Adventurers are being invited for a long weekend of hikes, swims, and good times at the Wintersun festival in Merimbula this Queen’s Birthday long weekend, 10-13 June.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive in the NSW Sapphire Coast town on Friday ahead of an action-packed two days of competition and live entertainment.

The action starts bright and early Saturday morning with not one but two dives into ocean waters, a quick 120 metre splash and dash, and a longer jetty-to-jetty course for the more advanced swimmers. Those brave enough to hit the water are being dared to ditch the wetsuit and don the the Aussie classic budgie smuggler. Local marine rescue will be cooking a post-swim breakfast and sausage sizzle for competitors and supporters.

Once the swims are done, the town’s CBD will come to life with music from a range of coastal bands, including The Scaramouche and The Sugarants. Festivalgoers will be able to spend the afternoon relaxing to live tunes and enjoying a variety of local culinary delights such as fresh oysters and warm ramen. Pambula favourite, Longstocking Brewery, will be offering a range of brews, with coastal distilleries also joining the party.

Sunday’s action begins at 7am with a 27 km trail stretching along the scenic coastline from Tathra to Merimbula. The walk takes you through flora reserves and sandy beaches in the Bournda National Park. The trek should wrap up around 2.30pm, with those first across the finish line set to receive prizes. Later in the afternoon, the Merimbula Wharf Restaurant will welcome all festival goers as it hosts the award ceremony and Sundowner event.

Before heading off on Monday, attendees are encouraged to take their time to check out local venues hosting a range of family-friendly events. The Hillcrest Hotel is showing a vintage exhibition of Wintersun memorabilia that promises to take you back to the 1960s and ‘70s.

Register online here for the competitive events and ceremonies; not required for live music and food markets.