Summer might be the obvious time for a South Coast escape, but some seaside towns are just as rewarding when the temperature drops. Case in point: Bermagui. Tucked away on the Sapphire Coast, this picturesque coastal town swaps peak-season crowds for golden beaches, sunny coastal walks and plenty of opportunities to spot migrating whales offshore during the final weeks of winter. There’s also the famous Blue Pool for an invigorating ocean swim, boutique shops and enough inviting cafes and restaurants for a memorable waterside escape. If you’re craving one last coastal getaway before spring, and the inevitable crowds arrive, here’s why Bermagui deserves a spot on your winter itinerary.
Things to do in Bermagui in winter
Cooler days are ideal for exploring Bermagui on foot, starting with the Bermagui Coastal Walk if you want to soak up the sun. The 18km route traces the coastline between Cuttagee Beach and Wallaga Lake, winding past headlands, beaches and lookouts along the way. For something shorter, follow the 1.5km track from Camel Rock Surf Beach to Murunna Point, with sweeping ocean views that make it a particularly scenic winter stroll.
Two of the area’s most distinctive and popular landmarks are also found along this stretch of coast. Camel Rock is an ancient formation of folded rock shaped by hundreds of millions of years of geological activity, while nearby Horse Head Rock is even older and has become a favourite among photographers for its distinctive profile. For more outdoor adventures head to Mimosa Rocks National Park a picture-perfect day trip from town, packed with secluded beaches, coastal forest, turquoise lagoons and walking trails to explore. You can set up camp and stay overnight if you want to linger and get away from the crowds with options such as Aragunnu campground and Gillards Campground, perched between the beach and the bush.
Like many coastal towns in the region, winter also coincides with the start of the whale-watching season. Humpbacks migrate along this stretch of the Sapphire Coast from around August, so keep an eye on the horizon from coastal lookouts or head onto the water on a whale watching tour for a closer look. Back in town, brave the cooler water with a dip in the famous cliffside Blue Pool, with stunning views of the mighty Pacific then spend an afternoon wandering around town, stopping by Bermagui Mudworks to browse locally made pottery or the Shop7 ArtSpace for works by regional artists. For a change of scenery, head to nearby Wallaga Lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by bushland where you can walk along the shore, launch a kayak or simply enjoy a picnic by the water.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Bermagui offers some stellar spots for breakfast or a leisurely long lunch. Start with coffee and pastries at Honorbread, an artisan bakery known for its sourdough, croissants and other baked treats, or settle in for breakfast overlooking Horseshoe Bay at Bermi’s Beachside Cafe. For lunch, head down to the harbour for locally caught fish and chips from Blue Wave Seafood, while the historic Bermagui Beach Hotel is a reliable option for pub classics with views across Horseshoe Bay.
The Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf & Co-Operative is a local staple with restaurants, cafes and small businesses clustered around the harbour while The Harbar Bermagui serves cocktails, local beer and wine overlooking the water. For some local shopping head to Lamont Street, where you’ll find a handful of independent shops and boutiques including By The Sea Shore for fashion, homewares and gifts, Drift Homewares & Gifts and Strangers in Paradise for vintage finds. The Bermagui Growers and Makers Market also runs on Thursday afternoons through winter at Bermagui Country Club, while the monthly market takes over Dickinson Park on the last Sunday of the month with local produce and handmade goods. Read more about Bermagui and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Bermagui is just over a 5-hour drive of Sydney, and just around 30 minutes from Narooma, with the scenic coastal route following the Grand Pacific Drive past Wollongong, Kiama and the Shoalhaven before continuing along the Princes Highway towards the Sapphire Coast. If you’re travelling without a car, NSW TrainLink services connect Sydney with Bega, where you can transfer to a regional bus to Bermagui. Alternatively, fly from Sydney to Merimbula Airport and hire a car for the drive north to Bermagui, which takes just over an hour. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
