Top Family Activities in Merimbula with a Rental Car

Merimbula is the coastal town that families can’t get enough of. Between the pristine ocean, the diverse wildlife, rugged national parks and laid-back vibes, the whole family will have their boxes ticked. And, with a rental car from Thrifty, it's easy to get the most out of this amazing town, without forking out the big bucks. Here’s a handy list to inspire your Merimbula getaway.

Magic Mountain Merimbula

Distance from town: 5 minutes 

Kick things off with a day at Magic Mountain Merimbula, a much-loved family fun park. There’s plenty here to keep kids of all ages entertained—from rollercoasters and water slides to mini-golf and a high-flying treetop challenge. Parents can kick back in shaded picnic areas—or join in on the fun! 

Thrifty Tip: Pack swimmers and towels if you’re planning to hit the waterslides. 

Merimbula Boardwalk

Distance from town: Walkable from most accommodations 

For something super-chilled, take a stroll along the Merimbula Boardwalk, a beautiful 3.4km timber path that winds through mangroves and along the lake. It's flat, pram-friendly, and shaded in parts, making it perfect for any sized family, any time of day. Keep an eye out for fish splashing about the waters, crabs crawling across the mud and colourful birds soaring across the sky. 

Potoroo Palace

Distance from town: 10 minutes 

Kids will fall in love with Potoroo Palace, a wildlife sanctuary just outside Merimbula. Here, you can get up close with kangaroos, koalas, emus, and even spot the adorable potoroos the park is named after. There are also interactive encounters like hand-feeding kangaroos and meeting reptiles. It's an educational and memorable way to experience Australia's native wildlife. 

Thrifty Tip: Bring a few gold coins for feed bags if you want to hand-feed the animals! 

Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf

Distance from town: 5 minutes 

At the end of the historic wharf is the Merimbula Aquarium, where you can check out some fascinating marine life. There are 28 tanks showcasing species from the Sapphire Coast and beyond, including sharks, rays and seahorses.  

Thrifty Tip: Don't miss the daily fish feeding sessions. 

Mandeni Family Fun Park

Distance from town: 10 minutes 

A hidden gem for family outings, Mandeni Family Fun Park offers mini-golf, paddle boating, archery, and nature trails set amongst beautiful bushland. You can easily spend a half-day here trying different activities at your own pace. There are also picnic facilities if you want to bring your own lunch and make a day of it. 

Bournda National Park

Distance from town: 20 minutes 

If you’ve got an outdoorsy family, take a short drive will bring you to Bournda National Park. This coastal park is packed with walking trails, lagoons and quiet beaches, giving you everything you need for a full day of exploration, or just a short stroll. Popular spots include Wallagoot Lake for kayaking and Bournda Lagoon, where calm waters are perfect for swimming. 

Make Every Moment Count

Merimbula is packed with family-friendly adventures, from thrilling rides to peaceful beach days and close encounters with local wildlife. With a Thrifty rental car, seeking out these spots is a breeze—not to mention affordable! Book your car, pack your bags and get ready to discover the ins and outs of Merimbula!