20 MERIMBULA - SAPPHIRECOAST - SPRING 2024 Get set for a month-long celebration of Sapphire Coast oysters September promises to be an exciting month for oyster lovers, as Merimbula presents Merimbula Merroir, a month-long celebration of the award-winning Sydney rock oysters of the Sapphire Coast. This inaugural series of events kicks-off on the 1 September 2024 and runs throughout the entire month, offering locals and visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and stories behind the Sapphire Coast's renowned, wild-caught Sydney rock oysters, via a string of exhibitions, specialty dinners, markets, theatre shows, tastings, cooking classes, tours and much more. Bidhiinja Oyster Exhibition The centrepiece of Merimbula Merrior is the Bidhiinja Oyster Exhibition, an insightful exhibition developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Hosted at the Merimbula Old School Museum, the exhibition uncovers the history of oyster reefs in NSW, and highlights the ongoing efforts to restore these vital ecosystems. The exhibition will be opened on Sunday, 1 September 2024 with a special daytime event featuring live music, food vendors, and activities. And because the opening coincides with Father's Day, admission on opening day will be free for all fathers. A full calendar of events Hanna Marshall, Tourism Manager at Merimbula Tourism, said the town is inviting everyone to join in the celebration of the Sapphire Coast's thriving oyster industry. "Merimbula Merroir is a way to highlight one of the most important economic drivers in our region, all while having fun!" Hanna said. "With a full calendar of events and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy, from a progressive, seafood-inspired dinner, to oyster-themed 'paint and sip' experiences. and specialty cooking classes. "You can even get out on the water in a kayak, right alongside the oyster leases, and learn how to shuck your own oysters." Perfect time to visit Rhys Treloar, Tourism Manager for the Sapphire Coast, said the new Merimbula Merroir makes September a "perfect time" to plan a visit. "It's a fantastic time of year to visit the Sapphire Coast," Rhys said. "The weather is warm and – when you're not feasting on oysters – you can take a quick look out to sea and watch magnificent humpback whales migrating south with their new calves." Find out more To see a full schedule of Merimbula Merroir events – and to book your experiences – go to escapetomerimbula.com.au and click on 'Merimbula Merroir' in the top menu. Events and activities during the Merimbula Merrior include an opportunity to visit local oyster leases and learn the fine art of oyster shucking. Photo: Destination NSW Merimbula Merroir includes a tour of Wheeler’s Oyster Farm. Photo: Wheeler’s Oysters Merimbula Merroir is a month-long celebration of all things oyster. Photo: Destination NSW FUN FACT The word ‘Merroir’ refers to the way in which an oyster’s taste reflects the waters in which it was raised. Spectacular whale-watching tours departing from Merimbula Family owned and operated since 2008, Sapphire Coastal Adventures runs regular whale-watching tours during the spring season, with a fleet of large, safe and purpose-built vessels departing regularly from Merimbula, as well as Eden and Bermagui. The company's Merimbula whale-watching tours depart on selected days during the southern migration, which runs from August to early November. Spectacular and scenic Co-owner of Sapphire Coastal Adventures, Simon Millar, said Merimbula is a wonderful place to view whales, and they can often be sighted "within minutes of departure". "It is not uncommon to find mothers and calves in Merimbula Bay," Simon said. "Depending on where the best whale action is, we may travel north to the waters off Tura Headland and Bournda National Park, or head south past the beautiful Pambula River Mouth, Haycock Point and Beowa National Park. "In fact, the entire Merimbula coastline is spectacular, and a real treat for nature lovers and photographers." Fast, comfortable and fun Simon explained that Sapphire Coastal Adventures' Merimbula whale-watching tours are run aboard the 14-metre 'Sensational II', which takes up to 40 people on each whale-watching trip. "This vessel features three 425-horsepower Yamaha engines, so she is fast, comfortable and fun!" he said. "The boat provides passengers with waterline viewing, which is ideal for whale watching, and the whales and dolphins love her!" Whale-sighting guarantee Purchase your whale-watching tickets directly from Sapphire Coastal Adventures, and you'll be eligible for the company's 'whale-watching guarantee', which promises that if whales are not sighted on your tour, you will be offered a free whale-watching cruise during the current or following season. Find out more Sapphire Coastal Adventures (Merimbula) whale-watching tours depart from Merimbula Public Jetty. It also operates daily whale-watching tours from Eden and Bermagui, so if there is no Merimbula tour available on the day of your preference, it's worth checking the operator's other locations. To book or find out more about Sapphire Coastal Adventures' whale-watching tours, call (02) 6495 1686 or go to sapphirecoastaladventures.com.au The magnificent tails of two humpback whales off the Merimbula coast. Photo: Sapphire coastal Adentures Bairnsdale Advertiser 65 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale Lakes Post 505 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance Snowy River Mail 122 Nicholson Street, Orbost Order your holiday photos anywhere in 3 easy steps Visit yeatesphotos.com.au Upload and select your photos. Pick up at your local office.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTU5ODU=