This June, Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast came alive with the 6th WinterSun Festival, a celebration that blends elite competitive racing with the warmth of a community-driven event. Unlike traditional participation-based festivals, WinterSun is built on place, culture, and endurance, showcasing the best of the region while reinforcing Merimbula as a year-round destination.

Set against breathtaking coastal landscapes, the festival features serious competitive races that challenge athletes in cold-water swims through pristine Merimbula Lake and trail runs that traverse rugged coastal terrains rich in Indigenous history. Participants will experience the land, its stories, and its raw beauty.

WinterSun isn’t just for competitors—it’s for everyone who loves great music, food, and place-based experiences. The festival will also transform Merimbula’s CBD with StreetFest, bringing together local musicians, craft brewers, distillers and food stalls with local retailers and hospitality venues, in a celebration that supports the regional economy in the traditionally quiet winter season.

With live music, great food, artisanal brews, and the warmth of the Sapphire Coast community, WinterSun is a statement: Merimbula is not just a summer destination—it’s alive, thriving, and ready to be explored, year-round.