Beautiful Bermagui. Photo: SCT.
Bermagui is a character-filled coastal town on the Far South Coast – small in size but delivers big results when it comes to things to do. Its spectacular harbour is a base for deep sea and game fishing as together with the nearby rivers and lakes, provides a fabulous place to swim, surf, sail, dive or generally enjoy any water sport. It’s also packed with stunning national park and state forest scenery, with some top-notch walks to explore. The town has boutique shops that are perfect for picking up a present for a special someone or for yourself, and there’s a remarkable choice of places to eat for a tiny town.
Things to do in Bermagui
- Discover some foodie favourites. Bermagui is part of the Sapphire Coast foodie trail, and there is a surprising number of gourmet delights to be explored, including Honorbread, where Tim and Honor Northham make award-winning sourdough, run bread-making workshops and see a steady stream of customers coming through the doors. Or check out Eastwood’s deli and cooking school, which is based on locally sourced produce. Their popular artisan doughnuts used Tilba dairy for custard, local fruit for jams, and Eden hazelnuts to make a version of Nutella.
- Head up to Wallaga Lake, which sits in the shadow of the majestic Gulaga (Mt Dromedary), and is a paradise for paddlers and boaters.
- Explore Bermagui’s lookouts – there’s a beautiful headland with panoramic views from excellent lookout points that are easy to find. A favourite is the Michael Lerner Lookout which is 3kms south of the town and delivers sensational views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Be sure to check out the Fisherman’s Wharf area, where there’s not only a gorgeous harbour but a great little takeaway to grab some fish and chips while you enjoy the view.
- Experience magnificent scenery and coastal bush walks in the nearby national parks and state forests. Don’t miss the renowned natural rock pool that’s perfect for swimming in – Blue Pool and the scenic attraction of Camel Rock.
- If you’re into wines, call into the cellar door at Mimosa Wines. It’s not far out of town in a pristine valley and you can enjoy a meal on the deck overlooking the magnificent mountains.
- You will be spoilt for choice with the variety of dining styles. Seafood (of course), Italian, Asian, modern Australian, a la carte, bistro style pub and club meals, pizza and takeaway, cafes and waterside eateries are all on offer.
Honorbreads Tim and Honor Northam.
Getting there
At around 3 ½ hours’ drive from Canberra, Bermagui is more a weekend destination than a day trip. The good news is that there are plenty of places to stay to suit a variety of needs.
Travel via either the Kings Highway and Princes Highway via Batemans Bay, or through Cooma and towards Bega via the Monaro Highway and Snowy Mountains Highway.
When to go
Steel Pip by Tobias Bennett at Sculpture Bermagui. Photo: Ian Campbell.
There is an amazing calendar of festivals and events held in Bermagui so time your visit to coincide with whatever takes your interest. Reboot in Bermagui is an annual event held in spring designed to get you moving and enjoying the best of the outdoors and Sculpture Bermagui is a fabulous outdoor art display along the coastline each year. Check out the Four Winds Easter Festival where you can enjoy inspiring classical music by amazing artists in spectacular surroundings, and the Bermagui Seaside Fair, a free day of fun held each March. And each Thursday there is a growers’ market which offers fantastic, fresh produce from local farmers.
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