Pambula
Captain Sponge's Magical Oyster Tours on Pambula River, Pambula
Pambula
Pambula is a historic village between Merimbula and Eden on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. The intimate main street with its colonial buildings is its heart, and just a stone’s throw away is Panboola Wetlands, a glorious sanctuary brimming with birdlife. The Pambula River and lake are famous for their oysters – don't leave town without shucking a few.
Highlights
Outdoor adventures
Explore the riverbank and coastal woodlands on the Pambula River Walking Track in Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park), a gentle trail along the river bank with views across the river to Severs Beach. At Severs Beach, also in Beowa National Park, you can stroll on a boardwalk past 3,500-year-old Aboriginal middens. For a short but beautiful walk in ancient rainforest, head inland to the Goodenia Rainforest in the South East Forest National Park.
Pambula River Walking Track, Beowa National Park
The 77-hectare Panboola Wetland begins at the bottom of the main street and is a thriving freshwater billabong with walking and cycling tracks, viewing platforms and place to sit and relax. For animal lovers, visit Potoroo Palace Native Wildlife Park north of Merimbula on the road to Bega, and kids will love the farm animals at Oaklands Barn. Pambula also has an exceptional golf course, the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club.
Beaches & waterways
Pambula Beach is popular with surfers, families and beach walkers. It's also popular with the local wildlife; kangaroos are regularly seen on the sand and dolphins frolic in the waves. To the north, Jiguma Beach has a good surf break and is dog-friendly. Explore the vibrant turquoise waters of the Pambula River by kayak. Eco-certified Navigate Expeditions runs guided tours, including a special Kayak and Shuck experience that includes a visit to Broadwater Oysters.
Pambula River Mouth, Pambula
Wine & dine
The pristine waters of Pambula Lake and Merimbula Lake are part of Australia’s Oyster Coast and produce premium oysters. Learn how they are grown and taste them fresh from the water on a tour with Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours. You can also buy them straight from the farm Broadwater Oysters or sit down to a dozen at Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant.
Sample more of the region's best produce at fine dining restaurant Banksia, located in the heritage-listed Old Pambula Bank. The colourful and quirky Toast Café with its cosy courtyard is a local favourite. Bring your dog and grab a holiday read from the book exchange. Relax over a craft beer at Longstocking Brewery & Oyster Bar, paired with live music and woodfired pizzas.
Longstocking Brewery, Pambula
Where to stay
Wake to the sound of waves at Discovery Parks - Pambula Beach, which is just steps from the sand. There are many stylish holiday houses to choose from or sleep in a piece of local history at The Historic Grange, an Edwardian-era manor house, and The Oaklands Homestead, built in 1847. Get away from it all at Currajong Retreat, with luxury glamping tents on a working goat farm.
Getting there
Pambula is a 6hr drive from Sydney, 6hr 45min from Melbourne and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly from Sydney or Melbourne to Merimbula Airport and rent a car for the short drive to Pambula.
