Guide to Bermagui New South Wales Australia

Bermagui is a small town around a harbour at the mouth of the Bermagui River, about five and a half hours from Sydney. The continental shelf comes closer to land here than almost anywhere else on the coast, which is why it has been famous among fishermen for nearly a century, and Gulaga mountain fills the skyline to the north.

Known For

• Game and deep-sea fishing
• The Blue Pool, a natural ocean rock pool
• Fishermen’s Wharf and a relaxed harbour town

Things To Do in Bermagui

The Blue Pool

At the foot of the cliffs south of the harbour, a large natural rock pool has been shaped into one of the most beautiful ocean baths in the state, with steps down from the headland and clear, deep water. A smaller pool beside it suits children.

The Harbour

Fishermen’s Wharf, on the harbour, has a fish co-operative, a gelato maker, cafes, a wine bar and restaurants with boats tied up below. Charter boats leave from here for marlin, tuna and kingfish, and for reef fishing closer in.

Beaches and Lakes

Horseshoe Bay, in the town, is sheltered and good for families. Beares Beach and Haywards Beach have surf. Wallaga Lake, ten minutes north, is the largest lake in southern New South Wales, with Camel Rock standing on the beach beside its mouth.

The Coast Road

The road south to Tathra winds through spotted gum forest past Cuttagee Lake and its timber bridge, and Mimosa Rocks National Park. North of town, guided tours visit an 1880s gold field on the sea cliffs.

Where To Stay

Bermagui has motels, a historic hotel, apartments and holiday parks on the headland and by the lake.

Eat & Drink

The wharf has the best choice, with seafood straight off the boats. The main street has cafes, a bakery and the old pub.

History

This is Yuin country, and Wallaga Lake is home to one of the oldest Aboriginal communities on the coast. The American novelist Zane Grey came to fish for marlin in 1936 and wrote a book about it, which put Bermagui on the world’s game-fishing map.

Getting to Bermagui

Leave the Princes Highway near Tilba Tilba or at Cobargo; the town is about 15 minutes from either.