The Sapphire Coast Region on the South Coast of New South Wales is the most southerly district and extends northward from the Victorian border. The region includes the stretch of coast from the townships of Wallaga Lake and Bermagui and in the north, to the border in the South. The major financial, service and tourist hubs are Bega which lies inland from the coast in the Bega Valley, and Eden which is a major angling and shipping port on the coast close to the Victorian border. The district is well liked for holidays and weekend getaways and there are numerous shoreline villages dotted along coastal areas offering a wide range of attractions, activities and tourist amenities. There is literally something for everyone in this magnificent and varied region on the coast and hinterland. The most
popular tourist and holiday towns are Bermagui, Eden, Merimbula, Bega, Pambula and Tathra. There are a large variety of embayments, inlets, beaches, estuaries, rivers, wetlands, lagoons and coastal landscapes to discover and enjoy. The district boasts a huge variety of recreational attractions, recreational opportunities and tourism facilities. There are excellent beachfront accommodation options available. The nature reserves and state forests cover in the mountains blend in with the coastal reserves featuring beaches, coastal landscapes rivers and lakes. All types of wildlife reside in the locality and the thousands of whales that overtake bi-annually are a splendid view, not ignoring the many dolphins, closures and penguins. You can find excursion in bushwalking the many trails, kayaking
the streams, lagoons and sea or just enjoy relaxing on magnificent sandy beaches. The major commercial and tourism hub for the Sapphire Coast is Bega, a very typical Australian rural town focused on dairy farming. The locality has a very rich dairy industry. Bega Cheeses are well known for their unique quality both in Australia and overseas. Bega`s nearby coastal centre of Tathra is very popular with locals, daytrip visitors, weekend getaway tourists and vacation makers. Further south, Eden is well renowned for its heritage as a historic whaling centre. The modern port of Eden is focused on fishing, tourism and the timber industry. The whale museum at Eden provides a fascinating insight into the history and lifestyle associated with whaling.