🔍

Bermagui

NSW 2546 • Rest of NSW

1,865
Population (2021)
$31,304
Median Income
44.26 km²
Area
$310/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralQuietRetiree-Haven

About Bermagui

Bermagui is a scenic coastal fishing town on New South Wales' Far South Coast, nestled on the shores of Horseshoe Bay within the Bega Valley Shire, approximately 430 kilometres south of Sydney and 180 kilometres south of Wollongong. With a 2021 Census population of 1,865 — up from 1,536 in 2016 — the town has attracted steady growth driven in part by sea-changers and retirees. The median age of 58 reflects a predominantly older demographic, and the community draws strongly on Anglo-Australian heritage, with English and Australian ancestry dominating. The rural locality spans 44 square kilometres of coastal headlands, beaches, and hinterland.

Bermagui is celebrated as one of the premier game-fishing destinations on the east coast of Australia, with the Blue Pool ocean rock pool and Bermagui Beach among its best-known natural attractions. The town offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a small commercial strip, local cafes, restaurants, and the iconic Blue Pool Club. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy surfing, diving, whale watching, and walking trails through surrounding national park and headland reserves. The community has a strong creative arts scene, hosting regular markets and the Bermagui Fringe Arts Festival, making it a popular destination for weekenders and a rewarding place to call home for those seeking a quieter coastal life.

Bermagui falls under postcode 2546 and is governed by Bega Valley Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bega electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2546
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Bega Valley
Federal Electorate
Eden-monaro
State Electorate
Bega
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.43°, 150.04°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
44.26 km²
Elevation
45m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Premier Motor Service (coach) — Bega / Narooma / Sydney (long-distance coach only) Varies — Bega approx. 40 min, Sydney approx. 6.5 hr

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
430 km
By Train
No direct train service — nearest rail at Bomaderry (Nowra), approx. 150 km north
By Car (Peak)
4.5–5 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
4–4.5 hr

🛣️ Bermagui is a remote coastal town; a car is essential. Canberra CBD is approximately 250 km by road (2.5–3 hr).

Walkability Car-Dependent

The small town centre is walkable for residents near the main street, but most errands and services require a car given the rural setting.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    1-9 Young Street Bermagui 2546 NSW

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Bermagui by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Bermagui Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Bermagui" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$310
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
58 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.7%

14 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,536
Census 2021
1,865
▲ 21.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,636
Income 2021
$31,304
▲ 22.1% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,432
Born Overseas 259

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 83
  • 2. New Zealand 24
  • 3. Germany 20
  • 4. United States 13
  • 5. Scotland 12
  • 6. Netherlands 11
  • 7. Philippines 9
  • 8. Canada 7
  • 9. Greece 7
  • 10. Italy 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 846
Australian 680
Scottish 252
Irish 243
German 80
Italian 52
Australian Aboriginal 51
Dutch 42
French 19
Polish 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,126
Both parents born in Australia
323
Both parents born overseas
243
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.5%
Christianity
37.4%
Buddhism
1.4%
Islam
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
75 (4.0%)
5-14 years
166 (8.9%)
15-19 years
74 (4.0%)
20-24 years
47 (2.5%)
25-34 years
132 (7.1%)
35-44 years
148 (7.9%)
45-54 years
195 (10.5%)
55-64 years
343 (18.4%)
65-74 years
415 (22.3%)
75-84 years
203 (10.9%)
85+ years
72 (3.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bermagui known for? +

Bermagui is best known as one of Australia's premier game-fishing destinations, as well as the iconic Blue Pool ocean rock pool, Bermagui Beach, whale watching, and a thriving arts and market scene on the Far South Coast of New South Wales.

How far is Bermagui from Sydney? +

Bermagui is approximately 430 kilometres south of Sydney, a drive of around 4.5 to 5 hours. It is closer to Canberra, roughly 250 kilometres away (about 2.5 to 3 hours by road).

Does Bermagui have public transport? +

Bermagui has very limited public transport. Long-distance coach services (such as Premier Motor Service) connect it to Bega, Narooma, and Sydney, but there is no rail service and no local bus network. A car is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Bermagui? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bermagui has a population of 1,865 — an increase from 1,536 in 2016, reflecting its growing appeal as a sea-change destination on the Far South Coast.

Is Bermagui a good place to live? +

Bermagui offers an exceptional coastal lifestyle for those who value natural beauty, fishing, surfing, and a close-knit community. It is particularly popular with retirees and lifestyle seekers, though the median age of 58 and limited services mean it suits those happy to embrace a quiet, rural pace of life.

What is the postcode for Bermagui? +

The postcode for Bermagui, NSW is 2546.