Merimbula and Pambula are two adjoining towns on the far south coast: either would make an excellent base for a holiday stay. Visitors will find that the South Coast of NSW boasts beautiful beaches and great day trips (such as a tour of the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre).
Those looking for a caravan park in the area might like to try either the Top Tourist Park at Merimbula or the Big 4 at Pambula Beach. Both offer well-equipped cabins, as well as powered sites and camping sites. Outside school holiday periods, choosing a good site is easy – but anyone with special ‘wants’ (such as a site next to the amenities block, or a beachfront site at Pambula) during the school vacation should book well ahead.
The Sapphire Valley Caravan Park at Merimbula
The team managing Merimbula’s Top Tourist Park put themselves out to make guests welcome. Every morning at 10 am, Monday to Friday, they get busy making morning tea for everyone. Visitors line up for free pancakes (with syrup, cream, and jam): it’s just a BYO mug. Every Friday night there’s a free sausage sizzle (BYO salad, mug, or grog). A great way for everyone to get to know each other!
Swimming Pool and Amenities at the Top Tourist Park Merimbula
The fenced swimming pool (and spa) at the park is a good size, as well as being heated and protected from the elements. Outside the sheltered area, guests can bask in the sun; either on the pool chairs provided or on towels spread on the grass.
The amenities are clean and, best of all, cater to guests who prefer not to get their clothes wet from the shower spray! Not many tourist parks equip every shower stall with a shower curtain; this one does. No worries about floors awash with water here! Guests are also delighted to find a soap/shampoo dispenser on the wall of every shower, filled with a liquid that does double duty as soap gel or shampoo.
Proximity of the Sapphire Valley Caravan Park to Merimbula Township
The Top Tourist Park at Merimbula is not on the beach, but it is only a short walk from Merimbula township and a selection of cafes on the waterfront. The town also has a large supermarket and several chain stores as well as specialty shops. A large bowling club with a good bistro is on the next corner up from the caravan park. All in all, this is a pleasant and well-equipped park.
Big 4 Caravan Park at Pambula Beach
the Big 4 park at Pambula is very large – no doubt reflecting its popularity during holiday periods. There are plenty of beachfront suites, with walkways from the park directly onto the beach (which is patrolled by the Pambula Surf LifeSaving Club, across the road from the park).
Swimming Pool, Children’s Playground, and Amenities at Big 4 Pambula
Regular travelers know that they can expect a certain standard of a Big 4 park and its amenities, and this one is no exception. There is not one pool, but two – an outdoor pool and another that is enclosed. The landscaped outdoor pool is huge, with plenty of space for lounging and keeping an eye on the kids.
The children’s playground is enclosed by a fence for added safety, and there is a large jumping cushion – always well-patronised by the younger generation. Kids staying at this park are fascinated by the kangaroos that roam freely amongst the sites.
The Broken Oar Restaurant and General Store
At the Broken Oar Restaurant, positioned on the perimeter of the park, guests can enjoy a cup of coffee or a light lunch. Most are pleasantly surprised by both the reasonable cost of meals and the up-to-date menu. The general store next to the restaurant provides most everyday needs for visitors, and Pambula township is a short drive away for further supplies.
Both the Top Tourist Park at Merimbula and the Big 4 at Pambula Beach offer a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors to the South Coast of NSW. In the end, it probably comes down to whether guests prefer to be within a short walk of the town (Merimbula) or right on the beach (Pambula). Once that decision is made… just kick back and relax!
