Summer may be slowly slipping away but if you haven’t quite had your fill of saltwater and sunshine yet, there’s still time to squeeze in one last coastal escape before the arrival of autumn. Predictably, the usual suspects like Byron Bay, Kiama or Yamba will be teeming with the last of the holiday crowds, but there is a serene, emerald-hued escape on the Sapphire Coast that remains one of the state’s best-kept secrets. If you’re looking to squeeze every last drop out of summer, Bermagui is the coastal town to add to your radar, with incredible beaches, iconic ocean pools, natural wonders galore and quality eateries. Here’s what to see, eat, and do for a memorable warm-weather getaway to Bermagui before summer is over.
Things to do in Bermagui this summer
Bermagui’s biggest draw is its access to wildly beautiful stretches of coastline with perfectly blue waters made for swimming, coastal walks and slow afternoons by the water. With only one weekend of summer left, your first stop has to be the ever popular Blue Pool. Long touted as one of the state’s most stunning swimming spots, the ocean-fed pool glitters with blue-green colours enveloped in rocky cliffs and deep turquoise water views of the mighty Pacific. Conveniently, it’s just a short stroll from the town centre, tucked beside the headland off Scenic Drive.
For some beach adventures, head to Horseshoe Bay Beach right in the heart of town, a safe scenic spot with striking view of Gulaga in the background, an ancient forested volcano. A little further out, Bearers Beach draws surfers all year round with its consistent waves and picturesque headland backdrop, while local favourite Moorhead Beach offers crystal clear waters and gentle waves — keep your eyes open for dolphins here. For something calmer, the Bermagui River offers a gentler pace, with mangroves and glassy water ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding.
For a bit of drama beyond coastal scenery, make time for Camel Rock and Horse Head Rock. Hundreds of millions of years old and legitimately resembling the animals they’re named after, these natural rock formations are a must-see while in town. You can get a great view from the dedicated platform, but if the tide is low, it’s worth wandering around the base of the cliffs to find the hidden caves and smaller, translucent rock pools that most tourists miss — just be sure to check the tide times and take safety precautions around the rocks. For more outdoor adventures, the nearby Mimosa Rocks National Park offers Caribbean-blue lagoons, wild beaches, snorkelling opportunities, postcard-perfect views and plenty of lookouts and quiet areas for a picnic.
Other ways to enjoy the town
For a small coastal town, Bermagui punches well above its weight when it comes to standout cafes, breezy bars and stellar restaurants, and the best place to experience it all is along the main street or down at the Fishermen’s Wharf. Grab your morning coffee from Bermi’s Beachside Cafe surrounded by ocean views, then head to Honorbread for a second cup of joe, and enjoy a toastie or a cake at their charming courtyard garden. Other local favourites include Boneless Cafe for a relaxed atmosphere and hearty vegan and vegetarian options, Eurolicious for a charming European vibe and home-cooked food, and Bermagui Mudworks — a pottery studio and cafe serving sweet treats and a cosy bushland setting.
Meanwhile, the Bermagui Beach Hotel is a reliable go-to for classic pub fare with a view, Camel Rock Brewhouse is the local brewery slinging stellar beers and cocktails, and Blue Wave Seafood is the place to go for classic fish and chips. Also worth visiting is the Bermagui Fresh Food Emporium for high quality and locally sourced meat, Octopii for fresh seafood and Onya for Asian-inspired classics in an elegant setting, right on the Bermagui Wharf.
If you happen to be in town on a Thursday afternoon, the Bermagui Growers and Makers Market is well worth timing your visit around. The community-run market offers everything from farm-fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and handmade wares from across the beautiful Sapphire Coast. If your visit falls on the last Sunday of the month, the Bermagui Beachfront Markets offers a similar vibe with plenty of kitschy souvenirs and local crafts to browse through.
The town’s charming main street is the ideal stop for a bit of retail therapy with a mix of boutiques and specialty stores. Strangers In Paradise is a treasure trove of vintage collectables and clothing, while The Pineapple House at the Wharf stocks beautiful seaside-inspired fashion and homewares. If you’re looking for a keepsake, By The Sea Shore offers curated homewares and women’s clothing, and Odyssea is a go-to for lifestyle apparel and homewares with a distinct coastal aesthetic. Read more about Bermagui and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Bermagui is about a 5-hour drive south of Sydney, and around 3.5 hours from Canberra, perfect for a dreamy South Coast road trip. For those who prefer to fly, the closest airport is Merimbula, roughly an hour’s drive from Bermagui, with car hire available on arrival. Public transport is available but longer, with daily bus services running from Sydney’s Central Station. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.