Merimbula sits on its own lake on the Far South Coast, the stretch of New South Wales known as the Sapphire Coast. For Merimbula weddings and smaller celebrations, the appeal is mostly scenery: six main beaches, a lake, bushland and coastal national parks close by.
This page covers the settings worth considering, how the climate guides the choice of month, and where guests could stay. For venues, celebrants and caterers, the local visitor information centre and tourism body are the place to start.
Scenic settings around Merimbula
The town has six main beaches: Main Beach (also called Merimbula Beach), Mitchies Jetty, Bar Beach, Spencer Park Beach, Middle Beach and Short Point. Main Beach, Bar Beach and Short Point are rated best for surfing, and Bar Beach is also used for snorkelling. Middle Beach suits fishing, and whale watching in season. For a wedding party, that variety means you can pick between a busier beachfront and a quieter stretch.
Merimbula Lake gives a calmer backdrop. Lagoon, lake and ocean sit side by side here, separated by white sand and fringed with bushland, which gives photographers plenty to work with.
National parks nearby
Merimbula is close to Bournda National Park, South East Forest National Park and the northern end of Beowa National Park. A coastal walk through Bournda National Park runs from Tathra to Tura Beach, just north of Merimbula, and takes in coastal scenery. It could suit a group wanting a relaxed walk before or after the day itself. Check park rules and any permit requirements with the relevant authorities before planning anything formal inside a park.
Whales and water
Humpback whales and, less often, southern right whales are a big feature of the area. If your date falls in whale season, a headland or waterfront setting may come with an extra sight for guests. Whale watching, fishing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding and boating are all on offer, which helps if you want something for guests to do around the main event.
The most reliable months for Merimbula weather
Merimbula has an oceanic climate with mild to warm summers and cool, windy, drier winters. Average annual rainfall is about 770 millimetres. The dry winters and springs are put down to the foehn effect, which is a point in favour of spring for outdoor plans.
Be realistic about the cold, though. Extreme temperatures have ranged from 44.2 °C down to -2.0 °C, and cold southerly air from Bass Strait can reach the town. A reading of 3.9 °C was recorded in December 2019, so even a summer evening can be cool. The climate is closer to East Gippsland than to much of the rest of the New South Wales coast, with cooler temperatures and lower dew points. We would pack a wrap or jackets for outdoor ceremonies, whatever the month.
Our reading is that spring and summer offer the mildest conditions, with spring the drier of the two, while winter brings cool, windy weather that suits indoor plans better.
Events that may affect your date
Several annual events can crowd the town or shape your timing:
- The Jazz Festival, held on the Queen's Birthday weekend in early June.
- A smaller Country Music Festival at the Merimbula-Imlay Bowling Club around the beginning of November.
- Golf week at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club in October, drawing over 900 golfers.
- The Merimbula Classic windsurfing and kiteboarding festival in late November.
Merimbula is largely a tourist town, so guest accommodation can be busier around dates like these. Book early, and consider whether a festival weekend suits your guests or works against you.
Where guests could stay
There is a wide range of holiday accommodation in the area, including motels, self-contained units and holiday houses for rent. Our Merimbula accommodation page is the best starting point. For families or groups sharing, look at Merimbula apartments, and for a simple room each, see motels and hotels in Merimbula. If the guest list includes children, our page on Merimbula holidays with kids covers things for them to do.
Getting guests to Merimbula
Merimbula has its own airport, with daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne by QantasLink and Rex Airlines. Flights from Sydney often stop in Moruya. By road, the Princes Highway puts Merimbula about five to seven hours from both Sydney and Melbourne, and roughly three hours from Canberra. Coach services and local commuter buses also run.
Making a weekend of it
Guests arriving from afar often want something to fill the days around the celebration. Options include the aquarium at Merimbula Wharf with its 25 tanks, Magic Mountain theme park, and Potoroo Palace Wildlife Sanctuary about 10 kilometres west along the Princes Highway. Scuba divers can try the sponge gardens at Yellow Rock. Browse our Merimbula activities and attractions page for more, and our Merimbula travel guide for the wider picture. Please check current prices and times with each operator.
For general planning, Visit NSW is the official state tourism site, and background on the town is on Wikipedia: Merimbula.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for an outdoor wedding in Merimbula?
Spring and summer are the mildest, and the dry winters and springs are linked to the foehn effect. Evenings can still be cool because of southerly air from Bass Strait, so plan for layers.
Where can wedding guests stay in Merimbula?
There are motels, self-contained units and holiday houses for rent. See our accommodation page for more.
How do guests get to Merimbula?
By air to Merimbula Airport from Sydney or Melbourne, or by road along the Princes Highway. Driving takes five to seven hours from either city and about three hours from Canberra.