Visit the world’s largest known colony of little penguins at Gabo Island. Or cruise to Montague Island to see seals, penguins and sea birds wheeling through the air. Spot whales from Eden, Boyds Tower in Ben Boyd National Park or Point Hicks in Croajingolong National Park.  The beaches, lush rainforests and granite peaks here are protected by a World Biosphere Reserve. See Lake Elusive fringed by bright orchids and wildflowers in summer and spring. Or head to Bournda National Park to hear the rustle and song of wetland birds on the Kangarutha Track. 

Surf and swim in relaxed Bermagui, then canoe on a lake in Mimosa Rocks National Park.  Stay in Bega and bushwalk in Bournda National Park.  Try watersports and see Aboriginal middens in Merimbula. Watch whales and go wreck diving from Eden on the edge of Ben Boyd National Park.  Cruise Mallacoota Inlet, canoe to Gipsy Point from Mallacoota or do a spot of sea kayaking.  Base yourself in Marlo or Bemm River and hike the untouched coastline of Cape Conran Coastal Park, where a boardwalk around the cape makes for easy walking.

Trek the Light to Light Walking Track, which stretches from Boyds Tower to Green Cape. Canoe or kayak at Wingan Inlet or four wheel drive the Old Coast Road between Cabbage Tree and Cann River. Do the short, steep walk up Genoa Peak for panoramic views over Bass Straight and Gabo Island. Or climb to the top of Australia’s tallest lighthouse on Point Hicks, the first place in Australia that Captain Cook spotted. For a true challenge, hike the 100km Wilderness Coastal Walk from Point Hicks to Nadgee Nature Reserve.

Follow a food, wine and art trail along the Sapphire Coast between Tathra and Bermagui. Feast on salmon and prawns in Tathra or sample the wine at Mimosa vineyard. See cheese being made in a Bega factory, or team it with wine and crackers at a riverside picnic. Taste oysters overlooking the ocean in Pambula and Merimbula, or surprise your palate with fresh seafood in Eden and Mallacoota.