Dog-Friendly Bermagui: Visiting Bermagui with a Dog

The seaside town of Bermagui is a delightful spot to visit on the Far South Coast of NSW, including with your dog. With plenty of dog-friendly beaches and accommodation of all types to choose from, find out more about visiting Bermagui on a holiday with your dog.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Bermagui

Right in Bermagui, there are two dog-friendly beaches that you can visit with your dog off-leash. Firstly, on the southern side of Bermagui head to Beares Beach. The entire length of this beach allows off-leash dogs, including the section next to Scenic Drive.

Alternatively, head to the northern side of the Bermagui River and Moorhead Beach. The first two hundred metres of this fairly small, exposed beach allows off-leash dogs, adjacent to the break-wall. The best access to this dog-friendly beach is from Wapengo Street. 

There are also a number of other off-leash beaches that you can access just a short drive away from Bermagui. About a 10 minute drive to the north is Haywards Beach at Wallaga Lake. Dogs are allowed off-leash along a 1km-long section of this broad beach, from south of the start of the Camel Rock access road to the Old Tilba Road. Note though that dogs are not allowed up to the Camel Rocks, past the access point.

Or drive about 10 minutes south of Bermagui to Cuttagee. Dogs are allowed off-leash along the majority of the quiet Southern Cuttagee Beach. A carpark is located at the southern end of the beach, next to the off-leash area. Just note dogs are not allowed at the northern end around Cuttagee Creek and the bridge.

Dogs are also generally allowed on-leash on the rest of the council-run beaches in the Bega Valley Shire Council Area. Dogs are however prohibited from patrolled beaches during the swimming season and a few protected areas in the area (including Horsehoe Bay, the main swimming beach in Bermagui, and Camel Rock). Dogs are also prohibited from beaches located in national parks.

Are Dogs Allowed at Blue Pool?

On the southern side of the headland at Bermagui is the picturesque Blue Pool, an ocean rock pool located at the bottom of the cliffs. Unfortunately, you’ll have to skip visiting this spot with your dog. Dogs are strictly prohibited at Blue Pool, as well as the sandy Bruce Steer Pool swimming area on the other side of the headland.

Dog-Friendly Parks in Bermagui

Bermagui is home to one off-leash exercise area for dogs. Head to Headland Reserve, in between Pacific Drive and “Point Dickinson” on Google Maps, adjacent to the War Memorial. The reserve is a large grassy area edged by sea cliffs, with dogs allowed off-leash all day long.

Dogs are permitted on-leash at most other parks in Bermagui. However, there are a few wildlife protection areas you should stay clear of. Skip visiting Bermagui Flora and Fauna Reserve (Long Swamp), Bermagui Lagoon (between Wallaga Lake Road and Moorhead Beach), Murunna Point, and Barragoot Beach and the northern end of Cuttagee Beach with your dog. For more details, see the council website.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Bermagui

While the region’s beautiful beaches and coastal scenery are definitely the top attractions when visiting Bermagui with your dog, there are a number of other dog-friendly sightseeing options.

#1 Tour a Goldfield

One place that I haven’t yet had a chance to visit with my own dog is the Montreal Goldfield. The only seaside goldfield in Australia, nearly 250kg of gold was unearthed here in the early 1880s.

These days you can join a guided tour at 2pm, from Thursday to Sunday each week. Dogs on a leash are welcome to join you and admission prices are a great bargain. The goldfield is located at Wallaga Lake, about a 10 minute drive north of Bermagui.

#2 Taste a Local Beer

Next door to Montreal Goldfield at Wallaga Lake is a great dog-friendly brewery. Camel Rock Brewhouse was named after the Camel Rock formation located nearby and is just inside the BIG4 caravan park (see below).

The brewhouse and restaurant has a large outdoor dining area, which is mostly dog-friendly except for a small section. Order a tasting paddle of their own beers, perhaps accompanied by a burger or ribs.

#3 Stroll Through Central Tilba

If you continue about 15 minutes further north from Wallaga Lake and slightly detour off the Princes Highway, you’ll reach the village of Central Tilba. After booming in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to the discovery of fold, the district is still home to many charming historic buildings and was classified by the National Trust in 1974.

Central Tilba has many shops and cafes to visit. Take a stroll along the main street of Central Tilba with your dog, home to many cafes and shops selling everything from leathercrafts and wood turning to cheese and chocolate. Dogs are welcome to join you in the beer garden of The Dromadery Hotel.

#4 Picnic in the State Forest

Another spot to check out near Bermagui is the Bermagui State Forest. As well as being home to a mountain biking track, there is also the Bermagui Picnic Area. Easily accessed along Scenic Forest Drive, the picnic area next to Black Lagoon has tables, BBQs and toilets. Like all state forests, dogs are welcome to join you and exploring the surrounding forest.

Dog-Friendly Dining in Bermagui

A great spot in Bermagui to head for lunch or dinner is the Bermagui Fisherman’s Wharf, which is home to multiple dog-friendly dining spots.

We ordered an excellent seafood lunch at Bluewave Seafood, including some fresh and tasty fish’n’chips plus wonderfully tender crumbed calamari. Feast on your takeaway from one of the benches along the wharf while watching the action at the busy marina or trying to spot stingrays down below in the water.

Another dog-friendly spot at the Fisherman’s Wharf is the Bermagui Gelati Clinic. I’ve even heard they have special lactose-free treats for pups – check if they still offer these.

Another dog-friendly cafe in Bermagui that I’ve heard plenty of recommendations for is Bermi’s Beachside Cafe, located on Lamont Street with water views from some tables. Leashed dogs can join you at the undercover outdoor dining area, with water bowls provided. The cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub in Bermagui, head to the Bermagui Hotel. Dogs are welcome to join you along the verandah.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Bermagui

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There’s a wide range of dog-friendly accommodation options to choose from in Bermagui, from motels to cabins to caravan park sites.

For instance, one pet-friendly motel right in Bermagui is the Harbourview House. Located directly opposite the harbour, all rooms have a kitchenette. Make sure you note in advance that you are bringing a dog, so a pet-friendly room can be prepared for you – all dog-friendly rooms are on the ground floor. A $50 cleaning fee is charged upon arrival.

The only caravan park right in Bermagui is Reflections Bermagui, but luckily it welcomes dogs. Dogs are allowed year-round on all sites, as well as in selected tiny homes and cabins. There’s also a handy dog wash on-site. Up to two dogs are permitted, with bookings taken online, by phone and in person. The park is close of the off-leash area in town.

For more dog-friendly caravan parks, head 1o minutes north to Wallaga Lake, where there are three caravan parks: BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park, Ingenia Holidays Bermagui and Regatta Point Holiday Park. Each of these parks welcomes pet dogs year-round, including in selected cabins. Regatta Point Holiday Park even has an off-leash area for dogs.

Head Next To

• South to Merimbula
• More destinations on the Far South Coast
• North to Narooma