VISIT THE SAPPHIRE COAST

Merimbula, on the far south coast of NSW, is one of the best places Down Under to see humpback whales (and dolphins and seals!), as the whales come into the bay to rest and play on their way back to Antarctica. If you’re lucky, you might even see them feeding on krill, which doesn’t really happen elsewhere on the coast. The best times are mid-august to November, and there’s plenty of accommodation in and near the town if you have a few days to explore. To catch the action, head to the viewing platform at Long Point, or book a cruise with Merimbula Marina to get right into the heart of it.