THE RIVER
If you’re looking for time to really stop, a place to bunker down in rather than flit in and out, then The River has your back. Here at The River we focus on offering the opportunity to engage in ritual, slow down and leave behind that sense of urgency – making a pot of tea, diffusing essential oils, cooking over fire, reading a good book on the riverbank, taking one of our walking trails, exploring the river by kayak and swimming in fresh flowing water….. We love hosting couples who are seeking a different type of holiday – one where you stop and get present with the support of nature and seclusion. It’s the perfect setting to write a book, compose music, commit to a daily yoga/meditation practice or just catch up on sleep.
If you are keen to partake in some off property offerings, The River lies at the entrance to the Sapphire Coast, with its famed gastronomic delights, and only minutes from pristine beaches. Biased, of course, but we think between the wilderness and the food and produce, it’s the best bit of the East coast. So if you’re up for exploring this very special part of the world below are some things we love.
Nature
ASLINGS BEACH ROCKPOOL
Aslings Beach Rock Pool is a stunning rock pool located at the southern end of Aslings Beach in Eden. Surrounded by dramatic pink and white cliffs, this rock pool is a must-visit location for swimmers and photographers alike.
NULLICA BEACH - BOYDTOWN
This is our local beach, which stretches along the edge of the calm waters of magnificent Twofold Bay, meeting the mouth of Nullica River at its northern end. Perfect for beach cricket, cycling, fishing and long walks.
BOYDS TOWER
Glimpse this unexpected structure along a gentle 800m loop walk. The tower was originally built as a lighthouse but only ever used as a whale-watching lookout, it is particularly enchanting during whale-watching season. (July-Noveber)
DAVIDSON WHALING STATION
Davidson Whaling Station is the historic location of the last surviving shore-based whaling station in eastern Australia. Now managed by NPWS as a Historic Place, it attracts many visitors for the insights it brings to a time that is now long past.
BLUE POOL BERMAGUI
Blue Pool is a natural ocean rock pool at the base of a dramatic rocky cliff, a swimmer’s paradise. This gem along the Sapphire Coast is all opaline hues – think azure fading to turquoise to blush and then canary yellow.
PANBOOLA WETLANDS
A lovely wetland walk with ample birdlife in Pambula. Panboola is a conservation, restoration, educational and passive recreational and tourism project, embracing the history and diversity of the wetlands within the floodplain.
GOODENIA RAINFOREST
Set out on the Goodenia Rainforest walk and discover a magnificent stand of cool temperate rainforest that is unique in this part of NSW. Listen out for the wonderful stream of mimicked calls performed by the superb lyrebird.
NETHERCOTE FALLS WALK
A short and steep hike down (and then back up) will lead you to this hidden gem – a tiny waterfall that flows all year round. Nethercote Falls is located in the Nullica State Forest inbetween Pambula and Eden.
Food
TOAST CAFE
Best coffee and lunch in Eden
TOAST CAFE
Best coffee and brunch in Pambula
EDEN THAI CUISINE
Basic setting but great food with lovely service
BIANCHINI GELATI
Amazing homemade gelati in Pambula. GF & DF options
PAMBULA WHOLEFOODS
Organic local produce and fantastic selection of bulk foods.
HONOUR BREAD
Can’t say enough about this sourdough pure magic, definitely worth the drive to Bermagui!
TIDAL RESTAURANT
Upmarket eating with locally sourced produce, with a great view in Merimbula.
WHEELERS
Contemporary Australian cuisine featuring a fusion of flavours and the freshest local seafood.
SEAHORSE INN
The brasserie specialises in fresh local seafood, wonderful beer garden and building.
THE HOTEL AUSTRALASIA
Historic boutique hotel, with dining restaurant, bistro, and cocktail bar.
LONGSTOCKING BREWERY
Amazing woodfired pizza, the best ginger beer and oysters to boot!
VALENTINA
Modern Australian restaurant serving the best locally sourced produce from the Sapphire Coast.
Wellness
RULE OF SEED MASSAGE
We highly recommend you book the 1.5 hr full body massage, Tara at Rule of Seed Massage is so talented.
THE YOGA HUMM
It’s your time to honour your needs & nurture a deeper relationship with yourself. Yoga in a beautiful space with beautiful teachers.
Tours
SAPPHIRE COAST GUIDING CO.
Sapphire Coast Guiding Co operates walking tours, including the iconic 30 kilometre Light to Light Walk in Beowa National Park and the Wharf to Wharf Walk, traversing 27 kilometres from historic Merimbula Wharf to Tathra Wharf.
SAPPHIRE COASTAL ADVENTURES
Sapphire Coastal Adventures has operated boat-based tours from the beautiful Sapphire Coast for over 18 years. They are passionate about whales, dolphins, seals and the ocean and marine environment.
NAVIGATE EXPEDITIONS
Offering kayaking, mountain biking, and walking eco tours around the towns of the far South Coast of NSW. Immerse yourself in, small group, sustainable adventures designed for the environmentally conscious traveler.
Activities
EDEN KILLER WHALE MUSEUM
Originally built to house the skeleton of an orca known as ‘Old Tom’. The museum has grown into a shrine to Eden’s marine life, whaling history, maritime and timber history and is now home to over 10,000 artefacts.
EDEN WELCOME CENTRE
A magnificent building located on the working wharf, designed by award-winning firm Cox Architecture. The ground floor is home to the Eden Visitor Information Centre, which boasts an array of local products.
THE PICTURE SHOW MAN CINEMA
A gorgeous old school twin-cinema located in Merimbula with real choc tops! Locally owned and operated The Picture Show Man screens new release movies daily.