With glorious turquoise waters, lush green pastures and the most amazing bushland, Bermagui is one very special coastal town – and it always seems to be laid back. Perhaps this will be the place for a seachange for us when the kids finish school!
We spent a week on the Sapphire Coast and just scratched the surface when it comes to things to do in Bermagui. We hope the resource we’ve created will help you plan a trip to this amazing, lazy beachside destination.
Your Guide to Bermagui NSW
Table of Contents
Bermagui Weather
Of course, when planning your trip to Bermagui the weather is likely to be a consideration. Generally, the weather in Bermagui is warm and temperate. The water temperature is an average 19.30°C year round, rising to around 22.60°C in February and dropping down to 16.00°C in August.
Things to see and do in Bermagui NSW
Never underestimate a small town for things to see and do. If you scratch the surface a little and do your research you’re likely to find a bounty of things to explore. Luckily we have done much of this for you!
Yuin Cultural Heritage Trail
The Djiringanj Clan of the Yuin Nation have been the custodians of this area for around 50,000 years. When we visited Bermagui we were compelled to learn more about the cultural traditions and stories of this area.
The Bermagui Information Centre recommended the Yuin Cultural Heritage Trail in Bermagui which would lead us through the legends, history and achievements of the Djiringanj people. It is a spectacular walk, but at 15 kilometres in length, so on this trip, we did sections of the trail.
There are nine information signs on the Yuin Cultural Heritage Trail which recognise the sacred places, legends, history and recent achievements of the Djiringanj Clan of the Yuin Nation.
Head to the Yuin Cultural Heritage Trail webpage for more details.
Bermagui Blue Pool
Bermagui’s Blue Pool has been ranked as one of the best ocean rock pools in the world. Given such a reputation you must visit when you are visiting.
A number of sites reveal that the Bermagui Blue Pool is a natural rock pool, possibly because it was once called Blue Hole before it morphed into the pool. Today is a man-made swimming pool cut directly into the rugged cliffs that is filled and emptied during the in and out of the tide each day. It also features a toddler wading pool.
One of the most exciting things about this pool are the nudibranch. Say what? Nudibranch are basically a snail without the shell hence Nudi/naked – Branch/lungs. I was given the tip to look for them along the walls of the pool for them, but make sure to show the kids some photos first so they know what to find.
If you plan to swim in the Bermagui Blue Pool it is essential that you look up the tide times. I used the chart here so we could ensure we were visiting on low tide as the pool is unsafe to swim in during high tide. Also, watch around the cliffs for seals which are always fun to spot.
Bermagui’s Blue Pool has parking at the top of the cliffs where you will also find toilets and change rooms. The pool is accessible by climbing down the 70 off stairs to the bottom.
The Blue Pool is located opposite the water tower on Scenic Drive, Bermagui, and is reached via a staircase from the parking area.
Horse Head Rock
The most incredible thing about Horse Head Rock, other than its resemblance to a horse, is its age. Horse Head Rock in Bermagui is said to be around 500 million years old.
We accessed Horse Head Rock by parking at the Camel Rock car park and walking along the track (part of the Yuin Cultural Heritage Trail). Please note that the track is along the cliffs with some fenced vantage points along the way. Whilst not very difficult, I would be concerned about walking along here with a toddler or younger child who may not stick to track.
The track down to the beach is very steep. Please be mindful of tide times and avoid descending during high tide.
Murunna | Camel Rock
The geology of this area is fascinating. Both camel rock and the headland have been formed from ordovician turbidite which happened deep in the ocean around 488 million years ago to 444 million years ago.
Behind camel rock, in the cliffs, is a further formation which the Yuin believe is a woman’s head warning people to stay away from the water as it may have dangerous rips.
During the warmer months, lifeguards are on patrol and you will find the flags up to identify where you can swim. Murunna also offers a viewing platform for a great vista of the beach, and some amenities including toilets.
Montreal Goldfield
We have visited many Goldfields in our time including the Ballarat Goldfields, Hill End Goldfields and Maldon Goldfields. The Montreal Goldfield in Bermagui is unique as it is the only coastal goldfield in Australia (and one of only two in the Southern Hemisphere!)
Like many of the incredible things to see in Bermagui, the goldfields were born from geology. A good 50 million years or so ago, reefs of gold were formed Gulaga which were washed down when it rained. It was a time when the sea level was quite low, but rainfall was quite high. Alluvial Gold was eventually found at the beach at Montreal in 1880.
Today access to the Montreal Goldfield is by guided tour which departs daily at 2.00 pm. There is a small fee for the tour which goes directly back into the goldfield site.
Head to the Montreal Goldfield webpage for more details.
Wallaga Lake Bridge
Cheese built the Wallaga Lake Bridge. Well, not literally, but it was built at the request of the Tilba cheese makers to aid access to the Bermagui steamer wharf and then to the markets in Sydney. It was opened in 1894.
Bermagui Waterhole
The Bermagui Waterhole is a significant Aboriginal place and was handed back to the Djiringanj people of the Yuin in 2013.
Since before 1788, the Bermagui Waterhole is a traditional Yuin camping spot, part of a traditional walking track used for travelling along the coast and to Yuin ceremonial and spiritual sites, and a place for getting water and food.
It is a sacred area and used by the Elders, with a nearby midden, and a burial site.
The Bermagui Waterhole is currently overgrown with bullrushes and other introduced vegetation. I have included it in our roundup in the hope that it is rejuvenated in the future to the glorious waterhole it once was.
Bermagui Fishermens Wharf
Established in 1946, the Bermagui Fishermens Wharf is where you will want to head to try the amazing local seafood. The Bermagui fishing industry sells around $2 billion worth of seafood each year, largely at the Sydney fish market with Ling, Flathead, Shark, Swordfish, Snapper, and Tuna the most well known.
Whilst it is a commercial wharf, it also boasts a number of eateries including a gelato shop. It is one of the places you might want to head with your family for a meal. My kids loved looking at the boats!
Camel Rock Surf School
Learning to surf is one of those rites of passages that kids learn if they live near the beach, but what not one they can learn on a holiday too? The Camel Rock Surf School is a fun way to learn how to surf whilst also building ocean confidence in one spectacular location!
Mumbulla Creek Falls Picnic Area – Biamanga Cultural Area
Before heading here it is crucial to note that this area is a significant Aboriginal Place and that the Yuin ask that you do not swim in the Mumbulla Falls area as it is a sacred space.
This is a beautiful space to explore with a boardwalk leading you to a scenic lookout where you can observe the waterfall. The kids will love spotting the water dragons that bask on the rocks to warm themselves up. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic.
Please head to NSW Parks to ensure the park is open for visits.
Where to Swim in Bermagui
Armands Beach
Just south of Bermagui is Armands Beach, named after Armand Lemmeric who once lived on a farm just behind the bay and regularly swam nude in the water here! This led to nude cricket matches on the beach in the 1930s too.
The tradition continues with the beach declared clothes optional in 1993. Yep, Armands Beach is the local nude beach!
Bermagui Blue Pool
We noted this amazing location up the top of our post. It was our favourite place to swim
Bruce Steer Pool
Families are always looking for a great place to swim with the kids. The Bruce Steer Pool in Bermagui is a netted saltwater pool that boasts a sandy beach, shade and gentle water.
The pool has an all-abilities block and shade facilities. You can find parking on Bermagui Point nearby.
Cuttagee Beach
When the lake is open, Cuttagee Beach is perfect for swimming with the kids with shallow gentle waters. It is not patrolled and has no amenities. It’s known to be a great space for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and even prawning!
Haywards Beach
Haywards Beach can be found at Camel Rock and although we swam here (or rather paddled) it is important to note that it is full of rips and wouldn’t be my first choice for young children. The northern section is patrolled during summer. There is a car park and amenities.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Located in the heart of Bermagui, Horseshoe Bay Beach is moderately protected from most waves and is a relatively safe beach to swim. It is patrolled over summer with both good parking and amenities too.
Places to eat in Bermagui
We’ve already mentioned that Bermagui Fishermens Wharf is one place to head to eat in Bermagui, but where else can you go to eat in this town?
Our Top Places to Eat in Bermagui
Camel Rock Brewery Bar & Grill
Accommodation in Bermagui
When it comes to accommodation in Bermagui your best bet is to look at self-contained holiday units/villas or a cabin at one of the holiday parks. One thing is for certain, you need to book early – I’m talking MONTHS in advance to bags the best accommodation as many families return year after year and will have booked a year in advance.
Self Contained Accommodation in Bermagui
Caravan Parks and Cabins
Bermagui Reflections Holiday Park
BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park
Bermagui in Fiction
Bermagui has appeared in a number of novels and motion pictures. I found this quite fascinating so couldn’t help but share with you.
Bermagui in Books
Bermagui has featured in a number of novels including: An American Angler by Zane Grey which put Australia on the map as a game fishing destination and The Mystery of Swordfish Reef By Arthur Upfield.
Bermagui in Motion Picture
If you are a fan of Billy Connolly you will be familiar with his film The Man that Sued God, but did you know that much of it was filmed in Bermagui?
Another film to feature Bermagui is Unbroken which was directed by Angelina Jolie. Featured in the film is the Wallaga Lake Bridge
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Places to Visit in Rural NSW
Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool with kids | Things to do in Bathurst | Weekend Getaways from Sydney | Holidaying on Norfolk Island | Mungo National Park | Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory | Things to do in Broken Hill | Cobar with Kids | Nyngan with kids | Farm Stays near Sydney | Maitland Gaol | Wellington Caves | Cowra Japanese Gardens | Cowra POW camp | Taronga Western Plains Zoo | Bigfoot at Mount Coolangatta | Sea Cliff Bridge | Abercrombie Caves | Hill End | Scenic World Blue Mountains |
These are interesting places to bring the kids with Leah. I am absolutely sure that my kids are going to love it here. Thanks for sharing such lovely post.