Bar Beach is a small, sheltered beach at the southern end of Merimbula, tucked just inside the headland that carries the historic wharf and beside the entrance to Merimbula Lake. Merimbula Divers Lodge lists it as a shore dive of 2–10 m, a beautiful spot for snorkelling and beginner dives, with a kiosk open in summer.

The beach combines sand, weed and the rock edge of the headland, with the tidal lake entrance on one side. That mix brings in estuary and ocean fish: bream, luderick, whiting, leatherjackets, mullet and garfish, with blue groper and wrasse on the rocks and stingrays on the sand. Octopus, nudibranchs and sea hares are common, and seahorses and weedy sea dragons are part of the Merimbula area's critter list, as seen at the wharf around the corner. Flathead lie on the sand near the channel.

The site suits snorkellers, families and new divers, and is a gentle alternative to the wharf. The main hazards are the tidal current in the entrance and boat traffic crossing the bar, so stay close to the beach and rocks, dive near high tide, and use a dive flag. Detailed layout information is limited to the operator's summary, and depths here are indicative. It is a convenient spot for a relaxed dive before or after boat trips from Merimbula. It also works well as a night snorkel in summer, when octopus and squid are active, as long as you stay well away from the channel. Children should be supervised closely near the entrance.

Bar Beach is at the southern end of Merimbula town, near the lake entrance and just inside the headland that carries Merimbula Wharf. Follow Market Street/Lake Street towards the wharf and look for the Bar Beach car park. It is a short walk down to the sand.

A kiosk operates in the summer months (Merimbula Divers Lodge).

Bar Beach is sheltered by the wharf headland from southerly swell, but it is next to the Merimbula Lake entrance, where tidal flow can be strong. Visibility is best around high tide on the flood and after dry weather; the ebb and heavy rain bring turbid lake water. North-easterly seas can reach the beach.

Keep away from the boat channel over the bar.

Enter around high slack tide and follow the rocks along the side of the beach at 3–8 m, staying well out of the entrance channel, and return before the tide turns. Tow a dive flag and exit on the beach.

Merimbula Divers Lodge lists Bar Beach as a shore dive (2–10 m) suited to snorkelling and beginner dives.