8 Best Things to Do in Bremer Bay
Want to know the best things to do whilst visiting Bremer Bay? This is our guide on the 8 best things to do in this beautiful beachside town.
Bremer Bay is a small town located on the south coast of Western Australia, a 490 km (5hr 15min) drive from Perth, or just 180km (2hr) from Albany. Originally a small fishing community, this little slice of paradise is now a popular holiday destination for lovers of nature and adventure alike and there’s no question why!
This tiny remote town is bound by the Southern Ocean and all of its wonders, and is skirted by some of the world’s most picturesque white sandy beaches. Inland, the town is bordered by the Fitzgerald River National Park, which hosts some of the most ecologically significant flora in the world.
With so many amazing places to see and activities to choose from – we’re here to help you plan the best Bremer Bay escape. So what are you waiting for – get down here!
Here are some of the top things to do in Bremer Bay, as recommended by us:
1. Join Us For an Encounter With The Killer Whales!
The Hotspot lies 50 km off Bremer Bay, at the tip of the Bremer Canyon. It’s one of few places to reliably see offshore killer whales during summer. Expeditions run daily from January to April for unforgettable wildlife encounters. This ecosystem forms where the continental shelf meets the deep waters of the Bremer Canyon. Nutrient mixing here creates ideal conditions for marine life during warmer months. Large groups of apex predators are frequently seen in this area.
Sightings include sperm whales, pilot whales, giant squid, and many shark species. Elusive beaked whales are occasionally spotted by lucky passengers. This region hosts the southern hemisphere’s largest known group of killer whales. Seabirds are also abundant – albatross, shearwaters, storm petrels and even rare species appear.
Each expedition supports ongoing research and monitoring of this remote marine ecosystem.
2. Bremer Beach Hopping – The Best Things Ever!
Bremer Bay has some of the world’s most stunning, squeaky white sand beaches. Don’t believe us? Come see for yourself!
With endless bays and beaches, there’s always somewhere to snorkel, swim or surf – even on windy days. Make sure to visit Blossoms Beach, Fishery Beach, John Cove and Little Boat Harbour.
Have a four-wheel drive? There are legal tracks leading to more remote, breathtaking spots. Stream Beach, Dillon Beach, Fosters Beach, Whalebone Beach and Peppermint Beach are all worth the adventure. Blossoms Beach is great for gentle waves and beginner surfers. For more serious surf, head to Native Dog or Fosters Beach.
3. Visit the Fitzgerald River National Park
Bremer Bay is the gateway to Fitzgerald River National Park, a major biodiversity hotspot in the South West. Nearly 20% of Western Australia’s floral species are found here. Wildflowers bloom year-round, including the unique Royal Hakea.
Point Ann is a must-visit with beautiful views and great walking trails. Explore the 15.5 km Mamang Trail or the shorter 1.5 km Point Ann Heritage Trail.
Grab your park pass at the Resource Centre or online via the DBCA website before heading out.
4. Dive or Snorkel With Sea Dragons is Another Best Thing On Our List
The temperate and nutrient rich waters of Bremer Bay host a diverse array of marine flora and fauna which thrive in the area year round.
Fish species that are regularly seen here include western fox fish, zebra fish, scaly fins, blue devils and red lipped morwongs.
There is also a diversity of soft corals, hydroids and sponges which can be seen, as well as tube worms, basket stars and vibrant nudibranchs (sea slugs).
If you’re lucky you may even get to see a Weedy or Leafy Seadragon.
The Leafy Seadragon which are unique to the southern temperate waters, and utilise the seagrass beds as breeding areas.
If you’re wanting to check out what’s down below, Barren’s Beach, located in the Fitzgerald River National Park, is one of the best snorkelling spots!
There is also a popular dive trail (3 – 10m deep) located at Little Boat Harbour, on the Point Henry Peninsula.
This includes 9 blocks displaying information about the species in the area.
5. Bird Watch Along the Wellstead Estuary Walk Trail
The Wellstead Estuary runs for 13 km and supports an abundance of wildlife. Sightings include fish (mullet, black bream and King George whiting), crustaceans (blue swimmer crabs and prawns), and over 100 species of birds.
This habitat also forms an important feeding and resting ground for migratory birds travelling the East Asian Australasian flyway. Taking the 2km long walk trail (4km return) will offer you the opportunity to spot various bird species.
Mainly wading birds including sanderlings, pelicans, grebes, cormorants, egrets, stints, sandpipers, avocets, black swans and grey plovers. There is also an amazing array of wildflowers along the banks of the estuary during spring.Various other species can also be spotted around the town and surrounding bushland.
Species include fantails, ring neck parrots, new holland honeyeaters, red wattle birds, galahs, red capped parrots, magpies. Other bird species seen include crested pigeons, the splendid wren, firetail finches, red capped robins & yellow rumped thornbills.
6. Catch Your Own Dinner!
Bremer Bay hosts plenty of great fishing spots both on and offshore! Common species range from Herring, Skippy and Salmon, to deeper water varieties such as Nannygai, Snapper and Groper. Beach fishing is popular at Fosters Beach (famous for its salmon fishing) and Reef Beach (where you’re likely to snag a mulloway).
If you are fishing off the rocks at Reef Beach, just be cautious of slippery rocks and mindful of the sea conditions – a life jacket is always recommended! Boat launching facilities are located at the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour (where the orca whale-watching tours depart from). Fishing is also popular off the jetty here!
7. Another Best Thing About Bremer is its History
If you’re interested in learning about the history of the township, which settled back in the 1850s. Wellstead Museum is well-worth a stop over, with more than 6,000 exhibits and a cafe serving a delicious breakfast and lunch menu!
8. Support Local Business
Finally on our list of best things to do in Bremer Bay – Smile at the locals and they’ll smile back! Why not go and enjoy the local hospitality at the Bremer Bay Brewery after a big day of activities. Pop into the Pelican Op Shop and get chatting to the lovely ladies who volunteer their time to support local events and organisations.
The Bremer Bay Resort Restaurant offers a great dine-in experience with a view across the bay – but don’t forget to make a reservation!If you’re keen on a good cooked breakfast, head down to The Telegraph, a beautiful cafe situated in the historically significant, old Telegraph station building. And don’t forget to pre order for Wellstead Museum Cafe’s pizza night on Fridays!
So there you have it! Our comprehensive list of best things to do in Bremer Bay! Pack your bags and get down here – we can’t wait to welcome you to this little slice of paradise.
If you’d like to join Naturaliste Charters to see Bremer Bay killer whales, you can book directly at https://naturalistecharters.com.au/
For some further inspiration on things to do in Bremer Bay check out this blog by Western Australian Travel.
