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On the first weekend in February, Sapphire Coast Turf Club plays host to the Bega Cup Carnival, a big two days of country racing with over half a million dollars of prize money on offer.

What better reason to grab your #emptyesky, book some accommodation and head down to this stunning part of NSW. The local communities suffered through recent bushfires but they're now back in business and only  2.5 hours south of Canberra and around 6 hours drive from Sydney. Or, if you want to fly in from Melbourne or Sydney, Rex Airlines flies daily into Merimbula Airport and we’re pleased to advise that they are happy to offer a group booking discount for 8 persons or more.  To organise a group booking, contact Jess at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club directly on 0400 611 818.

The coastal towns of Merimbula and Tathra are most convenient for the racecourse (Merimbula 15 mins and Tathra 10 mins) and both offer a myriad of accommodation options, from boutique guesthouses and luxury resorts to vintage caravans on the beach.  Check out all the accommodation options on the official website www.sapphirecoast.com.au.

Appoint Percy (Courtney Gravener) wins the 2019 Bega Cup for Luke Pepper. Credit: Bradley Photos.

Here’s a loose itinerary for your racing weekend on the Sapphire Coast:

Friday 31st January

Take the easy drive down the coast from Sydney and arrive via the northernmost town in the shire, Bermagui.  Drop into any one of the cool cafes or take a seat on the deck of the Bermagui Beach Hotel and enjoy a beer overlooking the bay. Before continuing south, make sure you check out Bermagui Blue Pool, an iconic ocean pool just on the edge of town. After you’ve checked into your accommodation, stroll along the beach whilst you decide where to go for dinner. It’s all about the local produce here.  Uber fresh with low food miles and it really shows. We’re home to some of the most awarded oysters in the world and some of the most awarded dairy in the world as well as passionate growers, brewers, farmers and chefs.

Saturday 1^st February

A leisurely breakfast in town followed by a bit of shopping in the boutiques and galleries that dot the villages on our coast.  Head to the Sapphire Coast Turf Club around midday for Day 1 of the Bega Cup Carnival with 7 TAB races.

On Saturday night, Club Sapphire in Merimbula hosts the Bega Cup Calcutta. Don’t miss that one.

Sunday 2^nd February

It’s Bega Cup Race Day so let’s go racing with 8 TAB races.  Spend the day at the beautiful Sapphire Coast Turf Club, known as the Jewel of country racing. It’s one of NSW’s premier country racetracks and boasts great hospitality and fun for the whole family.

Monday 3^rd February

Start your journey home via the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre where you can pick up some award-winning cheese.  And just 10 minutes further north, visit the North of Eden Gin cellar door and find out why they were award winners at this year’s International Wine and Spirit Awards in London.

For more information or to book accommodation or experiences, visit www.sapphirecoast.com.au or contact Merimbula Visitor Information Centre on 02 6495 1129.