Visit Bremer Bay – Here’s what you need to know

Bremer Bay, a small fishing town nestled between Albany and Esperance in Western Australia, isn’t your typical holiday getaway. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but let me tell you, it’s absolutely worth it! Situated along the WA’s southern coast where the Bremer River meets the ocean, Bremer Bay is about a 5.5 hour drive southeast of Perth. It’s wild, untouched, and a prime spot for whale watching.

Known internationally for its pristine wilderness and right on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Fitzgerald River National Park, Bremer Bay boasts secluded white sand beaches and a stunning array of wildflowers in spring. It’s the perfect destination for adventure lovers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination. Take your four-wheel drive and explore bush tracks, dunes, and even drive along the beaches.

But let me tell you, what really sets Bremer Bay apart is its marine life. In winter, it’s a hotspot for southern right whales who come close to shore to calve, and in summer Orcas feast and frolic just off the coastline.

Where is Bremer Bay

Located 488 kilometres from Perth (around five and a half hour drive), Bremer Bay can be found in the Great Southern region at the mouth of the Bremer River, about halfway between Albany and Esperance. It’s a easy run from Perth, just make sure your GPS or Google Maps is set to the fastest route – as otherwise it could take you a lot longer. The best route is via Katanning, Borden, Monjebup and Boxwood Hill. All of these small country roads are well maintained, and you won’t have much traffic.

What to see and do in Bremer Bay

Experience one of nature’s most spectacular wildlife performances, witness a treasure trove of diverse flora, dive into the crystal clear turquoise waves, or go for a surf – there’s plenty to keep you busy in Bremer Bay for a few days. You could also go fishing, hiking or hop into your four-wheel drive to discover the wonders of the Fitzgerald River National Park.

Here are a few of our favourite things to do:

Whale Watching

An amazing deep-water ecosystem called the Bremer Canyon just off the coast of Bremer Bay is one of the few locations on our planet where offshore killer whales can be reliably encountered throughout the Australian summer months. Hosting over 200 Orca – the largest known aggregation in the Southern Hemisphere, the best time to see the Orca in their hunting grounds in January to April.

We recently took a full-day Orca Tour with Whale Watch Australia that departs from Bremer Bay Boat Harbour every day (weather conditions permitting) during the summer months. It was a fantastic experience on a luxurious boat, with two levels at the stern for viewing, a comfortable indoor seating area, and a bow viewing area. Tickets included drinks, tea, coffee, water, morning tea and lunch snacks (toasties, pies & sausage rolls) plus a glass of bubbly or a cold beer is served on the way back into harbour.

It was such an incredible expedition. Yes, it’s not cheap, but it was a once in a lifetime experience that we’ll remember forever. If you visit Bremer Bay during summer, don’t miss the opportunity to witness these apex predators in the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean!

TIP: The Southern Ocean has quite a swell, so if you get motion sickness take medication the night prior, the morning of the tour & again at lunchtime. We did this and didn’t have any problems!

Discover the beaches

Home to spectacular bays and beaches that stretch for kilometres, you won’t want to miss digging your toes into the squeaky white sand in Bremer Bay. Visit some of our favourite beaches like Blossoms Beach, Native Dog Beach, Short Beach, Fishery Beach and Little Boat Harbour. All these beaches can be accessed by both 2WD and 4WD vehicles (with a short walk down to the beach if you’re not in a 4WD).

The beauty of Bremer Bay is that there is always a beach to suit your needs, be that swimming with the kids, fishing, snorkelling, paddling, diving or exploring. For a gentle swim, scuba dive, or snorkel, Little Boat Harbour is usually your best bet with its protected cove.

If you’re wanting to catch a gentle wave, Blossoms Beach is a great surf spot, otherwise Native Dog Beach is popular for experienced surfers (just watch out for the rip). 

If you have a four-wheel drive, there are plenty 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!

Explore Fitzgerald River National Park

Bremer Bay is treated to a long wildflower season – and luckily for enthusiasts, there are a few wildflower species that flower all year-round within the Fitzgerald River National Park. The national park is one of the south west’s largest biodiversity hotspots, with over 20% of Western Australia’s flora found in this region. You can expect a dazzling array of blooms throughout the year, although the peak season usually occurs between August and October.

The Royal Hakea is one of the park’s most prominent species that you’ll spot most times of year. The rare Quaalup Bell and many other plant species including Banksias, Hakeas, Bottlebrushes and Feather Flowers can also be found, along with bush orchids in springtime.

The Fitzgerald River National Park also provides a unique opportunity to spot whales during the migration season (May to June) from the shore. The platform at Point Ann and the Doubtful Islands are all fantastic whale-watching locations.

Learn about the history

Rich in heritage, as well as nature, Bremer Bay was named by Surveyor General John Septimus Roe in honour of Sir James Gordon Bremer (Captain of the Tamar) who sailed into Bremer in 1848.

For a taste of history visit Wellstead Museum, the original settlement in the region. Built in 1850, now hosts more than 6,000 exhibits, antiques and artifacts. There is also a great cafe here that serves a delicious breakfast and lunch menu!

Where to stay

Whether you want to stay in a self-catered luxurious house, a caravan park or camp, there are plenty of accommodation options in Bremer Bay!  Whatever your choice, you can be assured of dazzling night skies and peaceful mornings. With lots to explore in the region, we suggest you stay two nights to give you the time to connect with nature and enjoy the slower pace of the Bay.

Here are a few of our favourites:

The Point Retreat

This gorgeous self catered and secluded hideaway sits on 10 acres of native bushland on the Point Henry Peninsula and offers modern living at a grand scale with ocean views and cool breezes. Just minutes from some of Bremer’s best beaches, it’s the ultimate luxury retreat for groups with everything you could possibly need for a short stay.

Owners Matt and Carey have created a slice of paradise in their architect-designed house fitted out with a magnificent kitchen, a wood fire for those cooler south west nights, and high-quality furnishings and bedding. Need we mention the outdoor deck or bath both with panoramic views? It even has its own private outdoor sauna.

All bookings receive lovely personal touches, like a bottle of complimentary wine from Porongurup and delicious local honey. Add The Point Retreat to your list for a short getaway.

Beaches Resort Tourist Park

Nestled in a cool peppermint grove, ‘Beaches’ sits at the gateway to Point Henry Peninsula. This modern 4 star caravan park has beautiful shady, grassed sites with a nature walk trail to the beach. With accommodation to suit all budgets, they offer spa chalets and family chalets, ensuite cabins, on-site vans, ensuite sites, powered caravan and tent sites. Facilities include clean modern bathrooms, laundry and a fully equipped camp kitchen. Pets are also welcome.

For more options on other beautiful regions to visit in Western Australia, check out Our Ultimate Guide to the Ferguson Valley, or our 5 favourite WA spots for an overnight getaway from Perth that are less than 2 hours drive!