The Sapphire Coast Merimbula & Eden
5 Days / 4 Nights

 


Day 1. Mon 16 Sept: Sale - Marlo - Mallacoota - Merimbula (Lunch & Dinner)

This morning we depart our pre-arranged pickup point and begin our drive up to the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. We travel across to Orbost and down into the coastal township of Marlo to enjoy the view of “Mouth of the Snowy River” and to enjoy a morning tea stop. We then continue across to Cape Conran enjoying the great coastal views from the West Cape. We continue up to Cabbage Tree Creek and then through Cann River before heading down into Mallacoota. Mallacoota is one of Gippsland’s great escapes, surrounded by the magnificent wilderness of the Croajingolong National Park and set on the beautiful Mallacoota Inlet. The Mallacoota Inlet was formed by the drowning of the valley of the Genoa River when the sea level rose as the ice melted at the close of the last ice age. It has been estimated that 25 000 years ago the sea level was 140 metres below its present level. After lunch at the Mallacoota Hotel we visit Operation Bunker Museum, a World War II RAAF operations bunker that has been restored by the Mallacoota RSL. It is of considerable significance in the military history of Victoria as it was the headquarters of the RAAF coastal intelligence activity in the region as well as an important link in the chain of defence installations along the south east of Australia. This afternoon we continue our driver up the coast through Eden to Merimbula for check in and dinner. Overnight Merimbula: Comfort Inn Merimbula Day 2. Tues 17 Sept: Bega - Tathra - Merimbula Breakfast & Dinner Following a hearty breakfast we travel up to Bega where we visit the Bega Museum which is situated in an old hotel, built in 1858-9, with many rooms and outside exhibition areas containing every aspect of early Bega – industries, clothing, military, machinery, transport, household effect’s, as well as family histories. The collection of over 200 framed photographs of pioneers is the largest in the NSW. The building itself is classified and worth looking at. A horse-drawn ambulance in the backyard, built in Bega, was converted into a Hawkers van and supplied goods to out-lying families. A large collection of local militaria from the Boer War, WW1 & WW2 and a very enthusiastic family history collection on local connections. Our next stop is the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre before making our way to Tathra. Set like a gem into shades of green and blue, Tathra 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 such as the endangered little tern and an abundance of wildlife. The coastal town is rich in history and traditions of the sea. We stop in at the On The Perch Bird Park for a light lunch in the cafe then get to “Meet the Keeper”. One of the best ways to personalise our visit to the bird park is to Meet at Keeper where we will have the chance to learn about the 80+ species on display which includes 18 species now threatened with extinction in the wild. We then stroll the six exhibits (including four walk-in aviaries) set up as regional habitats. After leaving the park we enjoy the sights of this popular seaside town and a wander through the Tathra Memorial Gardens with its spectacular ocean views and overlooking the historic Tathra Wharf. The gardens include an historical plaque detailing the role of Tathra headland during World War Two. The information plaque gives the history of the submarine attack off the Tathra coast which was sketched by Lorna Waterson a member of the Volunteer Air Observer Corp. Tathra’s wharf is the only remaining sea wharf on the East Coast of NSW, and has been restored by the National Trust. Late afternoon we return to our motel to relax before dinner.

Overnight Merimbula: Comfort Inn Merimbula


Day 2. Tues 17 Sept: Bega - Tathra - Merimbula (Breakfast & Dinner)

Following a hearty breakfast we travel up to Bega where we visit the Bega Museum which is situated in an old hotel, built in 1858-9, with many rooms and outside exhibition areas containing every aspect of early Bega – industries, clothing, military, machinery, transport, household effect’s, as well as family histories. The collection of over 200 framed photographs of pioneers is the largest in the NSW. The building itself is classified and worth looking at. A horse-drawn ambulance in the backyard, built in Bega, was converted into a Hawkers van and supplied goods to out-lying families. A large collection of local militaria from the Boer War, WW1 & WW2 and a very enthusiastic family history collection on local connections. Our next stop is the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre before making our way to Tathra. Set like a gem into shades of green and blue, Tathra 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 such as the endangered little tern and an abundance of wildlife. The coastal town is rich in history and traditions of the sea. We stop in at the On The Perch Bird Park for a light lunch in the cafe then get to “Meet the Keeper”. One of the best ways to personalise our visit to the bird park is to Meet at Keeper where we will have the chance to learn about the 80+ species on display which includes 18 species now threatened with extinction in the wild. We then stroll the six exhibits (including four walk-in aviaries) set up as regional habitats. After leaving the park we enjoy the sights of this popular seaside town and a wander through the Tathra Memorial Gardens with its spectacular ocean views and overlooking the historic Tathra Wharf. The gardens include an historical plaque detailing the role of Tathra headland during World War Two. The information plaque gives the history of the submarine attack off the Tathra coast which was sketched by Lorna Waterson a member of the Volunteer Air Observer Corp. Tathra’s wharf is the only remaining sea wharf on the East Coast of NSW, and has been restored by the National Trust. Late afternoon we return to our motel to relax before dinner.

Overnight Merimbula: Comfort Inn Merimbula

Day 3. Wed 18 Sept: Merimbula (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning we stop off at the Merimbula Tourist Centre to pick up our local guide before discovering the local sites of this enchanting seaside township situated on the sparkling Sapphire Coast. We then visit the Wheelers Oyster Farm and Seafood Restaurant for a tour and lunch. Since the settlement of the Sapphire Coast, oyster farming has played an important role in the area’s economy. Local oysters have become famous throughout Australia and the world for their excellent quality and flavour, resulting in many awards for farmers. Wheelers Oyster Farm offers us the opportunity to discover the complete oyster story with a tour of their state-of-the-art factory including a video showing the complete history of oyster farming and the life cycle of oysters. Following our tour and lunch we will have free time in Merimbula to enjoy some retail therapy. This afternoon we visit Pambula for a stop at Oaklands Barn. Not only will we enjoy a delicious home style afternoon tea but there will also be time to look around this historic “Oaklands” property which is now home to the Village Gallery and Merv’s Shed which houses a huge collection of recycled furniture, collectables and glassware. After returning to our motel we gather for dinner in the motel restaurant.

Overnight Merimbula: Comfort Inn Merimbula


Day 4. Thurs 19 Sept: Eden (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

A scrumptious breakfast awaits us in the motel restaurant this morning before boarding our coach and making our way directly to Eden’s Main Wharf for a fabulous harbour cruise. Here, we board the 16 metre Cat Balou Catamaran for a two hour discovery cruise of beautiful Twofold Bay. (Morning Tea is served on board). Surrounded by the Ben Boyd National Park and state forest, stunning scenery, pristine bays and beaches are viewed as Cat Balou cruises around this deep water port. The cruise highlights the history of this whaling port including Boyd’s Tower, Seahorse Inn at Boydtown, Edrom Lodge and whaling station sites. The naval/multi purpose wharf, woodchip mill, mussel farms, Quarantine Bay and the fishing fleet are also viewed. On most trips Cat Balou encounters dolphins or seals. After our cruise we take a stroll through Eden Rotary Park and Lookout. The point that joins the two folds of Eden’s stunning Twofold Bay is a great place for a walk that combines panoramic views, grassy headlands, forests of melaleuca, giant pines and key features of the town’s living maritime heritage including the Shiralee Memorial Wall and Cross. Back aboard our coach we travel to Boydtown and to the Sea Horse Inn for lunch, a luxurious boutique hotel, situated on the shores of Twofold Bay, commanding stunning views across the bay to Eden. It offers the astute visitor the unforgettable experience of a luxury, contemporary escape in beautiful surroundings. As we enter the Seahorse Inn we are greeted with an ambience of old world charm, complimented by an aesthetically luxurious appeal. The newly refurbished Inn offers modern luxury combined with original detail such as hand-carved doors, stained-glass ornamentation, winding staircases, large open grates and attic bedrooms. After lunch we travel back up to Eden stopping at the Eden Killer Whale Museum to enjoy a guided tour with plenty to see and learn. Set on an enviable piece of real estate we’ll also enjoy the view. Tonight we enjoy our farwell dinner at the motel.

Overnight Merimbula: Comfort Inn Merimbula


Day 5. Fri 20 Sept: Merimbula - Cann River - Nowa Nowa - Sale (Breakfast & Lunch)

Today we bid the Sapphire Coast farewell as we begin our drive back down to Sale as we make our way along the coast through Eden and into Cann River. A brief comfort stop and we continue into Orbost for lunch at the Orbost Club Hotel. After lunch we travel through Wombat Creek and Tostaree into Nowa Nowa, where we visit the local art gallery. We depart Nowa Nowa and make our way to the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum & Marine Display in Lakes Entrance, we have a chance to wander through the Museum before continuing home. We arrive back home in Sale late afternoon after a wonderful few days away with Littles Gippsland Coaches.


Tour Highlights: Marlo & Mouth of The Snowy River; Cape Conran Coast; Mallacoota Inlet & Operations Bunker Museum; Bega Museum; Bega Cheese Heritage Centre; Coastal Township of Tathra; On The Perth Bird Park; Tathra Memorial Gardens & Wharf; Merimbula Highlights Tour; Wheelers Oyster Farm Tour & Lunch; Oaklands Barn - Village Gallery & Merv`s Shed; Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise; Eden Rotary Park & Lookout & Shiralee Memorial Wall & Cross; Lunch Historic Sea Horse Inn; Eden Killer Whale Museum; Orbost Club Hotel; Nowa Nowa Art Gallery; Griffiths Sea Shell Museum & Marine Display plus much more!



Tour dates: Monday 16 September - Friday 20 September 2019

Tour cost: $1070.00 per person Twin Share ($224.00 single supplement)

Minimum 20 Paying passengers Tour Price is Valid for Travel, 2019. Please note that itinerary is subject to change without notice.

The Tour Price Includes:
• Luxury coach travel • Quality motel accommodation • Breakfast, lunch & dinner as per Itinerary (12 meals) • All entry fees & guides as per Itinerary

 

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