Dog-Friendly Road Trip to the Far South Coast NSW

Every year at the start of spring, we pack our camping gear into the car, load our dog Bowie in the back, and head for the Sapphire Coast. We call it “The Winter Thaw”; a ritual that involves soaking up the sun, walking barefoot again, and eating way too much seafood.

The Far South Coast really is the best stretch of coastline in NSW. I’ll admit I’m a little biased since it’s also my closest beach, but still. The sand is pristine, the people are friendly, the food is great, and best of all, there are endless places that welcome dogs. If you’re planning a dog-friendly road trip, the Sapphire Coast is one of the best regions in NSW to explore with your pup.

*Not another soul on Aisling Beach, Eden*

Quick Look

Total Distance Driving: 640km (Canberra return)

Total Hours Driving: ~8.5 hours (Canberra return)

Duration: 2-3 Days

Location: Sapphire Coast/Far South Coast, NSW

Highlights: Waterfalls, mountain biking, dog-friendly beaches, whale watching

Directions: Click Here

About the Sapphire Coast

This road trip focuses on the far southern end of the Sapphire Coast around Eden, Pambula, and Merimbula. Bermagui and Tathra are also part of the region and have plenty of dog-friendly adventures to offer, but I saved that for another trip.

This area is the Country of the Yuin people, whose connection to sea and land spans thousands of years, evident in the shell middens and sacred sites across the coast.

Eden, one of the towns on this trip, has a strong whaling history, both Indigenous and European. It’s said the beowas (orcas) and humans once worked together to hunt baleen whales. Thankfully, these days whales are only admired, not hunted in this area.

*Fun fact: Bowie is missing a toe, so he leaves the best footprints in the sand*

Best Time to Go to the Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast is beautiful year-round, but spring is my favourite time to visit. The days are warm enough to camp without freezing, and the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. It also lines up with prime whale migration season. From May to July the whales travel north to breed, and from September to November they head back south with their calves. In spring they’re more playful, so you can spot them breaching and tail slapping just offshore.

Dog-Friendly Camping on the Sapphire Coast

If you want creature comforts like hot showers and flushing toilets, Eden Reflections Caravan Park is our go-to. The unpowered campsites right on Lake Curalo are absolutely gorgeous. Dogs are welcome year-round and it sits just across the road from Aisling Beach, which is also dog-friendly. There’s even an elevated dog bath to rinse the sand off Bowie before he hops into the tent.

For a free camping option, Scrubby Creek Rest Area in East Boyd State Forest is about 15 minutes outside Eden. It’s a simple roadside stop among tall gums, with a few benches, fire pits, and a long-drop toilet. If you’d like more space to roam, head to Newtons Crossing in Yambulla State Forest on the NSW/Victoria border (also free camping). About 30 minutes from Eden towards Bombala, it’s shady, grassy, and right on the banks of the Wallagaraugh River and Imlay Creek.

*Pack the ‘2P + 1D’ tent (two person & one dog*)

Road Trip Report

Day 1: Home to Eden via Bombala

If you’re coming from Canberra or Sydney, the fastest way to the Sapphire Coast is via Brown Mountain from Cooma. It’s steep, winding, and Bowie is not a fan, so I usually take the longer route through Bombala. The point of a road trip is to slow down, right? This detour also gives us the chance to stop in at a few hidden gems along the way.

Platypus Spotting in Bombala

Bombala is known as Platypus Country, and they’re not exaggerating. It’s one of the best places in NSW to see a platypus in the wild. We’ve spotted them while walking Bowie along the river in town, and there’s also the newly renovated Platypus Reserve on Delegate Road. It’s a great spot to stretch the legs while keeping an eye out for movement in the water. Keep in mind, dogs must stay on lead here so they don’t disturb these shy creatures.

Hidden Waterfalls near Bombala: Nalbaugh Falls & Genoa Falls

Nalbaugh Falls in Nalbaugh State Forest

About 30 minutes from Bombala, tucked into Nalbaugh State Forest, is Nalbaugh Falls. Google Maps will try to send you via Southern Access Road through private land, but take Messmate Creek Road instead. It’s better maintained for logging trucks and far easier on a dog in the back seat.

When we arrived, the rest area looked almost comically bleak: a single picnic table, a dirt clearing, and no signage at all. But don’t be fooled. To the left of the car park, there’s a ford across White Rock River where you can walk to the top of the falls, though getting to the base from here is awkward. The easier route is the unnamed dirt track to the right of the car park. We followed it downhill, cut through a short patch of bush, and popped out onto the river at the bottom of the falls. The water cascades into a series of pools with wide, flat rocks that are perfect for sprawling out in the sun.

*I have never seen anyone else here, and this is my third visit!*

Genoa Falls in Bondi State Forest

Genoa Falls in Bondi State Forest (not to be confused with Genoa Falls in Croajingolong National Park), is just a short drive further on the Monaro Highway. The track down to the carpark is 4WD only and not recommended after heavy rain, but if you’re in a 2WD, park at the top of the rough descent and walk down. Genoa Falls doesn’t have the same vertical drop as Nalbaugh, but the swimming hole here is huge. Recent upgrades include a fancy lookout, picnic table and steps leading down to the water.

Relax at Camp & Lake Curalo Walk, Eden

By lunchtime, we usually roll into Eden. The Reflections Holiday Park at Lake Curalo is one of our favourite dog-friendly stays. We pitch the tent on the grassy waterfront, lay out a picnic blanket, and read a book by the lake. If you’ve still got energy after setting up camp though, the Lake Curalo Boardwalk is a 6-kilometres loop around the shore, joining up with the Aslings Beach Maritime Heritage Walk. I’d recommend walking it anti-clockwise, to check if the estuary mouth is crossable, otherwise it can only be walked one-way.

*Prime position at Eden Reflections Holiday Park (not sponsored)*

Day 2: Eden & Pambula

Sunrise on Aislings Beach, Eden

The sunrise of Aisling Beach is worth the early wake-up call. Either walk on the beach, or on the 2-kilometres of paved path to avoid sand in your shoes. Keep an eye offshore, we spotted a pod of dolphins near the beach pool and a seal through the waves.

Mountain Biking at Gravity Eden MTB Park

Later in the morning, we head to the Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park, just out of town. The network here has everything from beginner-friendly green trails to fast, flowy blue and black runs. There are two options with a dog: either take turns shuttling and riding while one of you dog-sits, or bring them along on lead and stick to the easy trails. Bowie trotted happily on the green trail while I pedaled beside him. We also spotted red-tailed black cockatoos here for the first time. There’s a water tank with a dog bowl in the car park.

*Water break at Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park*

Fish and Chips at Lions Park Beach, Pambula

After a big ride, nothing beats a fried feed. Wheelers Oysters in Pambula is our go-to for Fish and Chip. We grab our food and drive to Lions Park (Jiguma) Beach, one of the best off-leash beaches on the Sapphire Coast, in my opinion. Dogs can run free here year-round, and Bowie usually burns laps up and down the sand with new friends before collapsing next to us as we tuck into dinner.

Day 3: Pambula & Merimbula to Home

Nethercote Falls in Nullica State Forest

On our final day, we take the rough road out to Nethercote Falls. The descent from the car park is steep so wear decent shoes. At the bottom, the Yowaka River runs through a series of swimming holes, with the main waterfall a short walk upstream. The main pool is deep enough for a dip if you’re game. I couldn’t resist, though Bowie stood on the bank barking at me (he’s never been much of a swimmer).

Brunch and Op shops in Merimbula

By late morning we’re back in Merimbula. Sunny’s Kiosk is a my favourite, with coffee and brunch on the deck overlooking the water. Afterward, I can never resist a quick stop at the town’s op shops. I always find some secondhand treasures at the Vinnies and Salvos in Merimbula.

Whale Watching at Tura Headland

Before heading home, we stop at Tura Headland. It’s a short 1.8km return walk out to the point, but the payoff is huge during whale season. On our last trip, we saw a huge humpback breaching just offshore, its calf splashing alongside.

*Tura Headland walk has three lookouts to visit*!

Driving Home

Now with the car and tent sufficiently full of sand, it’s time to head home. The drive back via Brown Mountain is always a chore after a salty weekend, but with a happy, tired pup snoozing in the back seat, it’s worth it. If you’ve got a long way to travel, consider staying one more night rather than driving tired.

Tips for the Sapphire Coast Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Phone service: Expect patchy phone coverage in the state forests around Nalbaugh, Genoa, and Nethercote Falls. Once back in Eden, Pambula, or Merimbula, reception is great.

Closures: Always check Forestry Corporation NSW notices before heading out. State forest roads can close at short notice due to logging activity or wet weather.

Water: The waterfall walks on this road trip have running water all year-round, so there’s plenty of fresh water for your pup. Carry a collapsible bowl and extra water at the beach, especially on hot days.

Wildlife: Offshore you’ll likely see whales, dolphins, and even the odd seal. On land, snakes and ticks are common in spring and summer. We give Bowie anti-tick medication and always do a full check when we get home.

Dog-friendly Beaches: Rules change depending on the beach; some dog-friendly beaches have time-of-day restrictions or no dogs allowed near flagged swimming areas. Always check local signage before getting on the sand with a dog or unclipping the lead.

Dogs in State Forests: Dogs are welcome in all NSW State Forests. Be aware, 1080 baits are used for feral animal management in some areas, so keep them close.

Disclaimer: Content on Path & Pedal is for general information and inspiration only. All route guides and trip reports are based on personal experience and research at the time of writing. Conditions, access, weather, and regulations can change. Always check official sources and use your own judgment. Outdoor adventures carry risk, and Path & Pedal accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage.

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