Big Float in Merimbula draws thrill-seekers for a splash of fun

Far South Coast residents and visitors, some of whom had been travelling to the region for this particular event for years, pumped up inflatables and took them to the water.

In 2024, 150 people needed to be rescued after overshooting the destination beach at Spencer Park.

Thankfully there were no such incidents this year.

Regardless of age, everyone's legs began to shake, and hands began to quiver as they held precariously to a bridge while their eyes gazed towards swimmers below.

Some held their hearts, others mumbled a few words while they clasped sentimental necklaces, but soon enough, they all chose to step out of their comfort zone and leap.

Up to a bit of mischief, according to at least one person on a pink flamingo, was Sammy, the resident seal of Merimbula Lake, who got a little too close for comfort and flipped an unsuspecting floater.

A few interesting inflatables were used this year.

These included echidnas, a French bulldog, ducks wearing sunnies, and a whale shark, all sprinkled among crowd favourites like thongs, unicorns and "bin chickens".

Danny and Sam, two 12-year-olds from Melbourne, had been coming to the Far South Coast on family holidays for five years, but 2025 was to be their first Australia Day float.

"We're not allowed to jump [off the bridge] yet, but we're pretty excited because it looks pretty fun," the pair said enthusiastically.

"It's been our annual holiday for many years, and we've prepared with our lollies - the must-need of the float."

Similar to the kids, a group of ladies, although adorned with red, white and blue hairstyles, had prepared for their journey by water in the most luxurious and Australian way they could ponder.

Sitting within their oversized blow-up, the trio had matching plastic goblets for "cheeky" glasses of wine and a Tupperware container filled with an assortment of crackers, cubed cheeses and cabanas.

John Rigby, Garry Thornton, Col Mcrae and Henry Petterson sailed around on a pontoon with a sizeable outdoor shade umbrella, hoping to raise some money for Pambula Surf Life Saving Club.

"We're just going to go and badger the public now and see what we might get out of it," Henry said with a chuckle.

"Last year, we got 10 cents, and this year, just at the bridge, with a sign and a bucket, we raised $142.10."