Explore Beyond the Main Stage at the Sapphire Coast’s Wanderer Festival

If spending your nights dancing under the stars and your days adventuring along NSW’s pristine Sapphire Coast sounds like an ideal weekend, then look no further than the Wanderer Festival – a celebration of music, art, culture, and place being held this coming spring.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Yuin and Monaro Nations on which these adventures take place. In particular, we recognise the Thaua people of the Yuin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which Wanderer Festival is held, for whom music and art have held a central importance for thousands of generations.

Situated on NSW’s South Coast between Melbourne and Sydney, the Sapphire Coast is a seaside sanctuary where rolling green hills and lush forest meet a sparkling ocean fed by thriving estuary systems, drawing in a community of creatives and adventurers alike.

From the 29th of September to the 1st of October the tree-lined fields nestled behind the region’s Pambula Beach will transform into a hub of creativity for the Wanderer Festival, a boutique music festival bringing together an epic lineup of local, national, and international acts for an unforgettable weekend amongst nature.

Kayaking on the stunning Pambula River

With an abundance of activity both inside the festival and out, it’s the perfect excuse to round up your mates, purchase your tickets, and fully immerse yourself in the magic of this coastline.

We’ve shortlisted our picks of experiences, adventures, and stays on the Sapphire Coast to help you make the most out of your time exploring this unique region during Wanderer Festival.

Experience

1. Wanderer Festival

Featuring a lineup of over 70 music and arts acts, the Wanderer Festival has something for all ages and interests across its three purposeful spaces.

There’s nothing like afternoon sun in the festival grounds | Photo by David Rogers Photography

The festival will showcase a swathe of talented artists such as iconic alternative rock band Ocean Alley, award-winning Gamilaraay performer and songwriter Thelma Plum, and Merimbula-raised storyteller Kim Churchill. Not to mention (deep breath in) The Jungle Giants, Spiderbait, Kevin Morby (USA), Django Django (UK), Son Little (USA), Northeast Party House, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball (Gomez, UK). Phew!

And did you hear? Sampa The Great and Lonnie Holley have just been added to the line up! Now that’s a show worth travelling for!

Whether you’re hitting the d-floor, taking in a circus performance or participating in an artisan workshop, you can keep your hunger at bay with a range of food stalls celebrating local produce.

With sustainability at the core of the festival’s ethos, you can participate consciously through initiatives like the no landfill waste program and hot wash stations for reusable items.

2. Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours

Take a journey along the pristine waters of the Pambula River for an encapsulating oyster farm experience as Brett (aka Captain Sponge) shares his extensive knowledge of this intricate farming practice.

If you’re an oyster lover, a highlight of this tour will be trying the famous Sydney Rock Oysters straight from the farm, seafood doesn’t get much fresher than this!

Is there anything better than fresh oysters? | Photo by DNSW

3. Whale Watching Tour and Trail

The abundance of marine life on the Sapphire Coast extends beyond the rivers and into the ocean. With over 40,000 Humpback whales expected to migrate along the Sapphire Coast from August to October this year, it’s a prime opportunity to perch up and spot these ocean giants from one of the region’s cliffside viewpoints (we recommend Tathra headland or Murunna Point!), or hop on board a charter to witness these incredible creatures up close.

Adventure

4. The Pinnacles

In Beowa National Park, a short drive south of Pambula, you’ll find The Pinnacles, a fascinating erosion feature of ancient white sand capped with red clay that creates a striking contrast to the vibrant coastal water and surrounding woodland. Take in this spectacular natural sight from the multiple viewpoints located along the 1.1km Pinnacles Loop Walking Track.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

5. Bermagui Blue Pool

The perfect spot for a morning dip does exist and it’s at Bermagui Blue Pool. Nestled below dramatic cliffs this stunning azure rockpool has been voted Australia’s most beautiful for good reason.

Bermagui Blue Pool is always a refreshing dip | Photo by David Rogers Photography

Be sure to take a moment to admire the pool from the lookout platform above before you wind your way down the short track to the ocean where an undeniably refreshing swim awaits.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

6. Myanba Gorge

For a relaxing stroll amongst nature head to South East Forest National Park’s Myanba Gorge in the Sapphire Coast Hinterland. This designated 1.5km walking track through a spectacular old growth forest offers the chance to spot loads of wildlife – from wallabies to wombats to an array of birdlife above. Whether you choose to take a dip in Myanba Creek or bring along a picnic, this is the perfect place to relax, reset, and unwind.

7. Light to Light Walk

Stretching along the ocean between Green Cape Lighthouse and Boyds Tower on the far South Coast, the Light to Light Walk is a multi-day 30km one-way hike and is considered one of the premier walks in NSW.

Trekking along the Light to Light | Photo by Destination NSW

If you’re not up for the whole journey do not fear because there are many smaller sections of the trail that can be enjoyed on their own.

Whether it’s cliffside vistas spotting whales and seals, beautiful sheltered coves or wild heathlands that pique your interest, there’s something for everyone along this iconic coastal walk.

Stay

8. Camping at or Near the Festival

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the festival vibes than by pitching your tent or rolling out your swag at one of Wanderer Festival’s camping locations.

Snag a spot in the on-site festival campground to be right amongst it or situate yourself a little further afield at Oakland’s Campground in Pambula.

How’s that for close to the ocean? | Photo by David Rogers Photography

This campground is well connected to the action by bike trails and the free bus service, courtesy of Sapphire Coast Buslines (you can book your spot on the festival page!).

Other options include Discovery Park’s Pambula Beach caravan park just 1km away from the festival grounds, which is also on the bus run, you’ll just need to book your spot ahead of time. Alternatively, check out a range of accommodation options in the nearby seaside town of Merimbula.

9. Green Cape Lightstation Keepers’ Cottages

Take the opportunity to truly unwind along this stretch of coastal wilderness with a few nights at the beautifully restored Green Cape Lightstation Keepers’ Cottages.

Perched right on the edge of the coast, these heritage cottages provide the perfect vantage point to watch sunrise over the ocean, view shipwrecks in nearby Disaster Bay and spot migrating Humpback whales as they journey south.

Imagine waking up here! | Photo by DNSW

Securing your tickets to the Wanderer Festival is just the beginning of your journey to the Sapphire Coast – with immersive experiences led by passionate locals, coastal adventures amongst nature, and unique stays, this is guaranteed to be a festival road trip like no other!

Wanderer Festival is also giving four lucky festival-goers the chance to win a VIP upgrade during their Sapphire Coast visit.

Go in the draw to win your stay at Wanderer’s one and only private on-site caravan, with personal toilet and kitchen, freshly-made beds, hand-delivered oysters, and other local produce, plus a whale watching tour and dinner Valentina, Merimbula’s hatted-lakeside restaurant.

You just need to have a two or three-day festival ticket by Monday the 21st of August to be eligible to win!

Grab Your Ticket Now!

Feature photo by David Rogers Photography