Fast facts
- Historic river village in majestic rural surroundings
- At the mouth of the Pambula River among forests and lakes
- 473 km south of Sydney, population 1,100
Why go there
Pambula’s historic character and rural setting in the valley of the Pambula River are its main assets. Stop a while, explore and soak up its mellow atmosphere.
The town lies close to the northern arm of Ben Boyd National Park, an inspiring stretch of coast with many scenic splendours.
History
The township developed in 1797 during the southern exploration of George Bass, who noted the beauty of the Pambula River in his diary. The 1830s saw additional settlement on the Pambula River, however the original site was flood-prone and the town was soon relocated some distance away from the riverbanks. The discovery of gold in the area in the 1880s boosted Pambula’s development. Local gold productions ceased in 1915 and the slow decline of rural industries and the growth of nearby Merimbula, effectively preserved the town’s historic character.
Things to do
- Take a historic town walk to explore hotels, schools, the courthouse, inns and churches dating from the 1850s.
- Dine in The Grange, an 1850s mansion built by a veteran of the Battle of Trafalgar who received 300 acres as a retirement benefit, now a restaurant.
- Take a Sinbad Cruise on the Pambula River and learn about the fascinating local history, including 2,000 year old Aboriginal artefacts in Ben Boyd National Park.
- Shop for local art, crafts and collectables at the town hall market on the second Sunday of each month.
- Explore the Pamboola wetlands and see if you can spot a golden bell frog, a reintroduced species.
Don’t miss
- The walking trails of Ben Boyd National Park.
- Horse-riding on the beach.
- Fishing in the lakes, surf or off the rocks at Pulpit Rock.
- The walking trails of Pambula Beach freshwater lagoon.
- Fresh local oysters.
