Distance: 40km
Road conditions: All sealed roads, although suggested side trips into National Parks will be on gravel roads.

For gardeners and those with an interest in native flora, although anyone with a love of the bush and beach will find this tour a delight.

Tourist Drive 11 begins at Bega, heading east to Tathra, then backtracking 4.5km to Sapphire Coast Drive and continues south through Merimbula to the historic town of Pambula.
Then a 2km drive to Pambula Beach where picnic facilities and childrens playground can be found.

1. Glebe Park, Bega
A pretty lake on the outskirts of Bega, beside the road. A habitat and breeding ground to a variety of local waterbirds, including water hen, wood ducks and black swan. At this pleasant rest stop with picnic tables, you can sit back, relax, and feed the ducks.

2. Jellat Jellat
(Pronounced ‘Jill-a Jill-a’) The trees to the east mark the course of the Bega River which floods over these alluvial plains, known as Jellat Jellat. Note the flood signs on the sides of the road. The record flood in 1971 covered the power line. These rich flats were originally covered by red cedar trees.

3. Kalaru orchid nursery
Open daily from 9am-5pm. Norma has long been an active member of the Sapphire Coast Orchid Society, and is always delighted to meet other enthusiasts. Large displays of cymbidiums, and native orchids.

4. Kangarutha nursery
Open every day 8.30am-5pm. Kangarutha offers an extensive range of both native and exotic plants, although they do specialise in natives. If you come across a native plant you like - you’ll be sure to get it at Kangarutha Nursery. Enjoy the picnic tables and bushwalks provided by the nursery.

5. Tathra forest & wildlife reserve
A small parking area is located on the western boundary of town with a map showing the walking trails. The walks are easy, with a wide variety of plants and flowers. The viewing platforms on the Blueberry Ash Trail and Main Ridge Trail give you a chance to relax and enjoy the sounds of the bush.

6. Tathra wharf
Built in 1862 to service the ships bringing supplies to the valley (roads from Sydney to Melbourne being non-existant). Cattle yards, cranes, and storage sheds were added to the Wharf in the 1890’s. Bullock drays waited on the headlands before proceeding down to the Wharf to load mainly butter, cheese, pigs or railway sleepers on to the steamships. Passengers referred to the shipping service as the ‘Pig & Whistle’, as it transported live pigs to Sydney, calling on many ports on its way north.
The road down to the Wharf is a dead-end and parking is very limited. DO NOT attempt this road with a caravan in tow. Continue instead past the wharf turn-off to the headlands where there is plenty of parking and turning room... and spectacular views. The Wharf can be reached via a stairway or a short walk down the old road which was in use until 1979 when eroded by huge seas. The road has been closed to traffic since.

A local yarn...
In the 1920’s the law stated that a Hotel could only sell drinks on a Sunday to a ‘genuine traveller’ - one who was at least 10 miles from home. About this time it was decided to straighten the existing 12 miles of road which meandered through the farmland from Bega to Tathra. But when the surveying and plans were completed it was discovered that the Tathra Hotel was less than 10 miles from Bega. The road plans were promptly adjusted and to the relief of all - the Tathra Hotel was again 10 miles from the town of Bega.

7. Apple Gum Antique Tearooms
Doug and Sheila invite you to sample their home made cake, light lunches and Devonshire Teas after browsing through the antiques, collectables and crafts. Open 10am-5pm daily.

8. Bega Dried foods and Cliffs Place restaurant.  Open daily 9am to 5pm the breathtaking 270degree ocean and headland views, delicious food and a special atmosphere combine to make cliffs place Tathra a premier dining location. relax and enjoy the friendly and efficient service. The lower level of the complx is also the home of the nationally recognised Bega Dried Foods. Purchase artworks and gift items which are a little bit different, along with the delicious dreid foods.

9. Taylor’s hydroponic farm
Open daily from 10am-5pm. Choose from delicious strawberries, tasty tomatoes, homemade jams and relishes.

10. Sapphire Coast Turf Club
New racecourse which combines Bega and Imlay Clubs. Opened February 1999.

11. Wallagoot lake boat launching ramp
At Wallagoot Lake a picnic area is located amongst large gum trees, with views across the lake. BBQ’s, picnic tables and public toilets are provided. The lake is an excellent spot for prawning in season (November-May). Foot access to Turingal Head is by the Wetlands Walking Track from the Wallagoot Lake picnic area around the margin of the lake wetland. There are splendid views back across Wallagoot Lake and south over the central portion of Bournda National Park. The area is a breeding area for the endangered species of ‘Little Tern’. The launching ramp at the boat club allows access to the lake for fishing and sailing.

12. Bilyara Gallery
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm and public holidays. See quality art and craft. Delicious light lunches and cappucino coffees are served for your enjoyment.

13. Bournda national park
Bushwalkers, wildlife watchers and photographers alike will enjoy the park’s many walking tracks to scenic points such as Bournda Island and Bournda Lagoon. Picnic and BBQ areas.

14. North Tura Lookout
A short detour. Take the Widgeram Road (gravel) for two and a half kilometres into Bournda National Park, where the viewing platform will enable even the amateur photographer the opportunity to capture an impressive photo. Stairs lead down to the beach. Great fishing and a fantastic place for kite flying. As you drive back through the National Park take time to notice the tree orchids growing in many of the coastal gum trees.

15. Mandeni golf centre
9am - 5pm daily. While mum and dad enjoy the 9 hole golf course the children can play mini golf, try the water golf range, pitch’n’putt, giant putting green or go for a bike ride on the 10km of cycle paths. Both golf clubs and bicycle are available for hire. Facilities include BBQs and picnic tables.

16. Tura Beach
The newest town on the Sapphire Coast, first developed in the 1950’s. Beautiful homes and landscaped gardens, plus a small comprehensive shopping centre. Tura Beach Country Club welcomes visitors and features ‘the golf course with the million dollar views’. The club also has bowling greens, tennis courts and the Seaview Restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner. Tura Beach Nursery and Garden Supplies is open daily from 9am - 5pm and carries an extensive range of garden plants and accessories.

17. Magic Mountain
The South Coast’s premier fun park. Waterslides, toboggans, roller coaster, mini grand prix, carpet slide and more!

18. National Parks visitors centre
Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm. Rangers can assist you with maps, brochures and information on special holiday discovery programs enabling you to make the most of your visit.

19. Merimbula Tourist Information centre
Located in the heart of Merimbula, adjacent to Merimbula Lake parking area. in Beach Street.

20. Merimbula Pambula cycle/walking track
Extends from the Merimbula Bridge to Pambula Beach. The cycle/walking track was built by local service clubs. Enquire at the local VIC for information on cycle hire.

21. Merimbula airport
To really appreciate our spectacular coastline and discover why it is called the Sapphire Coast, take a joyflight from only $45 family (2 adults, 2 children).

22. Oysters
Succulent Merimbula Oysters are available direct from the growers along this stretch of highway.

23. Pambula Merimbula golf club
On this 27 hole course the only distractions are the lovely lake views and the resident kangaroos. Bunkers Bistro in the modern clubhouse is open for lunch and dinner.

24. Pambula
A small town with a big history! Lots of craft shops and eateries. Additional tourist information is available at the Pambula Tourist Information Centre located in the Newsagency on the corner.

25. Pambula beach
Follow the signs and this short 2km detour will take you to Pambula Beach, where you can explore the spectacular beachside picnic areas and river mouth.