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’ is situated 50 km off the coast of Bremer Bay, at the tip of the Bremer Canyon, and is one of few locations around the world where offshore killer whales can be reliably encountered throughout the summer months. Expeditions run daily from January through to April and offer passengers an opportunity to see these apex predators in the wild.
This deep-water ecosystem occurs where the continental shelf meets the canyon system and supports an abundance of marine life during the warmer months, when nutrient mixing is intensified. Large aggregations of the ocean’s apex predators can be consistently sighted in the area, including sperm whales, pilot whales, giant squid, numerous shark species, the illusive beaked whale and the largest congregation of killer whales in the southern hemisphere. This incredibly diverse area also offers an opportunity to sight a number of seabird species, including storm petrels, albatross, shearwaters and some rare species.
Joining us on an expedition also supports long term monitoring and data collection of the marine life that we have the opportunity to encounter each day in this remote area!
2. Bremer beach hopping
Bremer Bay hosts some of the most stunning squeaky white sand beaches in the world – don’t believe us? Come and have a look for yourself!
With countless bays and beaches to choose from, it’s possible to enjoy a day at the beach snorkelling, swimming and surfing, even if the wind is up!
A visit to Blossoms Beach, Fishery Beach, John Cove and Little Boat Harbour are all a must! If you have a four-wheel drive, there are a number of legal tracks that get you off the beaten path and down to some of the best beaches Bremer has to offer. Stream Beach, Dillon Beach, Fosters Beach, Whalebone Beach and Peppermint Beach are all well-worth the challenge!
If you’re wanting to catch a gentle wave, Blossoms Beach is also a great surf spot, otherwise if you’re more serious about your surfing, head down to Native Dog or Fosters Beach.
3. Visit the Fitzgerald River National Park
Bremer Bay is a gateway to the Fitzgerald River National Park, which is one of the South West’s largest biodiversity hotspots. Hosting nearly 20% of WA’s floral species, the area is renowned for its wildflowers, with some species flowering all year round, including the endemic Royal Hakea (Hakea Victoria).
A visit to Point Ann is a must with a number of walking trails to explore, including the Mamang Trail (15.5km) and the shorter Point Ann Heritage Trail (1.5km loop). Don’t forget to pick up a park pass at the Resource Centre or online via the DBCA website.
4. Dive or snorkel with sea dragons
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, 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, which 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, including 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, as well as a variety of wildflowers along the banks of the estuary.
Various other species can also be spotted around the town and surrounding bushland, including fantails, ring neck parrots, new holland honeyeaters, red wattle birds, galahs, red capped parrots, magpies, 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. Learn about the history of the town
If you’re interested in learning about the history of the township, which settled back in the 1850s, then the 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
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, or 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 breaky, 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! Pack your bags and get down here – we can’t wait to welcome you to this little slice of paradise, and 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.
