Scenic Flight information – Merimbula Air Services

Scenic 1 – Twofold Bay

After take-off you will enjoy vista of the townships of Merimbula, Pambula and South Pambula before tracking to the Pambula River mouth.

The colours are constantly changing with the varying light and depth of water giving a stunning backdrop to any photo.

Growing in Pambula Lake are approximately one million oysters, starting their life as young spat (or larvae) floating freely in the river. They are quite vulnerable until they can attach and grow a protective shell. The oyster growers place “slats” at the sides of the river to give the oysters a safe home away from the fish who feed freely on the spat during this journey. This can be clearly seen in the Pambula River between the lake and ocean. The sorting shed on the Western side of the lake takes these spat and tend to them over a three-year period, spacing them to give room to grow in the main lake once at a larger size. They remove any barnacles, which compete for nutrients as well as any oysters that suffer from the dreaded winter mortality. The lake is constantly monitored to ensure optimal salt levels to give the finest Sydney rock oysters available. These can be purchased direct from the sorting shed direct from the growers.

Flying south, we’ll then fly over the Pinnacles formation – a spectacular erosion feature that consists of cliffs of soft white sands capped with a layer of red gravel clay. This is located within the Beowa National Park (formally Ben Boyd National Park) and can be accessed on the ground via Haycock Road off the Princes highway. Over the beach with four names – Haycock beach at the north, Pinnacles beach in the middle, Terrace beach to the south and an overall name of Long beach, then towards Eden over Lennards Island.

Twofold bay is a bay of two folds, with the outer bay (Calle Calle Bay) and the inner bay (Nullica bay). Named by George Bass. It is the third deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, a mecca for fishing, whale watching and diving.

Turning right into Twofold Bay, we enter Calle Calle Bay and fly over the gorgeous clear water inside Worang Point. Continuing into the bay flying past the picturesque fishing town of Eden, the gateway to many marine adventures around Twofold Bay and the Sapphire Coast. Seeing one of the largest fishing fleets in NSW as well as Eden Slipway to keep the boats serviced based in Weecon (Snug cove) Every summer, a number of cruise ships make visits to Twofold Bay and can tie up at the expanded breakwater wharf. This changes Eden into a hive of activity for the hours they are ashore. A wave attenuator has just been completed with the vision of a safe marina to harbour the various pleasure craft that either visit or call Eden home.

As we fly around the bay, you may notice some buoys in perfect lines. This is a Black lip Mussel farm. Concrete weights on the ocean floor secure buoys with a large rope or mainline attached in between. Mussels love the top 2 meters of the ocean environment, so are tied in lines to the mainline to enjoy the pristine Eden waters. As they grow and increase in weight the line must have the buoys attached to prevent them sinking.

Passing Eden, we fly into the inner part of Twofold Bay – Nullica Bay, and Quarantine Bay. Named as a sailing ship with a smallpox epidemic took refuge in the bay as it was an isolated area. The highway heading South can be clearly seen as it follows the bay and crosses the Nullica river.

Three separate caravan parks follow the bay including Boydtown, with the Seahorse Inn and the ruins of a church built during the whaling period by Benjamin Boyd.

The Towamba River comes into view which starts at Big Jack Mountain and travels through the villages of Rocky Hall, New Buildings, Buragate, Towamba and Kiah before entering the bay. At the mouth of the river is the historic Davidsons whaling station. Helped by the Killer whales, Whales were herded into the shallows, where they were harpooned by the whalers and blubber was boiled down in huge pots. A few remnants can be seen from the ground and is accessible from Edrom Road.

The Royal Australian Navy has a wharf set up for operations on the Southern side of Twofold Bay, often allowing fishing when a naval boat is not docked. Whole logs are also exported from the naval wharf.

Edrom Lodge commands an amazing view of the bay. It was built between 1910 and 1913, with dormitory style accommodation.

Next is the woodchip mill, one of the largest employers in the area, including machinery repairs, operators, truck drivers and onsite staff.

Boyd’s Tower built in 1847 stands 23 meters tall with the name Boyd carved into the top and painted in black, it clearly marked that you were entering the area owned by Boyd.

As we follow the coast to the North we may be fortunate enough to spot some whale activity or dolphins at play as we return to Merimbula to conclude our adventure. This flight lasts around 25 minutes.

Scenic 2- Tathra, Mogareeka Inlet

Departing Merimbula and looking North the township of Merimbula unfolds. We overfly the extensive oyster industry with the oyster leases spread over the Merimbula Lake. Onto Tura beach is now a suburb of Merimbula nestled around the Tura Golf Course and clubhouse. Nelson Lagoon and Bournda Island are the start of the Bournda Nature reserve (National Park). The park incorporated Wallagoot Lake, a favourite for water skiers, or prawning due to the protected waters, Bournda is also a favourite for camping.

Inland from Wallagoot lake is the Wallagoot racecourse, home to the Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

We can see Bega township in the distance, one of the larger towns on the Sapphire Coast, home to over 4000 people.

Kalaru is the small town nestled in between Bega and Tathra to the South of the Bega River.

Flying north to Tathra, we’ll fly over the historic Tathra Wharf first built in the mid 1800s, which was operational until the 1950s, and is currently restored as a museum.

Just north of Tathra is the mouth of the Bega River, known as the Mogareeka inlet. Mogareeka Inlet is a great swimming, kayaking and fishing spot, offering access to the flat waters and tidal sand spits of the Bega River Mouth. 

On our way back South down the coast, we’ll fly over the Kianinny Boat ramp, a great spot for families to relax with barbecues. There are beautiful rocky inlets and rugged jutting cliffs. Out to sea you may be lucky enough to spot a whale during the spring months or some dolphins playing in the waves. This flight lasts around 25 minutes.

Scenic 3-Greencape Lighthouse

After take-off you will enjoy vista of the townships of Merimbula, Pambula and South Pambula before tracking to the Pambula River mouth.

The colours are constantly changing with the varying light and depth of water giving a stunning backdrop to any photo.

Next is the woodchip mill, one of the largest employers in the area, including machinery repairs, operators, truck drivers and onsite staff.

Boyd’s Tower built in 1847 stands 23 meters tall with the name Boyd carved into the top and painted in black, it clearly marked that you were entering the area owned by Boyd. Mowarry Point where the tower is located was used during the Settlement period as a whale watching outlook post. It is easily recognised by the beautiful beach. Now it is one end of the Lighthouse to Lighthouse Walk as well as a remote camping area.

The Iron Oxide rust red rocks are a feature as we view the unspoilt coastline and the enormity of the Eden forests. We follow the Beowa (Formally Ben Boyd) National Park along to its Southern point at Green Cape. Saltwater Creek houses a campground within the National Park often used by those completing the Lighthouse Walk. Bittangabee Bay is the next rocky enclosed bay with an amazing sandy beach. Again, within the National Park, a popular camping area.

The Green Cape Light House was built in 1883 and is the second tallest in NSW. It was the first cast concrete light and is the Southernmost lighthouse in NSW. The tower has now been replaced by an automated solar light. Despite the lighthouse there have been many shipwrecks in the area as the headland protrudes significantly to the East compared to most of the coastline. As such the sandy beach and bay to the South is known as Disaster Bay. One of the more prominent wrecks was that of the SS- LY-EE-MOON. In May 1886 while traveling from Sydney to Melbourne it struck a reef at full speed and quickly broke apart. Fifteen men survived, but 71 were lost. This was one of the greatest losses of human life in a shipwreck in the state’s history. Only 24 bodies were recovered one of which being Mary McKillops Mother, Flora. As the area was so remote, a cemetery was created with 71 tombstones, which were rocks painted white. (Flora was actually transported to Ryde for burial).

As we round the headland and travel toward Wonboyn, the Southernmost town in NSW. Oyster growing features heavily as a local industry. Split into two by the lake, those on the North travel in via the Green Cape Road while those to the South have a sealed access to the main town directly off the Princes Highway.

Turning back to the North, we travel slightly inland to Round Hill, used as a site for a mobile phone tower there is also an abandoned Forestry lookout tower. Without today’s technology, the tower was manned throughout the higher fire danger periods and would look out for any lightning strikes that would initiate fires, protecting the local area.

We pass over the Edrom road leading out to the Davidsons whaling station, Navy wharf, Chip Mill and Boyd’s Tower. The village of Kiah is nestled on the Towamba River where 73 houses were lost in the Black Summer fire of 2019-2020. This river attracts the residents as houses can be seen dotted all the way to the West. As we follow the river to its mouth, we pass over the Davidson’s whaling station were helped by the Killer whales, Whales were herded into the shallows, where they were harpooned by the whalers and blubber was boiled down in huge pots. A few remnants can be seen from the ground and is accessible from Edrom Road set up on display.

Three separate caravans can be seen around the bay including Boydtown, with the Seahorse Inn and the ruins of a church built during the whaling period by Benjamin Boyd.

Edrom Lodge commands an amazing view of the bay. It was built between 1910 and 1913, with dormitory style accommodation.

Continuing into the bay flying past the picturesque fishing town of Eden, the gateway to many marine adventures around Twofold Bay and the Sapphire Coast. Seeing one of the largest fishing fleets in NSW as well as Eden Slipway to keep the boats serviced based in Weecon (Snug cove) Every summer, a number of cruise ships make visits to Twofold Bay and can tie up at the expanded breakwater wharf. This changes Eden into a hive of activity for the hours they are ashore. A wave attenuator has just been completed with the vision of a safe marina to harbour the various pleasure craft that either visit or call Eden home.

Following the coast we make our way back to Merimbula Airport. A trip total of around 45 minutes.

Scenic 4- Bermagui

Inland from Wallagoot lake is the Wallagoot racecourse, home to the Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

We can see Bega township in the distance, one of the larger towns on the Sapphire Coast, home to over 4000 people.

Kalaru is the small town nestled in between Bega and Tathra to the South of the Bega River.

Flying north to Tathra, we’ll fly over the historic Tathra Wharf first built in the mid 1800s, which was operational until the 1950s, and is currently restored as a museum.

We continue along the coast past Nelson Lagoon and Tanja to Wapengo Lake. The Oyster industry is very competitive with each separate estuary claiming they grow the best oysters. Wapengo definitely has an extensive farming operation!

Looking inland over the forest, we fly parallel to the back road to Bermagui. One of our favourite drives, this road is usually extremely quiet, bar a few weeks over the Christmas holidays. There are 3 single lane bridges, and you may feel a little lost until you reach Bermagui. As we travel over the timbered area we see the scar on the landscape where a large fire burnt out 7300 hectares in September 2023.

Bermagui comes into sight with Montague Island in the distance. The town is built around a lovely marina and is renowned for its fishing access and seclusion. In 1943 a Japanese submarine sank an iron ore carrier off the coast of Bermagui. It wasn’t found until 2006 when finally, a dive was conducted after fishermen complained of tangling nets constantly in the area.

As we round the headland the Blue Pool is built into the rocky shoreline. The Blue Pool is a saltwater pool which is naturally filled by the sea. There is has an impressive staircase to navigate the immense rocky cliff.

We follow the coastline returning to Merimbula past Cutagee Lake and Murrah lagoon. We see the rock features of Goalen head and remote beaches. Once again, we are on the lookout for whale and dolphin activity as we take in the amazing Sapphire Coast.

Scenic 5-North and South

Inland from Wallagoot lake is the Wallagoot racecourse, home to the Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

We can see Bega township in the distance, one of the larger towns on the Sapphire Coast, home to over 4000 people.

Kalaru is the small town nestled in between Bega and Tathra to the South of the Bega River.

Flying north to Tathra, we’ll fly over the historic Tathra Wharf first built in the mid 1800s, which was operational until the 1950s, and is currently restored as a museum.

Heading South down the coast, we’ll fly over the Kianinny Boat ramp, a great spot for families to relax with barbecues. There are beautiful rocky inlets and rugged jutting cliffs. Out to sea you may be lucky enough to spot a whale during the spring months or some dolphins playing in the waves.

We return to Merimbula to enjoy vista of the townships of Merimbula, Pambula and South Pambula before tracking to the Pambula River mouth.

The colours are constantly changing with the varying light and depth of water giving a stunning backdrop to any photo.

Next is the woodchip mill, one of the largest employers in the area, including machinery repairs, operators, truck drivers and onsite staff.

As we round the headland and travel toward Wonboyn, the Southernmost town in NSW. Oyster growing features heavily as a local industry. Split into two by the lake, those on the North travel in via the Green Cape road while those to the South have a sealed access to the main town directly off the Princes Highway.

We pass over the Edrom road leading out to the Davidsons whaling station, Navy wharf, Chip Mill and Boyd’s Tower. The village of Kiah is nestled on the Towamba River where 73 houses were lost in the Black Summer fire of 2019-2020. This river attracts the residents as houses can be seen dotted all the way to the West. As we follow the river to its mouth we pass over the Davidson’s whaling station where helped by the Killer whales, Whales were herded into the shallows, where they were harpooned by the whalers and blubber was boiled down in huge pots. A few remnants can be seen from the ground and is accessible from Edrom Road set up on display.

Three separate caravan can be seen around the bay including Boydtown, with the Seahorse Inn and the ruins of a church built during the whaling period by Benjamin Boyd.

Edrom Lodge commands an amazing view of the bay. It was built between 1910 and 1913, with dormitory style accommodation.

Following the coast we make our way back to Merimbula Airport. A trip total of around 60 minutes.

Scenic 6- Montague Island

Inland from Wallagoot lake is the Wallagoot racecourse, home to the Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

We can see Bega township in the distance, one of the larger towns on the Sapphire Coast, home to over 4000 people.

Kalaru is the small town nestled in between Bega and Tathra to the South of the Bega River.

Flying north to Tathra, we’ll fly over the historic Tathra Wharf first built in the mid 1800s, which was operational until the 1950s, and is currently restored as a museum.

Looking inland over the forest, we fly parallel to the back road to Bermagui. One of our favourite drives, this road is usually extremely quiet, bar a few weeks over the Christmas holidays. There are 3 single lane bridges, and you may feel a little lost until you reach Bermagui. As we travel over the timbered area, we see the scar on the landscape where a large fire burnt out 7300 hectares in September 2023.

Past Bermagui we fly over Beauty Point on Wallaga Lake and can see the small hamlet of Tilba nestled under Mount Dromedary (dual named as Gulaga). From there we turn out to see with our eyes peeled for marine activity. Whales and dolphins are at the top of the list.

As we approach Montague Island the Light house is the prominent feature. Built in 1881 the granite structure is impossible to miss. As we circle the island, be on the lookout for the extensive seal colony. (can be over 10000). You may even spot the little penguins as Montague supports the largest Little penguin colony in NSW. After flying around the island and taking plenty of photos we head back to the mainland and work our way towards Bermagui

We follow the coast returning to Merimbula past Cutagee Lake and Murrah lagoon. We see the rock features of Goalen head and remote beaches. Once again, we are on the lookout for whale and dolphin activity as we take in the amazing Sapphire Coast. Flight time approximately 65 minutes.

Scenic 7-Cape Everard.

See a huge amount of pristine coastline on this amazing flight. Boyd’s Tower In Eden, Green Cape Lighthouse, Gabo Island Lighthouse and Cape Everard Lighthouse before a slightly inland track home to view the entire coastline and the enormity of the State Forest.

After take off you will enjoy vista of the townships of Merimbula, Pambula and South Pambula before tracking to the Pambula River mouth.

The colours are constantly changing with the varying light and depth of water giving a stunning backdrop to any photo.

Next is the woodchip mill, one of the largest employers in the area, including machinery repairs, operators, truck drivers and onsite staff.

The Iron Oxide rust red rocks are a feature as we view the unspoilt coastline and the enormity of the Eden forests. We follow the Beowa (Formally Ben Boyd) National Park along to its Southern point at Green Cape. Saltwater Creek houses a campground within the National Park often used by those completing the Lighthouse walk. Bittangabee Bay is the next rocky enclosed bay with an amazing sandy beach. Again within the National Park, a popular camping area.

The Area to the South of Wonboyn is known as the Nadgee Nature Reserve. It is a remote area of untouched beauty.

The sandy point in the distance is Cape Howe. Named by Captain Cook forming the South Eastern end of the Black-Allan Line (The straight portion of the NSW – Victorian border.) From here we move into the Croajingolong National Park leading down to Mallacoota.

Gabo Island comes into view, a 154-hectare island separated from the mainland by a 500-meter-wide channel. The Granite Lighthouse is 47 meters high (the second tallest in Australia). Take photos of the seals on the rocks and see why the fishermen love the shelter provided by Gabo during the rough seas.

Tullaburga Island is the reason the lighthouse at Gabo was built with the loss of the ship Monumental city in 1853. A monument to the lost crew was erected on Gabo as a memorial.

Mallacoota with its extensive lake system is now visible. Mallacoota Airport was used in World War Two as a military base and there are still bunkers located around the field, one of which is set up as a museum.

After Mallacoota we turn to the West passing Sandpatch Point and Wingan Inlet to Rame Head. There is often a felt difference in the winds as we head West rather than South. As we approach Cape Everard we can see Point Hicks Lighthouse. Built in 1887 from concrete with a timber keepers’ quarters. It is the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland. The houses are now let as holiday accommodation. There is also a camping area to the East of the lighthouse. As we climb over the extensive sand dunes the coast shrinks away and we see the huge area that is State forest. Cann River can be seen in the distance to the West. We cross the Princes Highway and can see the costal route we took on our way down. Genoa Peak with it’s rocky crag that also gives a view over Mallacoota and the lakes system. The walk up Genoa Peak takes just over an hour and is very rewarding! We basically follow the highway on return, and the views are so much better than by car. Mt Imlay also has a walking track, yet is quite overgrown at the top.

We fly into the valley at the village of Kiah and follow the Towamba River to it’s mouth to view the Davidson’s Whaling Station, with Eden township in the distance we return to Merimbula via the coast.

This flight takes around 110 minutes .

Scenic 8- You Choose.

Select an area of interest, perhaps a photoshoot over your house and we can make it happen. Feel free to combine flights or extend a flight to take in extra sights!

A few further ideas are:

Bega Valley-Wolumla, Candelo, Kameruka then following the Bega River back to Tathra and Walagoot Lake. A flight duration of around 40 minutes.

Malacoota Lakes- Past Eden, Greencape, Cape Howe, Gabo Island and following the Malacoota Lakes to Gypsy point and then returning via Nadgee. A flight duration of around 70 minutes.

Batemans Bay- Following the coast to the North past Bermagui, Montague Island, and Moruya to the popular holiday destination of Batemens Bay. A flight time of approximately 100 minutes.

Mt Kosciuszko– Over the snowfields of Thredbo, Charlottes Pass, Perisher Valley and Smiggins Hole. Also takes in the Monaro Plains and Bega Valley. A flight time of around 130 minutes.