Local Escapes

Start Planning A Summer Escape To WA’s Best Kept Seaside Secret, Bremer Bay

By Cassandra Charlick

If you’ve done Margs, Denmark, Esperance, and everywhere in-between, well we’ve got a little secret for you. There’s a spot on the seaside, with plenty of things to do (or not do), five hours from Perth.

Say hello to Bremer Bay—the ultimate seaside escape and one of WA's best-kept secrets.

Explore Stunning Bremer Bay Beaches Without The Crowds

While we all love a good beach day, there’s something special about finding a new spot to hang without another soul in sight. Bremer Bay and the surrounding region is full of little bays and beaches with plenty of less people than the other seaside hubs of Australia’s South West.

The water doesn’t vary too much between winter and summer: it doesn’t shift further than 17 to 21 degrees year-round. Perfect dipping temperature AND the perfect temperature for some unique underwater wildlife that can’t exist anywhere else.

Bremer Bay is one of Australia’s hotspots for Leafy Seadragons and Weedy Seadragons, so if you are lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of these beauties amongst the flora and fauna in the region’s snorkelling spots. You’ve also got an abundance of fishing options—from the river through to the estuary, on the beach or offshore; you’d be pretty unlucky if you came back without a catch of some sort from a day out in these abundant waters.

Of course, there’s always the holiday option of simply resting in an armchair or a fluffy beach towel and watching the world go by. With the sleepy vibe and warm sea air here, there’s no excuse not to chill out.

a fishing spot in Bremer Bay

Head Out To Sea To Meet The Orcas

Everyone should head out to watch the humpback whales migrate along the coast of Western Australia at least once in their life. They are pretty spectacular and each year numbers are growing—there’s now even more of a chance you’ll catch a glimpse of one or two whales out of the 30,000 plus that swim along the coastline each migration. However, did you know that there are also orcas in WA? Yep, if your heart was captured by Free Willy back in the nineties, you can now venture out to the Bremer Canyon to find the largest known pod of orcas in the southern hemisphere.

You’ll also see some epic oceanic birdlife and a host of other deep sea life. Pilot whales, sperm whales, blue whales, dolphin pods and a number of shark species are just the beginning. Only in operation from January through until April, you’ve got limited time, so don’t leave it too late to book with Naturaliste Charter’s Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions.

orcas swimming off Bremer Bay

Visit The Largest Single National Park In The South West Of WA

We bet you didn’t know the above fun fact. The Fitzgerald River National Park is home to twenty percent of the state’s plant species and more animal species than any other nature reserve in the South West. Bremer Bay is the perfect launching pad to explore the park, with a host of trails and plenty of birdwatching and wildflower spotting for nature lovers.

An international biological hotspot, time your trip right and you’ll also be able to catch some whale watching from the Point Ann lookout. Mobile coverage can be patchy out in the park, so make sure you venture out well prepared with ample supplies and advise others of your plans. 

Enjoy A Quality Local Brew (Or Two)

Yup, there’s even a brewery out here in the ‘bay. And yes, they are making some stellar brews. Let’s be honest; with crystal clear rainwater and natural ingredients, you can’t really go wrong when you’ve got these in skilled hands. Look out for the logo with the giant squid, and head in for a beer and a bite to eat at the Bremer Bay Brewing Company, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

There’s also the local watering hole at the Bremer Bay Resort, for some tasty pub grub for when hungry bellies cry out for a feed after all that salty air.

If your preferred brew involves caffeine, then the newly opened Telegraph on Bremer has been baking up some delicious homemade treats, and delish brekky and lunch options alongside your coffee.

Rest Your Head At A Sweet Coastal Stay

There's loads of cute holiday homes to check out that'll help you really slip into relaxation mode. For something low-key, check out The Ultimate Retro Beach Shack or The Bremer Bay Weekender. If you'd prefer to step up the luxury a little, The Ridge will blow your mind.

Uncover more local escape inspo and start planning your next WA getaway.

Image credit: Tourism WA

Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.