Our curated guide to eating, drinking, and exploring around Candelo and the Sapphire Coast

Candelo

Candelo is perfectly positioned to explore the very best of the Sapphire Coast, with pristine beaches, coastal towns, acclaimed dining, and national parks all within easy driving distance.

While Candelo Village is just a short 10-minute stroll from Ellington Grove, having a car allows you to experience the region more fully, from morning swims to long coastal lunches and scenic hinterland drives.

Merimbula Airport is approximately 30 minutes away and offers convenient car hire on arrival.

A quiet small-town street during autumn with fallen leaves, parked cars, and storefronts under overhanging trees.

  • In the heart of Candelo Village, just a 10-minute stroll from Ellington Grove, the Candelo General Store is a charming stop for everyday essentials.

    While it stocks all the basics, it’s worth noting that closing times are early, with hours varying slightly on weekends and public holidays.

    Current hours:
    Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
    Weekends: 8:30am – 3:00pm

    Right next door, the Candelo General Store Cafe is a much-loved local hangout, known for its great coffee, house-made cakes, and relaxed atmosphere. With frequent live music and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for a slow breakfast or casual lunch.

    The café is fully licensed and open seven days a week, typically from 8:00am to 2:30pm (hours may vary seasonally).

    You can find more details here:

    www.candelocafe.com.au

  • Located in Candelo Village, just a 15-minute stroll across the bridge, Hotel Candelo offers relaxed dining with a focus on hearty, seasonal food.

    Perfect for an easy lunch or casual dinner, they also provide takeaway options to enjoy back at Ellington Grove.

    You can view their latest menu and opening hours on their Facebook page:

    www.facebook.com/hotelcandelo

  • Held on the first Sunday of every month, the Candelo Market is a much-loved local tradition in the heart of Candelo Village.

    Expect a vibrant mix of fresh produce, handmade goods, vintage finds, collectables, and antiques, perfect for a slow morning wander and a taste of the region’s creative spirit.

pAMBULA

A scenic 25-minute drive from Ellington Grove, Pambula is a charming coastal heritage town known for its tree-lined streets, relaxed seaside atmosphere, and strong local food culture. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon of wandering, coffee stops, and coastal exploration.

People ordering oysters at a seaside seafood stand called 'Broadwater Oysters' on Pambula Lake. A sign indicates they have fresh oysters available, and there is a no dogs sign. The stand is made of wood with a glass display case, and a chalkboard menu listing oyster prices and options.

  • Banksia Restaurant - Fine dining set within the historic Old Pambula Bank, offering a refined local dining experience.

    Toast Café – A local favourite for specialty coffee, brunch classics, and relaxed coastal vibes.

    Wild Ryes Bakery Café– Artisan bakery and café known for excellent coffee and freshly baked goods.

    Oaklands Barn – A farm-to-table experience showcasing seasonal produce in a rustic countryside setting.

    Broken Oar – Casual fish and chips, burgers, and comfort food done well.

    Longstocking Brewery– Craft beer, cider, wood-fired pizza, oysters, and laid-back dining.

    Wheelers – Fresh local seafood and oysters served with tranquil water views.

    Broadwater Oysters – A regional favourite for freshly harvested oysters, straight from the source.

  • A charming heritage town with great food, boutique shopping, and coastal access. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon of wandering, coffee stops, and nearby beaches.

    See more at Visit Pambula or Navigate Expeditions.

MERIMBULA

A 25-minute drive from Ellington Grove, Merimbula is a vibrant Sapphire Coast town known for its turquoise beaches, scenic lake system, and easy going seaside energy. It’s the region’s hub for swimming, water activities, and relaxed waterfront dining.

A scenic landscape of rolling hills and mountains in the distance with scattered trees and bushes. A pond is visible in the foreground, with some cows grazing nearby. The scene is bathed in natural light, with a partly cloudy sky overhead.

  • Dulcie’s Cottage – A charming café and restaurant known for seasonal dishes served in a cosy, welcoming setting.

    Mors Mors Café – A relaxed café favourite for quality coffee and classic brunch dishes.

    My Valentina – A warm and intimate dining spot offering modern flavours and a thoughtful seasonal menu.

  • Spend the day moving between ocean beaches and the calm waters of Merimbula Lake. Hire a kayak or paddleboard, stroll along the foreshore, or simply settle in for a swim followed by a slow wander through town.

    Mitch’s Jetty – Kayak and paddleboard hire, perfect for exploring Merimbula Lake at your own pace.

    Learn more via Visit Merimbula.

BEGA

Around 20 minutes from Ellington Grove, Bega is the country heart of the Sapphire Coast, known for its rich farmland, local produce, and classic small-town charm. Surrounded by rolling green hills and dairy country, it offers a different pace, grounded, generous, and distinctly regional.

A rural landscape with a gently rolling golden field, a few cows and dogs near a fenced area in the foreground, scattered trees, a small white building, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

  • Red Café – A much-loved local café serving generous, modern dishes in a relaxed setting.

    North of Eden – A boutique distillery and cellar door showcasing native botanicals and small-batch spirits.

    Bega Cheese Heritage Centre – A fun stop celebrating the region’s famous cheese-making history.

  • Wander the historic streets, where preserved buildings hint at Bega’s early days, or visit the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre to explore the region’s iconic dairy history.

    For something more contemporary, the South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA) brings modern art and culture to the region, with a rotating program of exhibitions and events.

    For a slower moment, settle by the river at local parks and picnic spots, or take in sweeping views over the valley from nearby lookouts.

    Discover more at Visit Bega

tATHRA

Just a 30-minute drive from Ellington Grove, Tathra is one of the Sapphire Coast’s most iconic seaside towns, set within a rare stretch of coastal wilderness. Fringed by national parks and surrounded by forest, estuaries, and secluded beaches, it offers a striking mix of natural beauty and relaxed coastal living.

Locals and visitors alike are drawn to Tathra’s easygoing charm and strong community spirit, where the rhythm of life is shaped by the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the town is the historic Tathra Wharf, a striking heritage structure stretching into the bay. Often described as one of Australia’s most picturesque fishing wharves, it’s a beloved landmark and the perfect place to take in sweeping ocean views.

People fishing on a wooden pier over the water under a cloudy sky.

  • Tathra Hotel – Humpback Bar Brewery – Local craft beers, relaxed pub dining, and coastal views.

    Tathra Wharf & Café – A scenic spot for coffee, fresh seafood, and ocean air.

  • Stroll the headland tracks, swim at sheltered beaches, or wander through coastal forests alive with birdlife. Tathra is ideal for slow exploration, whether that’s a morning walk, a swim in the ocean pool, or simply watching the light shift across the water.

    More details at Visit Tathra.

bERMAGUI

Around an hour’s drive from Ellington Grove, Bermagui is a picturesque Sapphire Coast town known for its pristine beaches, artisan food scene, and unhurried coastal lifestyle. It’s an ideal full-day escape combining swimming, dining, and scenic exploration.

Street view with parked cars along a sidewalk, buildings, utility poles, and a hill with trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

  • Bermagui Beach Hotel - A relaxed coastal pub offering casual meals, drinks, and sweeping ocean views.

    Honor Bread Bakery – Artisan bakery known for handmade breads and thoughtfully crafted baked goods.

    Mimosa Winery - A scenic winery between Tathra and Bermagui, offering wine tasting, food, and sweeping countryside views.

  • Spend the day moving between ocean pools, sheltered beaches, and coastal walking tracks. Bermagui is perfect for slow exploration, whether that’s a swim, a headland walk, or simply watching the fishing boats drift in and out of the harbour.

    Discover more at Visit Bermagui.

tilba

Around an hour from Ellington Grove, Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba offer a rare step back in time. These beautifully preserved heritage villages are set beneath the slopes of Gulaga, where colourful shopfronts, rolling green hills, and a slower pace of life feel untouched by the modern world.

Scenic landscape of rolling hills with grassy fields, scattered trees, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

  • Tilba Real Dairy – A must-visit for local cheeses, milkshakes, and tastings, celebrating the region’s rich dairy heritage.

    Dromedary Hotel – A historic pub with old-world charm, serving quality meals, local beers, and live music in a relaxed setting.

    Tilba Teapot Cafe – A cosy café known for house-made scones, good coffee, and a charming village atmosphere.

    Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse – Set just outside the village, offering wine, local beer, and dining with sweeping countryside views.

  • Wander along Bate Street in Central Tilba, where historic buildings house a collection of artisan shops, galleries, and local makers. From handmade goods to antiques and contemporary pieces, each store feels thoughtfully curated and distinctly local.

    For something more immersive, take a walk through the surrounding countryside or explore nearby national parks. The foothills of Gulaga offer scenic bushwalks and sweeping views, while the village itself invites a slower rhythm, best enjoyed with no set plan at all.

    Find out more via Visit Tilba.

EDEN

Around 30 minutes from Ellington Grove, Eden is a historic coastal town set on a deep natural harbour, known for its rugged beauty, rich maritime history, and expansive ocean views. Surrounded by national parks and untouched coastline, it feels both wild and quietly refined.

Person with red hair and a grey jacket standing on reddish-brown rocks by the ocean, near a large rock formation under a cloudy sky.

  • Toast Cafe Eden – A relaxed local café for quality coffee and easy brunch.

    Hotel Australasia – A beautifully restored historic hotel offering bistro dining and wood-fired pizza.

    Fig Cafe and Bar Eden – A popular spot for modern café dining in a relaxed coastal setting.

    Seahorse Inn – A refined dining experience just outside Eden, set within a restored heritage inn by the sea.

  • Discover Eden’s seafaring past at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, or spend time along the coastline at Aslings Beach, perfect for a swim or a slow coastal walk.

    For something more immersive, join Kiah Wilderness Tours to explore the region’s pristine waterways, or take on sections of the iconic Light to Light Walk, where dramatic cliffs and endless ocean views define the landscape.

    Discover more at Visit Eden