Bermagui

Bermagui is 18km East of the Princes Highway and nestles around a safe, all-weather harbor dating from the 1830s. The continental shelf is just 20 km offshore – its closest point to the Australian mainland – which means exceptional deep-sea fishing. In particular, the town is known for its yellow fin tuna and the famed black marlin. Charter boats operate deep sea dive and game fishing trips. Reef, rock, beach and estuary fishing also very popular.

Bermagui has its own commercial fishing fleet to reap the bounty of the abundant seafood. The Co-op adjacent offers fresh fish and prawns daily. Boat ramp to launch your own boat.

Close to Bermagui, Wallaga Lake is largest coastal lake in southern NSW popular for swimming, fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing and prawning (in season) and its the home of the Umbarra (black duck) an area of outstanding natural beauty with special significance for the Yuin-Monaro Aboriginal people. Boat hire, picnic and toilet facilities.

Surrounded by secluded surf beaches, estuaries, wetlands and coastal lagoons, with Mount Dromedary in Gulaga National Park watching over the scene, the secrets of Bermagui unfold. A mere 9km diversion off the highway will lead you to this tranquil haven where over 200 species of birds have been identified. Bushwalking can be tackled by serious walkers with spectacular views of the coast and Montague Island from the summit.

Choose from many picnic spots including Camel Rock, the Spotted Gum Forest Area, Michael Lerner Lookout, Cuttagee Lake and the Bermagui River Park.

Beares Beach, Moreheads Beach, Haywards Beach and Cuttagee Beach are popular with surfers looking to catch a wave.

The Blue Pool is a large saltwater pool which offers a different swimming experience and is a natural attraction not to be missed.

A magnificent 18 hole golf course, lawn bowling rinks and all weather tennis courts are available in Bermagui.

Bermagui's regular market is on the last Sunday of the month.

Montreal Goldfield, Bermagui

Bermagui's story of gold, unsolved mystery and intrigue is unique. The tour through the Montreal Goldfield site is a great experience not found anywhere else in Australia.

Admission is by guided tour only. For large Bus groups book ahead through the Bermagui Visitor Information Centre. Tours at 2pm daily $5 p/p duration 1 hour 15 minutes. Don't miss it!

Brief History

It is thought that ‘Bermaguee’ (boat with no paddle) is derived from ‘permageua’, a word with an unknown meaning, from the vocabulary of the Dyirringany Aborigines who inhabited the area before white settlement.

Gold was found on the Bermagui River late in the nineteenth century but the rush was short-lived as finds were disappointing.

One of the most notable figures to exploit this aspect of Bermagui was American author of ‘westerns’, Zane Grey, who wrote of his experiences in 'An American Angler in Australia' (1937) and his posthumously published novel, 'Wilderness Fresh'.  One of the town's Holiday Parks is named after him and the local hotel has photographs and memorabilia of his stay. Zane Grey was patron of the Bermagui Sport Fishing Association 1936/37.

For Information on what to see and do in and around Bermagui call into the Information Centre in Bunga Street. Manager Christine and the friendly volunteers are glad to assist. Ph: 02 6493 3054

Plan Your Trip With a Printed Map

Coastal Stays produces Visitor Maps for The Great Ocean Road, Sydney to Warrnambool Coastal Drive, Lakes Entrance, Tarwin Lower/Venus Bay, Inverloch, Phillip Island and Apollo Bay.
Click to download a map.

BERMAGUI Weather Guide