Fast facts
- A colourful port, famous for its deep-sea fishing
- On the estuary of the Bermagui River, close to national parks
- 378 km south of Sydney, population 1,120
Why go there
A peaceful town, famous for its fishing, Bermagui nestles around a safe, all-weather harbour 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 yellowfin tuna and the famed black marlin.
Close to Bermagui, Wallaga Lake is one of the largest coastal lakes in the State, an area of outstanding natural beauty with special significance for the Aboriginal people of the area.
Bermagui offers surfing, water sports and bushwalking at the surrounding beaches and in the national parks.
History
Before European settlement the Dyirringany people inhabited the area. In the1830s the port was established for local dairy farmers, and a fishing industry developed. A famous long-term visitor was the American author and fishing enthusiast, Zane Grey.
Things to do
- Drive the Bermagui-Tathra Road and discover one of the most spectacular drives on the South Coast - with food, wines and art along the way.
- A dip in the idyllic Blue Pool just east of town.
- Feast on fresh seafood at the fishermen’s co-op.
- Enjoy the serene picnic spot on the south shore of Wallaga Lake.
- Try your hand at big game fishing for tuna and marlin.
Events
- The Big Game Fishing Competition Anzac Tournament, held over the Anzac Day holiday, brings out the best in search of the biggest.
- The Four Winds Music Festival held at Easter in even-numbered years is a multicultural celebration held in a natural amphitheatre.
Don’t miss
- A tour of Wallaga Lake with the experts from the Umbarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
- Bermagui Markets, held on the last Sunday of the month in Dickinson Park.
- A boomerang-throwing session at the Umbarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
