Explore Australia

Bermagui

Harbour, Nick Rains / Explore Australia Publishing

Population 1298

Bermagui is a charming and sleepy coastal village. The continental shelf is at its closest to the mainland off Bermagui and this results in excellent fishing for marlin, tuna and shark. Zane Grey was a famous visitor in the 1930s and the town featured in two of his books. Bermagui is also the centre of a mystery involving a geologist, Lamont Young, who was sent to investigate goldfields in 1880. When he decided to head north to investigate further, he and his assistant were offered passage on a small boat with three men. All five disappeared en route. When their boat was discovered, it was found to have five bags of clothing, Young's books and papers, and a bullet in the starboard side. Despite extensive searches and media attention, no trace of the men was ever found.

Visitor Information

Bunga St; (02) 6493 3054 or 1800 645 808

www.sapphirecoast.com.au

Nearby national parks

  • Eurobodalla National Park

    This sliver of national park runs in three sections along the south coast between Moruya Heads and Tilba Tilba Lake, just south of Cape...more

  • Mimosa Rocks National Park

    At Mimosa Rocks National Park, in the state’s south, a ragged coastline of volcanic rock has been hewn by weather and water into...more

  • Bournda National Park

    Bournda National Park, on the state’s far south coast, is a magically beautiful place of sea and freshwater lakes, an extensive...more

Nearby towns

  • Narooma

    Narooma is a tranquil resort and fishing town at the mouth of Wagonga Inlet, well known for its natural beauty. The stunning beaches and...more

  • Bega

    It is possible to ski and surf on the same day around Bega, set in a fertile valley with the mountains of the Kosciuszko snow resorts to...more

  • Tathra

    Tathra is an idyllic family holiday location with a 3-kilometre surf beach, frequented by dolphins, that is safe for swimming and...more

In Town

Fish Co-op: freshly caught fish and prawns; Fishermans Wharf, harbourside. Blue Pool: large and attractive saltwater rockpool offering an unusual swimming experience; off Scenic Dr. Horseshoe Bay Beach: safe swimming spot. Good surfing beaches: Beares, Mooreheads, Cuttagee and Haywards beaches; maps from visitor centre. Gamefishing, deep-sea fishing and reef-fishing: bookings at visitor centre.

Nearby

Gulaga National Park The Wallaga Lakes area has an 8 km coastal walk through wetland flora and fauna reserves and remnants of the Montreal Goldfield north to Wallaga Lake. It passes Camel Rock, an unusual rock formation in the general shape of a camel. The park is hilly with steep gullies, so it is best explored by boat (available for hire from Regatta Pt and Beauty Pt). Guided tours are available through Montreal Goldfield (bookings at visitor centre). There are good walking trails, including one to the summit of Mt Dromedary. The park is excellent for boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking and bushwalking. The Yuin people run Aboriginal cultural tours from the Umballa Cultural Centre, sharing Dreamtime stories that have never been recorded on paper. Activities include ochre painting, bark-hut building and boomerang throwing. Bookings and information (02) 4473 7232; 6 km N.

Mimosa Rocks National Park: 17 km S; see Tathra. Mystery Bay: the site of the discovery of Lamont Young's abandoned boat and a memorial; 17 km N. Cobargo: historic working village with art galleries, wood and leather crafts, antiques, pottery and tearooms. A country market on 4th Sat each month at RSL hall grounds; 20 km W.

Fishing spots near town

Bermagui 19 km

Bermagui is small fishing port but a world-famous gamefishing destination. It owes its fame to an American western writer, Zane Grey, who went there in 1936. Little has changed since then. ‘Bermi’, as most... Find out more


Narooma Offshore 26 km

Narooma is one of those pleasant destinations that offers piscatorial delights most of the year, ranging from gamefishing offshore to rock, beach and estuary. Situated on Wagonga Inlet, the port is best known for its... Find out more


Tathra 34 km

Tathra is a great family destination with a mixed bag of fishing. Saltwater anglers can choose from estuary, surf, rock and blue-water, while freshwater offerings include streams and dams. The major fishing attraction... Find out more


Merimbula 54 km

Most visitors on family trips arrive at Merimbula with at least one fishing rod on board. Some give priority to the boat and tackle, then try to fit the family in around them. A good boat ramp is situated near the... Find out more


Pambula Lake 63 km

Pambula Lake, south of Merimbula, also known as the Broadwater, produces good catches of bream, dusky flathead, tailor, whiting, salmon, gummy sharks and mulloway. I fished this water with Bruce Libbis on one of his... Find out more


Eden 76 km

Anyone looking for fishing variety should visit Eden. Angling opportunities include offshore game, reef, beach, estuary and pier. Eden nestles snugly on the shoreline of Twofold Bay and, unlike Merimbula and Narooma... Find out more


Lake Wonboyn 92 km

Lake Wonboyn is one of my all-time favourite spots. Located about halfway between Eden and the border with Victoria, this large estuary system suits serious anglers and families. Some visitors to this estuary stay in... Find out more


Green Cape 94 km

Anglers who fish the east coast often refer to the January–March period as the ‘magic quarter’, when the East Australian Current brings millions of baitfish that in turn attract large predators, like... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River 116 km

The Wallagaraugh River is in southern NSW and northern Victoria. It’s a big river, wide and deep in parts. Upstream, near where the Princes Highway crosses the river, it breaks out into pools. For anglers who... Find out more


Maramingo Creek 121 km

One of the most exciting, albeit also one of the most frustrating, days I experienced in an estuary took place in Maramingo Creek, an offshoot of the Genoa River. To get there, follow the Genoa River upstream from the... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Cycling - Bega Valley to Orbost 35 km

Back Pedal Cycle Tours is an eco-certified tour company that offers a great range of supported, safe and family-friendly cycle tours, from single-day excursions in the Bega Valley, through to the three-day ‘Border... Find out more


Sailing - Batemans Bay 80 km

Batemans Bay Sailing Charters is eco-certified and offers sailing trips out of Batemans Bay on a 12.5-metre catamaran, from a three-hour cruise around the bay to overnight excursions.... Find out more


Platypus-watching - Bombala 92 km

If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out more


Bushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 118 km

From meanders along isolated beaches and around heath-covered headlands, to long hikes up rugged mountains in Budawang, Morton or Deua national parks, the South Coast provides limitless possibilities for great... Find out more


Canoeing in the Snowys 129 km

It is certainly not the best spot in the country for canoeing and kayaking, but peaceful days can be had enjoying these activities on Lake Jindabyne, or more exciting adventures are possible on overnight excursions down... Find out more


Snowy Mountains Touring Company 129 km

Based on an unusual concept, this company offers a personal tour guide who can accompany you, in your vehicle, explaining the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the area as you travel. Either you can drive, or they... Find out more


Cross-country skiing 148 km

A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out more


Picnicking around Canberra 153 km

There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out more


Sailing around Jervis Bay 155 km

Imagine. No engines. Just the flapping of a sail and the splash of the waves. The South Coast’s tranquil lakes and inlets are ideal for sailing. Jervis Bay Sailing Charters is one of several operators who will take... Find out more


Croajingolong National Park 156 km

One-third of Australia’s bird species have been spotted in this 87 500-hectare park that stretches for 100 kilometres along the coast. The threatened ground parrot forages in the heath and lorikeets feed in the... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Narooma Golf Club 23 km

Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out more


Royal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 152 km

When the site for the nation’s capital was selected in 1909, it was mainly rolling grassy plains with few trees. Little was known about what species might flourish in Canberra’s environment. The federal... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Bermagui Mud Works Pottery & Cafe

There’s no need to get dirty when you visit Mudworks, a tiny cafe showcasing handmade stoneware for use in the kitchen or the garden. With seating among trickling fountains, the cafe has a distinct Balinese feel... Find out more


Saltwater at Bermagui

Be careful: this institution may ruin you for fish and chips forever. Located in one of the prime areas for fishing on the planet, perhaps it’s no wonder this cafe does local seafood proud. Choose between the... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 152 km

Canberra may well claim to be the real ale capital of Australia on the strength of this single brew-pub, which sees more pints of hand-pumped ale pulled than any other joint in the land. From the well-balanced and... Find out more


Five Islands Brewing Company 235 km

Started by local Illawarra rugby league legend Michael Bolt in 2001, the Five Islands Brewing Company has travelled a markedly different course to most other craft-beer enterprises. FIBC began life as a beachside bar and... Find out more


Campsites around town

Mystery Bay Campground (bush camping) 14 km

This is a gorgeous spot overlooking Mystery Bay, at the end of Mystery Bay Road signposted off the Princes Hwy 15 km south of Narooma. Even your dog gets to enjoy this one. The sites are shaded by tall and slender gums,... Find out more


Aragunnu camping area 18 km

This northernmost campground can be accessed along Aragunnu Road off the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, about 25 km south of Bermagui. There’s a short, easy walk linking the northern and southern picnic areas, and a 200... Find out more


Wagonga picnic area 22 km

Take the Wagonga Scenic Dr from Princes Hwy north or south of Narooma, and it’ll lead you down to Wagonga Inlet and this picturesque picnic area. Facilities are basic, so you’ll need to bring a portable... Find out more


Picnic Point camping area 22 km

Only 2 of the 18 campsites here are suitable for trailers, and as no bookings are taken you’ll just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Tent up amid gnarly banksias, then take your pick of swimming,... Find out more


Middle Beach camping area (walk-in camping) 25 km

Aptly named, this camping area is smack-bang in the middle of the national park’s coastline. To get here, take the Haighs Rd turn-off from the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, and look for Middle Beach Rd. If you hit... Find out more


Red Creek camping area (bush camping) 27 km

This is a basic bush-camping site with no facilities, next to Red Creek. Bring your own everything, including toilet, drinking water and firewood. It’s 40 km south-west of Bodalla via Tuross River Rd and Red Creek... Find out more


Gillards Beach camping area 27 km

The Bermagui–Tathra Rd turns onto Gillards Rd, at the end of which you’ll find 70 camping sites, wood barbecues and toilets. You can swim, fish, or take a long walk along the beautiful sandy beach. Bring your... Find out more


Bodalla Forest Park 30 km

This shady picnic spot surrounded by spotted gums is 9 km north of Narooma via the Princes Hwy. There’s some drinking water here, but best to bring your own. After lunch, you can stretch your legs on an easy... Find out more


Brou Lake camping area 32 km

In the middle of the coastal sweep of Eurobodalla National Park, Brou Lake offers swimming, beach walking, surfing, and lake and beach fishing. Anglers need to keep an eye out for signs depicting sanctuary zones where... Find out more


Bega Caravan Park 36 km

Nestled into the lush and verdant Bega Valley, Bega Caravan Park is a well-appointed, comfortable place with a range of accommodation options – including motel-style units, cabins, and powered and unpowered tent... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Zane Grey Tourist Park 2 km

Close to the centre of town, this good quality park is popular with holidaymakers. The park was so named because the American writer Zane Grey once had a fishing shack on this piece of land. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Island View Beach Resort 20 km

Stroll to the beach or picnic on green lawns under shady trees at this quality park, located on the Princes Highway 5 km south of Narooma. With very good amenities and lots of appeal, it is ideal for a family holiday and... Find out more


Easts Narooma Shores Holiday Park 23 km

This is a huge park complex on the waters edge in the heart of Narooma. This is a popular place and bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more


Tathra Beach Family Park 35 km

This good quality, absolute beachfront park is located in the heart of Tathra. Just stroll to the beach from your site or take a short walk to the town centre, restaurants or club. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


Seabreeze Holiday Park 35 km

This is a very good quality park located across the road from the surf club, and just a stroll to local eateries. The features here are outstanding and include Austar television cabled to every site. Bookings are... Find out more


Bega Caravan Park 36 km

This well-managed park alongside the Princes Highway is on the southern approach to Bega. There are large grassy sites, modern amenities and pets are welcome. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Merimbula Beach Holiday Park 53 km

Perched on a headland looking out to sea, this quality park is in a great position. It has an excellent range of facilities including a shop and takeaway food. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more


BIG4 Moruya Heads Easts Dolphin Beach Holiday Park 56 km

This is a popular park with spacious lawns. It has good facilities and we have stayed here often. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies during all holidays.... Find out more


River Breeze Tourist Park 57 km

This park overlooks the Moruya River on the north bank adjoining the highway, just a short walk across the bridge to the centre of town. It is a well-maintained park, popular with travellers. Bookings are required in... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Pambula Beach 60 km

This beachside park is one of our favourites in the popular family holiday region of the south coast of New South Wales. It has a pool complex, a licensed restaurant and spotless amenities, and is a great family park.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bermagui Beach House

A bright and breezy modern beach house sleeping a maximum of four adults and three children, Bermagui Beach House is a popular choice for families visiting the area. The beach house is fully self-contained with a modern... Find out more


Bimbimbi House

One of Bermagui’s original homesteads, perched high on a hill above Bermagui River, Bimbimbi House is a much-loved ‘bushland by the sea’ retreat that inspired a previous guest to write poetry about his... Find out more


Wu Wei House

Wu Wei House is an eco-designed, Japanese-inspired holiday home with three bedrooms. Tranquil and elegant, this luxurious accommodation has every modern amenity. Features include a waterfall and lily pond beneath the... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 127 km

These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out more


Alpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 139 km

Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out more


Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 159 km

This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out more


Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 208 km

This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Mystery Bay Camp Area 15 km

T/O 68 km N of Bega (R) or 9 km S of Narooma (L) Small shady campground located on the foreshore at a secluded beach 2 kilometres east of the highway. Limited facilities. Good shade. GPS: S36 18.032 E150... Find out more


Corunna Lake Park Area 18 km

71 km N of Bega (L) or 6 km S of Narooma (R) Very small area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S36 16.016 E150 07.742... Find out more


Quaama Rest Area 19 km

31 km N of Bega (R) or 46 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 28.110 E149 51.979 ... Find out more


Bodalla Forest Park Rest Area 30 km

9 km N of Narooma (L) or 32 km S of Moruya (R) Large secluded area in the forest. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 09.063 E150 05.729... Find out more


Bega Lookout Park Area 33 km

5 km N of Bega (R) or 72 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 38.692 E149 49.430... Find out more


Bemboka Rest Area 50 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. NOTE: Camping and showers available for a fee. GPS: S36 38.127 E149 34.696... Find out more


Yellowpinch Dam Rest Area 53 km

32 km N of Eden (L) or 22 km S of Bega (R) Small area located 1 kilometre off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 51.068 E149 48.765... Find out more


Fred Piper Memorial Lookout Park Area 59 km

14 km W of Bemboka (L) or 62 km E of Cooma (R) Very small parking bay adjacent to the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 35.841 E149 26.647... Find out more


Waldrons Swamp Rest Area 62 km

8 km N of Moruya (R) or 20 km S of Batemans Bay (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 51.906 E150 07.158  ... Find out more


Nimmitabel Park Area 71 km

South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out more


Hut Link Road Rest Area 89 km

89 km NE of Cann River (L) or 19 km SW of Eden (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 12.278 E149 50.695  ... Find out more


Mount Gladstone Lookout Rest Area 90 km

T/O 4 km W of Cooma (L) or 47 km SE of Adaminaby (R) Small area 1.5 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Steep access road. GPS: S36 15.04 E149 04.42... Find out more


Scrubby Creek Rest Area 92 km

86 km NE of Cann River (L) or 22 km SW of Eden (R) Large area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 13.370 E149 49.797... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River Rest Area 110 km

65 km NE of Cann River (L) or 43 km SW of Eden (R) Small area adjacent to the highway among a few large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 22.163 E149 42.885... Find out more


Burrill Lake Park Area 119 km

South side of town Large town park in a pleasant lakeside setting just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S35 23.391 E150 26.652    ... Find out more


Genoa Rest Area 124 km

48 km NE of Cann River (L) or 61 km SW of Eden (R) Large area well off the highway on the north side of the river. Excellent facilities. Good shade. GPS: S37 28.351 E149 35.486... Find out more


Adaminaby Park Area 125 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 59.822 E148 46.467  ... Find out more


Thurra River Rest Area 146 km

11 km E of Cann River (L) or 98 km SW of Eden (R) Small but secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 34.147 E149 16.346... Find out more


The Rest House Park Area 149 km

28 km W of Adaminaby (L) or 63 km SE of Talbingo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 53.45 E148 32.24... Find out more


What's on around town

Craft Market: Dickinson Park; last Sun each month.

Blue Water Fishing Classic: Jan.

Seaside Fair: Mar.

Tag and Release Gamefishing Tournament: Mar.

Four Winds Festival: even-numbered years, Easter.

Victorian Southern Gamefish Challenge: Easter.

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