Photo: (WT-en) AYArktos at English Wikivoyage / CC BY-SA 2.5
Bermagui is a sleepy fishing village on the Sapphire Coast that punches well above its weight in natural beauty, seafood, and laid-back coastal charm. The town is framed by Horseshoe Bay’s turquoise waters and a string of pristine beaches, making it a perfect stop for travellers craving a genuine escape from the highway. The vibe is unhurried: fishermen mend nets on the wharf, artists sell their wares in tiny galleries, and the only rush is the tide coming in. Bermagui is also the gateway to the wild, sculpted rock formations of the nearby Mimosa Rocks National Park.
Highlights & What to See
- Horseshoe Bay – a sheltered swimming beach with a grassy foreshore, perfect for a picnic and watching the fishing fleet come and go.
- Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf – watch the daily catch unloaded and grab freshly shucked oysters or a flathead sandwich from the co-op.
- Mimosa Rocks National Park – a short drive north offers sea caves, blowholes, and the dramatic Bithry Inlet walking track.
- Blue Pool – a natural ocean-fed rock pool on the southern headland, great for a safe dip with views back to town.
- Bermagui to Wallaga Lake walking trail – a scenic coastal walk that passes through banksia scrub and offers glimpses of seabirds and whales in season.
- Art galleries and studios – the town has a surprising creative streak; drop into the Bermagui Gallery or local potteries.
Suggested Time to Spend
Two days is the sweet spot for Bermagui. Use the first day to explore the town itself: swim at Horseshoe Bay, wander the wharf, and tackle the Blue Pool walk. On day two, head north into Mimosa Rocks National Park for a morning of coastal walks and rock-hopping, then spend the afternoon kayaking on Wallaga Lake or simply lazing on the sand. If you’re on a longer Sapphire Coast road trip, Bermagui works well as a one-night stop to break the drive between Batemans Bay and Merimbula.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Central Tilba – a heritage-listed village 15 minutes north, with a general store that feels like a museum and a renowned cheese factory.
- Tilba Tilba – a tiny, photogenic hamlet with a historic pub and craft shops.
- Narooma – 30 minutes south, famous for its resident seals at the Australia Rock and the Montague Island nature tours.
- Mimosa Rocks National Park – already mentioned, but deserves its own entry for the day-use areas like Aragunnu and Picnic Point.
- Wallaga Lake – a large coastal lake ideal for birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing, with a boardwalk trail through the wetlands.
- Bodalla – a historic dairy town 20 minutes north, known for its cheese and the iconic Bodalla Pub.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.