Holiday houses in Bermagui

The gateway to the Sapphire Coast and Bega Valley in southern New South Wales, seaside Bermagui is surrounded by water, from sandy Horseshoe Bay to mirror-like Wallaga Lake. The continental shelf is just over 12 miles offshore, which equates to warmer waters and legendary deep-sea and game fishing. Although anglers are just as often drawn to the lake and estuary of the snaking Bermagui River, which winds into the Pacific Ocean south of town. These waters are famous for their bivalves, with an official trail linking oyster farms along the Sapphire Coast. The backdrop is the 2,600-foot Gulaga Mountain, an extinct volcano sacred to the Aboriginal community, enveloped in protected national parkland.

Summer (December through February) is a busy time in Bermagui, when daytime temperatures hover near 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the water is a balmy 75. Rain is common this time of year, particularly February, so come prepared with an umbrella and rain jacket. Winter (June through August) is the driest season, when water temperatures are warmer than the air (64 to 55, respectively). While spring (September through November) is a popular season to book one of the area’s vacation rentals due to its mild temperatures (highs between 65 and 75) and prime time for whale watching, it’s also the wettest season.

Blue Pool

Australia has its fair share of dreamy ocean-fed rock pools, but perhaps prettiest of all is Blue Pool, an expansive swimming hole carved into Bermagui’s rocky coastline. The water here seems to change color throughout the day, from piercing azure to mossy green to magenta at sunset. Head to the pool’s viewing platform to spot dolphins, and humpback whales during their annual migration May through November.

Wallaga Lake

The largest lake in southern New South Wales, Wallaga is a sacred place for the Yuin Aboriginal community. Visitors are welcome to swim, boat, fish, water ski, and go prawning, or simply enjoy spotting some of the 200 bird species that call this waterway home. Landing on Merriman Island, in the center of the lake, is not permitted; this spiritual spot is the site of a number of important Aboriginal artifacts, which visitors are asked to view only from afar.

Gulaga Mountain

Another place sacred to the Yuin, Gulaga Mountain is the tallest point in 11,550-acre Gulaga National Park. Aboriginal guides host what they call a creation experience here, to enlighten visitors about the peak’s origins according to Indigenous lore. Or you can wander at your own pace ― for experienced walkers, a five-hour, hard-grade loop hike takes you to Gulaga’s summit.