view across the coast so we highly recommend being there for sunset. Its diverse menu has something for everyone but don’t go past the tacos!
What's the onward drive?
This itinerary ends here and there isn't anything slightly further north that we think is worth going out of your way to extend your trip for.
