Merimbula Wharf offers one of the NSW South Coast's finest shore-entry snorkels, where a shallow timber wharf and adjacent rocky reef drop to sand at 16 m. The reef is blanketed in kelp in the shallows and transforms into vibrant sponge gardens, gorgonians, sea tulips and soft corals at depth. Snorkellers can explore the wharf pylons encrusted with marine growth, while the rocky reef holds ledges and caves that hide wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks and the rare crested horn shark. Smooth stingrays gather beneath the wharf to scavenge scraps from fishers above. With depths mostly 2–6 m for snorkellers and easy shore access, this site delivers classic temperate marine encounters in a sheltered bay.
Merimbula Wharf (snorkel site)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 3.1 knPrecipitation 15 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Southerly swell
The site is exposed to southerly winds and swells. Best conditions occur with north-easterly winds; southerly seas create hazardous entry and exit.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Vessels enter and exit the wharf area; snorkellers must stay clear of the channel and be vigilant for approaching boats.
Moderate risk: Fishing line and hook entanglement
The wharf is a popular fishing spot; discarded lines and hooks pose entanglement risks for snorkellers and divers.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic near wharf
Boats traverse around the wharf structure; surface vigilance is required.
Moderate risk: Southerly swell and wind
Southerly seas make entry and exit over the rock platform hazardous; north-easterly conditions are safest.
Low risk: Fishing lines and hooks
Anglers fish from the wharf above; snorkellers risk entanglement in lines or snagging on hooks, especially close to the wharf pylons.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Visibility can drop significantly after rain on an outgoing tide as sediment is flushed from the inlet.
Low risk: Rocky shore entry and exit
Entry involves a giant stride from rocks and exit via a sloping rock shelf using an incoming wave. Slippery when wet, requiring care.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Water temperatures range 12–17°C in winter and up to 22°C in summer, posing cold-water shock risk for unprepared snorkellers.
Low risk: Fishing activity
Active fishing from the wharf overhead — lines, hooks, and sinkers pose a snag and injury risk to snorkellers below.
Low risk: Poor visibility after swell
Visibility typically 4–10 m but drops significantly following rough seas or strong winds — disorientation risk in poor viz.
Low risk: Slippery rocks at entry
Rocky shore entry point can be very slippery with algae — take care exiting and entering the water.
Low risk: Strong surge in deeper reef
The rocky reef to 16m can experience moderate surge on days with larger swell, challenging less experienced swimmers.
Low risk: Slippery rocks at entry/exit
The rocks to the left of the jetty can be very slippery with algae, requiring care when entering and exiting the water.
Low risk: Kelp entanglement
Thick kelp beds cover the shallows and can entangle fins and limbs, particularly in surge conditions.
Low risk: Fishing line/hook hazards
The wharf is a popular fishing spot and stray lines, hooks and sinkers may be encountered on the reef and under the wharf structure.
Low risk: Rock platform entry/exit
Slippery rocks and sloping ledges at the exit require timing waves to scramble out — not suitable in rough conditions.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Sydney, drive ~450 km south (5.5–6 hrs) on the Princes Highway. In central Merimbula, turn left where the highway makes a right-angle bend, then turn right following signs to the wharf. The road ends at the wharf building (restaurant and aquarium). Park at the southern end of the carpark. Look over the wall to see the entry rocks; a gap between the wall and building leads to steps down to the rock platform.
Parking & facilities
Decent parking area at the end of the road near the wharf building. Park as close to the southern end as possible.
toiletsparking
Free shore access. The on-site restaurant and aquarium are paid attractions.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports