Enjoying the cooler months in Merimbula
Did you know that in Merimbula, the month of July has the most sunny days of any month in the year? So, it's a mistake to think there's nothing to do in Merimbula outside of the summer months. Not only is the place particularly beautiful during autumn, the cooler months bring opportunities to explore things you might not consider during your summer break.
Have you ever walked to Pambula via the beach? This is a great way to get outdoors and truly come to know the beauty of our coastline. Simply check the tide chart and plan your walk. At the end, treat yourself to coffee and cake as you'll have burnt a fair few calories!
Still on the fitness front, you could challenge yourself to the fitness trail recently installed around Merimbula. The local Merimbula Area Committee called for local sponsorship and have put together a series of fitness stations that stretch from Ford Oval (behind Lakeside) and finish round at Spencer Park.
Stand up Paddle Boarding is another activity that you can enjoy, even though the water's getting colder! Stand Up Paddling, or SUPing is that peaceful, slow, flat water surfing you may have seen on your last visit to Lakeside. An oversize surf board provides amazing flotation and stability and Merimbula Lake is the perfect place to learn this gentle sport.
The shopping in Merimbula remains great throughout the Autumn/Winter seasons. In fact, you could argue it's even better as the crowds have gone and you can have the shop all to yourself. Boutiques such as Ginger & Luvvy, Koko Mai and Enhance U boast gorgeous designer labels while Millers, Noni B and Phantasea always showcase beautiful winter ranges. Surf Shops like Fatman and The Goddess, Saltwater Dreams and Merimbula Surf Shop can be good places to pick up summer stock at reduced prices and there's no doubt you could find brand name gifts for that hard-to-shop-for teenager.
Merimbula is a great place for kids to holiday (with their parents of course) as there are plenty of child friendly activities to partake in.
The Best things in Life are Free, especially when you visit Merimbula
One of the most popular places for kids is Micthies Jetty and it's a short walk from Lakeside Holiday Apartments. The simple old wooden jetty is home to local fishing charter and SUP board hire, but it provides kids with hours of entertainment as the run and jump into the lake, bombing and diving. It's simple, it's free and it's fun and you might even find yourself jumping in too, otherwise you can sit on the beach and watch.
Take the kids to Spencer Park. There are BBQ facilities, kids playground, plus large grassy areas perfect for the family picnic. The lake is tidal which means you can dig in the sand or enjoy a swim. If the tide's right you can almost walk back to Lakeside!
Merimbula Attractions for kids
The Picture Show Man
The Picture Show Man has two cinemas and is open all year round. They have a candy bar for ice-creams and popcorn. Check their web site for session times and details. www.pictureshowman.com.au

Magic Mountain
Who wouldn't love a visit to Magic Mountain? With carpet slides, toboggan rides, roller coaster before the water slides and the cars. Magic Mountain really is a great day out for the whole family. www.magicmountain.net.au
Sapphire Aquatic Centre
No matter what the weather Sapphire Aquatic Centre is open all year around and is the perfect activity to keep the kids entertained. They will loves playing in the kids pool which has toys and water fountains and some days they even have a inflatable castle. www.sapphireaquatic.com.au
Merimbula Wharf and Aquarium

We are not sure who gets the most from a trip to Merimbula's Wharf and Aquarium. The parents or the kids. The a;; love to see all the fish and creatures swimming around in the aquarium but Mum and Dad can also enjoy a coffee or some fine dining overlooking Main Beach. www.merimbulawharf.com.au
We've recently done some exploring, trying to find great places our guests can enjoy not more than an hour from Lakeside's door. And wow, the list is endless.
Tilba has to be top of the list. Nestled among gorgeous green, rolling hills this quaint little village takes bold steps back in time. Gorgeous little gift shops like Tilba Treasures are full of stunning jewellery, antiques, kids' games and more! The pub, bakery and cafe provide a good choice for lunch or drop into Bates General Store and pick up some of Mrs Jamiesons yummy Home Made Fudge. Take your camera because you’ll find a perfect picture around every corner!
Bermagui is like the Garden of Eden. Beautiful beaches are framed by grassy green lookouts. The little harbour is so picturesque and the whole thing can now be enjoyed from the Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy a great meal while you soak up the salty, seaside atmosphere of this unspoilt little town! Be sure to check out Camel Rock, the Rock Pools and if golf's your thing, the Bermagui Country Club.
Eden, okay so we're pretty sure all of our guests know about this historic, whaling town, but we discovered something new just recently. Cocora Park and beach, wow! It's a bit tricky to find the place but it's worth the effort. Cocora Beach provides a beautiful view of Eden harbour and has a great little park for the kids. It's the perfect place for a BBQ or fish and chips.
Ask Matt for directions to this well kept local secret.
No matter what your interest, you will find something to do in Merimbula. Here is just a small sample of some of the things you could be doing on your next holiday in and around Merimbula.
Tura Beach Country Club
Tura Beach Country Club is less than a 5 minute drive away. It's a 18 hole Championship course designed by Peter Thompson. It's called the club with the million dollar view, with the club house overlooking the ocean, it has a bistro, bar and betting facilities.. www.turacountryclub.com.au
Cat Balou Cruises

Cat Balou offer whale watching and dolphin cruises out of the Port of Eden. During the whale season you can get up close to these wonderful mammals as they migrate up and down the East Coast. This is a must see event if you are visting the area during Whale Season. www.catbalou.com.au
Cranky Cafe
Cranky's Cafe is just a short stroll from Lakeside Apartments, it is one of our favourite places for a coffee.
Merimbula Air Services

There is no better way to see Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast than from the air. Merimbula Air Services operates scenic flights from Merimbula Airport and are highly recommended. www.mairserv.com.au
Candelo Markets - First Sunday of the month
These markets have a bit of everything; trash and treasure, homemade goodies, farm fresh produce, pony rides, jumping castles, delicious snacks and more. Always a good way to enjoy a lazy Sunday morning.
Oaklands Barn & Garden Centre
Just south of Pambula, it's the big barn on your right. Enjoy strolling through the nursery, antique store and gallery. Kids can meet the farm animals whilst the adults enjoy lunch or coffee and cake in the Restaurant.
Wheelers Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Farm
if you love fresh seafood, it doesn't get any better than Wheelers. Fresh local seafood cooked to perfection in the modern à la carte restaurant, and of course the best oysters on the coast. www.wheelersoysters.com.au