Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach is a holidaymaker’s dream with an absolute beachfront location in a beautifully untouched part of the NSW coast south of Sydney. Perfect for anyone looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful break, here are some favourite local activities.
Best places to eat and drink
If you like a good cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast to start your day, try Saltwood in neighbouring Kioloa. With a sunny deck and a great menu it’s perfect for breakfast or lunch. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Merry Street Restaurant & Bar. Less than a 10-minute stroll or 2-minute drive from the holiday park, a warm welcome and great meals await.
Local tip: Although only slated to open Thursday through Saturday/Sunday for dinner/lunch, if you can round up a crew of 15 and call ahead, Merry Street Restaurant & Bar will open just for you.
Best places to go animal spotting
Merry Beach offers a multitude of nature-based activities. A local favourite is animal spotting. If you visit at the right time of year, you can spy whales offshore on their annual migration north and south. Bird watching is popular too, but a sure fire hit with all ages are the kangaroos that wander freely through the holiday park and hang out on and near the beach.
Local tip: Snapper Point offers a great vantage point for spotting whales.
Best scenic walks
If you enjoy a relaxing coastal walk, follow the Snapper Point Walking track from Merry Beach round to the aptly named Pretty Beach. From there you can continue on to Pebbly Beach and into Murramarang National Park. Another great option is bushwalking along Murramarang Aboriginal Area Walking Track, a 2.2km loop with interpretive signs to offer insight into some of the area’s culturally significant Aboriginal sites.
Best water-based activities
Whether your idea of relaxation is a spot of beach and rock fishing or catching a wave on one of the local reef breaks, Merry Beach has you covered. If you prefer being in or under the water, you won’t be disappointed either, with an offshore reef, wreck and pinnacle offering great snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
Local tip: Try Snapper Point for rock fishing or the breakwall at Kioloa Beach for catching squid. Belowla Island has the best snorkelling and neighbouring Brush Island the best scuba diving.
Best local wineries
While not the Hunter Valley, the wineries of the NSW south coast are still well worth a visit. Less than a 5-minute drive from Merry Beach, you’ll find Bawley Vale Estate. Taste some samples at the cellar door, enjoy a picnic in the grounds and pet the friendly farm animals. If you want to splurge on a really nice meal and some great wine, try Cupitt’s Estate half an hour north of Merry Beach. In addition to cellar door tastings, they offer formal restaurant and more casual lawn and deck dining options.
Local tip: Ranked one of the top 10 wineries* in New South Wales, Cupitt’s Estate is one foodies won’t want to miss.
Book your Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach getaway here.
*As ranked by bestrestaurants.com.au
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