Everytime I'm in Merimbula I go here. It is my favourite little destination in Merimbula. With an amazing view, the meals are superb, the wine list is fabulous and the service is immaculate.
If you go here, make sure you try dinner and lunch as they both provide totally unique experiences and make sure you visit the downstairs aquarium. It features a great range of sea creatures and includes a big tank that you can sit and watch for ages. It's a small aquarium so don't expect anything too extreme. It simply features a good number of little tanks with some incredible creatures hiding inside. I personally love Ollie the Octopus.

Approximate cost: $20+

This is my favourite place to stay in Merimbula. We had our honeymoon there and we loved it so much we wanted to extend our stay, but they were booked out.
The apartments are bright and spacious and have everything you could possibly need. The spa is deep and comfortable, the ensuite has a big shower and is a great size. The kitchen is small but completely user friendly and well-stoked.
It also features a fantastic lagoon style swimming pool and a barbecue area. The owners are really friendly and will give you lots of tips about attractions in the area.
The only problem: it's a pretty expensive stay.

Each time we go to Merimbula we go for a Whale or Dolphin cruise. And we always go with Merimbula Marina.
They are very professional and guarantee a dolphin or whale spotting.
Prices are quite affordable and each trip lasts for ages.
We had the most amazing experience on a whale cruise where we were surrounded by whales on every side of the boat. It was an experience I'll remember always.

Approximate cost: $20+

We love our souvlaki and will travel high and low for a good one. So we were rapt to find this place.
The menu is pretty low key as there are few options, but what you do get you'll love!
The felafel souvlaki is absolutely delicious and will leave you totally stuffed. The Greek platter is a great combination of Greek salad, meat, pita bread and chips.
All in all, this is a great feed.

Approximate cost: $7.90+

It might be called Cheese Freaks, but really, there's not a lot of cheese in sight. i was thinking there'd be lots of platters and fresh, local cheeses on offer, however, it really was just a little cafe.
It's pretty cold inside and the concrete floor doesn't help. There are few tables and its all very sparse and dark.
This place has potential but it's nothing special at the moment.

Approximate cost: $5+

As the name suggests, you walk into this well-sized Italian restaurant and you'll be greeted by a big Key on the Wall!
We went here for a birthday dinner and, being Lygon Street, we were expecting a big Italian pasta feast. While the pasta and pizza was generously portioned and quite affordable, I'd probably match it in quality for La Porchetta, which isn't a bad thing, but it's not the authentic Italian I'd imagined. The pasta is very soft and the sauces have quite a bit of oil in them. It wasn't bad, just not as good as a few of the other amazing Italian restaurants along Lygon Street. This is a good choice if you want a big meal at a pretty cheap price.

Approximate cost: $15+

If you want traditional, authentic Greek at an affordable price, this is the place for you!
We went here on a recommendation from a real food lover and we were so happy we took his advice.
This place might not look much, but it's rustic, authentic and friendly. The charming decor makes you feel like you've stumbled into a little Greek grandma's house. It appears to be a family-owned and operated business.
The menu is very traditional Greek and is spot on to our actual experiences when we were in Greece ourselves.
The banquet is your best bet as you get a bit of everything. The best bits are the calamari, the dolmades and the mouth watering saganaki. You'll be lucky if you fit in the Greek-style donuts at the end (but make sure you eat them, they are drizzled in a delicious honey syrup!).
On a few occasions we also did some celebrity spotting as they get quite a few famous faces in there: particularly AFL footballers.
Well worth it.

Approximate cost: $20+

We went here for our Christmas lunch last year and it was a fantastic experience.
The waiters were very attentive and made sure every detail was fantastic. My mum fell in love with one young, good looking waiter who gave her a kiss on the cheek as we left.
The food was unbelievable and highly authentic Italian cuisine. The seafood pasta was absolutely beautiful and we left feeling very satisfied. Plus, considering it was Christmas Day we found it very affordable.

Approximate cost: $25+

My regular hairdresser is in Mitcham and on this particular occasion I needed a quick 'up do' and manicure for an event I was going to. My mother had recommended the Beauty Spot so I gave it a go.
I wanted my hair curled and slightly styled. I was really happy with the result and it lasted all day and night. The hairdresser used a GHD straightening iron and did a very even job.
My manicure wasn't anything particularly fancy though and it began peeling within two days. I think it was an apprentice who performed it, so I didn't have huge expectations anyway.
I'd probably get my hair styled here again but I'd give the manicure a miss next time.

Approximate cost: $30+

I wanted to get a tattoo that was very personal and special to me as it was by a family member who I lost. I've never been someone to get a tattoo and this was something really out there for me.
I took the sketch of my tattoo into the store and they were able to quote me immediately and book me in at the time I wanted.
On the day, the tattooist was extremely professional. He asked about my reasons in getting it and was very understanding and sympathetic. He was very gentle and cautious and kept checking that I was alright. It wasn't that painful really and everything was done very hygienically. He also talked me through caring for my tattoo for the first week and recommended the right products that would keep away an infection.
I'm now planning my second tattoo and I'll be getting it done here again. While it was a very sad experience for me, the tattooist made something that was difficult, a lot more manageable.

Approximate cost: $70+