THINGS TO DO IN BREMER BAY

FITZGERALD RIVER NATIONAL PARK

Spanning over 329,000 hectares, the Fitzgerald River National Park Biosphere is one of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia.

Walk amongst thousands of rare and unique flora and fauna species. Find out more information on what the park has to offer on the Parks and Wildlife website and make sure you check the road access before visiting as access can be closed at certain times of year.

Another great source of information and what’s happening can be found on the Friends of The Fitzgerald River National Park website.

WILDFLOWERS

Bremer Bay and the nearby Fitzgerald River National Park is home to many amazing wildflower varieties. The season peaks during Spring time from September to November, however some wildflowers can be seen in bloom throughout the year.

Unique species include the Royal Hakea (Hakea victoria) and the Quaalup Bell (Pimelea physodes) which is pictured.

WHALES

Bremer Bay and its surrounding coastline is one of only three places in Australia where Southern Right and Humpback whales gather to calve in abundant numbers. From July through to November you can observe these majestic giants and their spirited babies play and frolic in the sheltered bays off Point Ann, Trigelow Beach and they have even in recent years been spotted just off the rocks at Main Beach and Blossoms Beach in Bremer Bay.

Photo: Southern Right Whale at Blossoms Beach, Bremer Bay. See this whale swimming at Blossoms in the video below – Credit: Chris Meuzelaar from Albany

ORCA's IN THE BREMER CANYON

Since 2005 Dave Riggs a film maker from Esperance has dedicated his time to unlocking the mystery surrounding the biological hotspot now known as the Bremer Canyon. The canyon is situated 70 kms off the coast of Bremer Bay and research thus far tells us that for a period in summer between January and April a leak from a large hydrocarbon pocket is released into the water and mixes to forge an ice like reef also referred to as a methane hydrate. Packed with nutrients this water then rises to the surface and lures an array of marine life, including the largest group of killer whales in the southern hemisphere, as well as many sharks, dolphins, sperm whales, giant squid and a multitude of sea birds.

To have your very own experience of this phenomenon and actively be a part of supporting the necessary research and continuing protection of the canyon, jump aboard one of the two Orca Charters operated from Bremer Bay, Whale Watch Western Australia and Naturaliste Charters. Tours run daily through January, February, March and April. To book and for further information see the Bremer Bay Community Resource Centre website.

SWIMMING, SURFING AND FISHING

You are spoilt for choice with an abundance of suitable beaches for surfing, swimming and fishing in and around Bremer Bay.

Be sure to check the local weather for conditions. Information can be also gathered from the Bremer Bay Community Resource Centre website.

BUSH WALKING

There are a number of walks in the Fitzgerald River National Park including West Mount Barren (Allow 1-2 hours), Point Ann Heritage Trail (Allow 1 hour), Twertup Walk (Allow 1-2 hours), East Mount Barren (Allow 3 hours) and West Beach Point (Allow 1 hour).

For further general information refer to the Parks and Wildlife website.

Another great source of information and what’s happening can be found on the Friends of The Fitzgerald River National Park website.

WELLSTEAD MUSEUM

Located 3kms out of the town center stands the original settlement site of Bremer Bay. John Wellstead settled Bremer Bay in the early 1850’s turning the land to sheep and cattle grazing.

Four generations on, the original Wellstead homestead, and now heritage museum stand, bearing historic witness to the toil of this early pioneering family. Wander around the original homestead complex of old stone and timber buildings, shearing sheds, outbuildings and stables. The pioneer museum, contained within the homestead grounds, houses over 3,000 exhibits. Experience, first hand, the ways of early colonial life. Guided tours by Max Wellstead are available on request.

You can also stay at the museum in one of two cottages – Boobook or Currawong.

WELLSTEAD CAFE

After you have explored all that the homestead has to offer sit at the popular Wellstead Cafe with a cup of coffee and cake and watch the native fauna nibble the grass.

Offering wood fired pizza’s, fresh bread and more. Open for Breakfast Lunch and dinner. For Cafe operating times please check the Wellstead Museum website as times vary in quieter times of year.

THE OLD TELEGRAPH STATION

Bremer Bay came into existence when it was chosen as one of the Telegraph Station sites of the Overland Telegraph. The first Station was built in 1875 and opened for telegraphic traffic on the 8th May 1876.

The original building burnt down and was replaced with the existing stone structure in 1896. In recent years this has been renovated and is now being used as a café/restaurant. For information and the menu visit the Telegraph on Bremer Facebook page.

PLAYGROUNDS AND PICNIC AREAS

Pictured is the Bremer Bay Civic Square playground and skate park with shelter, tables, BBQ’s, public toilets, drinking fountain and bicycle parking. The playground is based around a recreation of a local shipwreck, the Agnes which came to grief on the 24th of April, 1892. The history of the Agnes is interesting and if you have five minutes, have a read of its history on the WA Museum’s Shipwreck database.

The Civic Square is located on Seadragon Avenue at the corner of Yandil Street, just near the Bremer Bay Brewing Company.

There is also a children’s playground called Pelican Park located next to the Community Resource Centre. You can use the area for picnics and there is a beautiful grassed area with a picnic table shaded by a large Peppermint tree. There is also a basketball half court.

Paperbarks picnic area is located opposite the change rooms at John Cove. The park was upgraded in 2018. The upgrades include a new shelter and table, gas BBQ’s and a fantastic new nature based playground for the kids.

BREMER BAY BREWING COMPANY

On the way into Bremer Bay, as you arrive at the roundabout, you can’t miss the Bremer Bay Brewing Company.

Using only natural ingredients and pure rain water to brew, they have a range of craft beers that are sure to quench your thirst.

There is a bar and dine in restaurant available, with take away beer and meals.

Merchandise for sale. Functions catered for. Family friendly, dog friendly. Live music, big screen TV’s and free pool table. Great atmosphere with a nautical theme.