Bermagui: Coast, Trails and Water

From coastal walks and Blue Pool to river activities, Bermagui offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay. For planning, the route format and timing are particularly relevant: you can start part of the Coastal Walk in Bermagui, while whale watching depends on seasonal opportunities. The town’s history is also one of the community’s defining themes.

Coastal trails: two different formats

The Bermagui Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking and driving route. It extends for more than 17 kilometres from Wallaga Lake, north of Bermagui, to Cuttagee Beach in the south. The Bermagui Coastal Walk is about 18 kilometres long and runs from Cuttagee Beach in the south to Wallaga Lake in the north. Bermagui is approximately halfway along the Coastal Walk; you can start your walk here for a shorter northern or southern section.

The two route lengths are similar, but the activities described differ: walking and driving are both part of the Heritage Trail, while the Coastal Walk focuses on walking. If you don’t want to plan for the full longer route, the shorter section starting from Bermagui is an option in its own right.

Blue Pool: swimming, snorkelling and views

Bermagui Blue Pool is a swimming and snorkelling spot for the whole family, with a wading pool for children right next to it. Check local conditions and safety information before swimming. Blue Pool was expanded to its current size in 1937.

From a viewing platform, you can look out over the pool and the coast. Whales may be visible there in winter and spring; whether they appear depends on natural conditions. Blue Pool is therefore both a swimming and snorkelling spot and a place with a seasonal connection to coastal wildlife watching.

Trips from Bermagui Harbour

Charter boats operate from Bermagui Harbour year-round, offering customised fishing trips. Availability of individual trips may vary, so if you have a particular date in mind, it’s best to check in advance. During whale season, from August to November, whale-watching trips depart from the harbour every year.

The two types of trips differ mainly in purpose and timing: fishing trips are described as year-round charters, while whale-watching trips are a seasonal offering. If you’re planning to go whale watching, it’s worth keeping the August to November window in mind; you should also check availability for your chosen date.

River landscape and local history

Bermagui River is a tranquil estuary in the heart of Bermagui. The river is suitable for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing and boating. Mangrove forests and tall forests line the river; birds found there include herons, Azure Kingfishers and sea eagles. The river therefore brings together a range of water activities and a landscape shaped by mangroves, forests and native birdlife.

For another way to get to know Bermagui, visit the Bermagui Museum and discover a different perspective on its past. The collection includes objects and photographs that tell stories from Bermagui’s history. At the Bermagui Community Centre, the museum offers the public a modern historical research facility. Alongside the coastal and river experiences, the collections and photographs offer another way to explore the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Cobargo, Pambula, Barragga Bay, Tathra, Tanja, Kiah, Merimbula, Bega

For the broader travel overview: Bega Valley Shire Council.