| Bermagui and Wallaga Lake have long been a fishermen's paradise, and now others are discovering this haven at the northern entrance to the Sapphire Coast.
Surrounded by secluded surf beaches, estuaries, wetlands and coastal lagoons, with Mount Dromedary in Guluga National Park watching over the scene, the secrets of Bermagui unfold. A mere 9km diversion off the highway will lead you to this tranquil haven.
The continental shelf being at its closest point to the mainland, fine fishing is afforded off the shoreline.
It's where warm southern currents flow and the big game fish are in tow.
Charter boats operate deepsea, dive and game fishing trips where black marlin and a chase of yellowfin tuna is a regular event.
Zane Grey placed Bermagui on the global calender and established the birthplace of game fishing in the 1930s.
Bermagui has its own commercial fishing fleet to reap the bounty of the abundant seafood.
The Co-op adjacent offers fresh fish and prawns daily, or your own boat can be launched, fish weighed and cleaned with the facilities on offer.
Surfers have many choices including Beares Beach, Moreheads Beach, Haywards Beach and Cuttagee Beach to catch a wave.
The Blue Pool is a large saltwater pool which offers a different swimming experience and is a natural attraction not to be missed.
Wallaga Lake is home of Umbarra, the black duck — totem of the local Aboriginal people.
Cultural tours to local Koori sites are organized by the Umbarra Cultural Centre.
They offer hands on activities such as ochre painting and bark hut building.
Trips are also made to significant sites including Mt Dromedary (Gulaga), Mystery Bay and Mumbulla Mountain. Wallaga Lake and its surrounds gives many opportunities for bushwalking and observing wildlife.
Black swans in all their presence gather their young, and so it is with the birds, more than 200 species have been identified in the National Park fronting the western side of the lake and the foothills of Mount Dromedary and beyond.
As the largest lake in southern NSW, there is swimming, fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, and prawning in season.
Boat hire and picnic and toilet facilities are available.
The fishing is fabulous and the serenity of these natural surroundings offers a perfect place for a sail or swim with accommodation surrounding the waters edge.
The bushwalking is endless and the array of rainforest trees and plants await your discovery. Mount Dromedary in Guluga National Park is the dominant natural feature of the area and can be tackled by serious walkers who will enjoy rainforest species along the way.
From the summit, spectacular views can be enjoyed along the coast and seaward to Montague Island.
Magnificent spotted gums, Angophoras and Burrawang palms abound with many opportunities for bushwalking or taking a break alongside the waterways.
Choose from many picnic spots including Camel Rock, the Spotted Gum Forest Area, Michael Lerner Lookout, Cuttagee Lake and the Bermagui River Park.
Diving boat tours operate from Bermagui to view sponges and gorgonian fans.
Shore divers are also rewarded with sightings of spectacular gorgonian life.
A magnificent 18 hole golf course, lawn bowling rinks and all weather tennis courts are available in Bermagui.
Bermagui's regular market is on the last Sunday of the month. It is home made, hand made and made for fun.
The Country Club and Hotel have all the facilities to ensure that visitors can relax and exchange fishing stories in comfort.
Bermagui's story of gold, unsolved mystery and intrigue is unique. The tour through the Montreal Goldfield site is a great experience not found anywhere else in Australia. Admission is by guided tour only so book ahead through the Bermagui Tourist Information Centre. Don't miss it!
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