This shore outing is built around Sapphire Coast wildlife and stories, led by Sam Nerrie, who has been guiding here for 20 years. You’ll get a small-group day that mixes short walks, photo stops, local history, and that very Australian tradition of sharing food outdoors.

I love the combination of Aussie morning tea by the beach plus a chance to taste world-class rock oysters. I also like how the tour is designed around wildlife viewing with the help of someone who genuinely knows where animals tend to hang out.

One thing to consider: this isn’t a laid-back “sit and look” trip. You’ll do guided walking on dirt tracks and choose how far you want to go, so you’ll want comfortable, closed shoes.

Why this tour works so well (quick hits)

• Sam Nerrie’s wildlife network: she’s spent decades in the bush and knows the spots
• Guaranteed kangaroo sightings: the tour explicitly promises it
• Native forest walks: not just a drive-by, you’ll get out and stretch your legs
• Rock oysters + traditional morning tea: a classic taste of the coast, not a token snack
• Photography help: Sam is an internationally awarded photographer and can guide phone or camera shots
• Small group size: generally under 6, capped at 10, so you’re not lost in the crowd

Meet Sam Nerrie, and let the day start with local know-how

The day begins at Port of Eden Marina Inc, with the meeting point right by the exit gates. The guide waits on the right side as you walk through, about 50 meters from where you get off the ship. She’ll be wearing a bright green Sapphire Nature Tours shirt and holding a clipboard—easy to spot when you’re rushing off a cruise.

What makes this feel different from many shore excursions is the guide. Sam Nerrie isn’t a “read the script” type. She’s been guiding the coast for 20 years, active in local bushwalking and birdwatching groups, and involved with the National Parks Association NSW. That matters because the tour isn’t only about where you’ll stand for photos—it’s also about how you’ll look at the coast once you’re there.

Sam’s also an internationally awarded photographer. If you’re traveling with a phone, or a real camera, you can expect practical help along the way, like how to frame wildlife scenes or handle the light you’re getting near the water.

Eden photo stops: quick viewpoints that set the story

After pickup, you’ll head into Eden for a first stop that mixes photo opportunities, a guided tour, sightseeing, and some walking time. This first stretch is short—about 30 minutes—but it’s useful because it gets your bearings and gives you a feel for the region before the day moves into longer nature time.

You’re not just seeing pretty corners. The emphasis here is on local stories and quirks—Sapphire Coast culture and history in a way that ties into what you’ll notice later. If you like learning why a place looks the way it does, or how people relate to the sea and the bush, you’ll enjoy this setup.

A small practical note: this portion includes walking, so even though the day is only 7 hours, you’ll want shoes that won’t hate you on uneven ground.

Van time that actually connects the dots

There are a couple of van segments built into the itinerary—each around 20 to 30 minutes. On many tours, transport time feels like dead time. Here, it’s more like “between scenes,” because the guide uses it to orient you, point out what to watch for, and keep the day moving toward the best wildlife-and-coast moments.

In other words, you’re not stuck in a bus with nothing to do. You’ll likely get short bursts of context, plus a sense of the rhythm of the coast—where the water meets the forests, and where animals tend to be active.

Merimbula: the long stretch with real walking and views

Merimbula is one of the bigger time blocks of the day, with about 2 hours set aside for photo stops, visits, sightseeing, and walking. This is where the tour’s “nature” side starts doing more than just taking you past a scenic view.

Expect a mix of easy-to-moderate roadside-to-track walking, guided forest time, and chances to spot local bird life. The tour specifically highlights unusual Australian bird species, and the guide’s background in birdwatching is a big reason the birding side isn’t vague.

This is also a good part of the day for anyone who wants photos that feel grounded in place. Instead of only sweeping ocean shots, you’ll get moments that include native forest edges—where you can often see movement and smaller wildlife without needing a long hike.

At around the midpoint, there’s also a break time of about 30 minutes. That’s a nice reset after walking and concentrating on spotting wildlife.

Pambula Beach: beach time that still feels connected to the bush

After Merimbula, you’ll head toward Pambula Beach for about 1 hour. This stop includes photo opportunities, guided time, free time, sightseeing on the way, and walking. It’s a great pairing with Merimbula, because you get both the beach energy and the feeling of the broader coastline.

The tour’s big “food moment” ties into this coast vibe. You’ll enjoy a traditional Aussie morning tea at the beach, and part of that includes a taste of world-class rock oysters. If you’re new to Australian seafood culture, this is one of the most memorable ways to experience it on a shore day—hands-on, local, and tied directly to where you are.

One thing to keep in mind: you’ll be walking on dirt tracks and choosing your distance. The tour notes that walking is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) on a dirt track as an optional activity. You can go slower or shorter, but plan for some uneven ground.

The food: morning tea plus oysters (and why that’s a smart value add)

A lot of shore excursions sell “views” but barely feed you. This one does both. The morning tea is described as a substantial Aussie beach spread and includes a drink. You’re also set up for oysters—explicitly listed as a tasting of world-class oysters—which is a signature coastal experience.

In addition, the included plan mentions a light lunch with a drink from a café. The tour also says lunch can be required and they can stop for this if needed, so if your appetite runs larger after walking and sea air, you won’t be stuck only with morning tea.

Price-wise, this matters. At $148 per person for a 7-hour guided outing, you’re not only paying for the van and the guide. You’re paying for the access: the guided walks, the wildlife spotting focus, and the food moments that can be hard to line up on your own during a cruise stop. If you want a shore day that feels like an actual day out, not a highlight-hunting scramble, this inclusion is a genuine part of the value.

Wildlife, kangaroos, and the small “just happened” moments

The tour’s nature pitch is straightforward: walk through native forests, spot unique wildlife, and specifically see birds. What stands out is the clear statement that they guarantee kangaroo sightings.

That doesn’t remove the element of nature being nature. You still have to be out in the right places at the right time, and you still have to look. But with a guide who has years of local outdoor experience and knows where wildlife hangs out, you’re not relying on luck alone.

Even better, the tour also emphasizes wildlife encounters beyond kangaroos, including birds and other Australian animals you might be lucky enough to see. The idea isn’t to promise a long list of species every time—it’s to place you in situations where wildlife sightings are genuinely likely.

How much walking should you plan for?

This is a practical shore excursion, so don’t assume it’s all flat. You’ll have short walking segments at multiple stops, plus optional walking on a dirt track.

The guide notes that walking will be approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) on a dirt track if you do the optional activity. You can choose how far you walk, which is a big help if you want the wildlife without over-committing.

Bring a hat and comfortable shoes with closed support. The tour specifically says not to wear high-heeled shoes, sandals, or flip-flops. If you’re the type who usually tours in trainers, you’re in good shape here.

Photography help without making it complicated

If you care about photos, this tour has an advantage: Sam can help you with photography whether you’re using a phone or a standard camera.

That means you’ll get more than “take a picture of the scenery.” You’ll likely get quick guidance that helps you capture animals and birds at the moments you actually see them. Since wildlife spotting is the core theme, having someone who understands light and framing makes a real difference.

The cruise-day logistics that keep you from sweating the clock

Because this is a cruise ship shore excursion, timing is everything. The tour says they will definitely wait for you even if your ship is late, and they guarantee they’ll get you back to the ship before the recommended time.

That’s not a small detail. It’s the difference between relaxing and checking your watch every five minutes. If you’ve had shore days that felt too tight, this built-in buffer is worth appreciating.

Just make sure you communicate your disembark plan, since the meeting timing depends on when you get off.

Who should book this tour

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A guided wildlife-focused day rather than a bus tour with short photo stops
• Traditional Aussie coastal food, including oysters
• Native forest walking with a guide who knows what to look for
• A small group experience that’s not crowded and not rushed

It may not be the best fit if:

• You have limited mobility, since wheelchair use isn’t suitable
• You want mostly “easy sitting time,” because walking is part of the plan
• You’re traveling with kids under 6, since the tour isn’t suitable for that age group
• You’re over 95, because the tour specifies it’s not suitable

Should you book Sapphire Coast: 7h Shore Excursion with Aussie Morning Tea?

I’d book it if you like nature with context: wildlife, native forest walking, and a guide who can turn sightings into stories. The kangaroo sighting guarantee is a big confidence builder, and the food setup (Aussie morning tea plus oysters) gives you a real taste of the coast instead of a “snack and move on” approach.

I’d think twice if you hate walking on dirt tracks, or you’re traveling with mobility limitations. Also, if you’re the type who only wants large, iconic sightseeing without any wildlife-focused searching, you might find the day more active than you expected.

If your goal is a memorable Sapphire Coast shore day that feels genuinely local—guided by Sam Nerrie—this is the kind of tour that tends to stick in your photos and your head for a long time.

FAQ

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet just outside the exit gates at Port of Eden Marina Inc. The guide waits on the right side as you pass through the gates, and she wears a bright green Sapphire Nature Tours shirt with a logo above the left pocket.

How long is the shore excursion?

The tour runs for 7 hours.

What group size should I expect?

It’s a small group tour, generally limited to 10 participants.

What’s included with the traditional Aussie morning tea?

You’ll get traditional Aussie morning tea at the beach, plus oysters tasting, and the plan also includes a drink.

Is there lunch included?

A light lunch is listed as included with a drink from a café. The tour notes you can stop for lunch if needed.

How much walking is involved?

There’s guided walking through native forests and optional walking on a dirt track. Optional walking is approximately 3 km (1.9 miles), and you can choose how far to go.

Are oysters included, and do I have to pay extra?

Oysters tasting is included as part of the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a hat. The tour also notes the guide can supply sunscreen and water if needed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Will I definitely see kangaroos?

Yes. The tour states they do guarantee kangaroo sightings.

You Might Also Enjoy

Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic RailwayBrisbane: Wine Tasting – Hop on Hop off Tour to Mt TamborineMelbourne: Yarra Valley Food & Wine Tour in a ’56 ChevroletSnorkeling Adventure for Kids with Private Guide In Sydney