3 days Itinerary

Itinerary: Sapphire Coast fishing

Overview

Pack your fishing rods, along with your walking shoes, surfboard, snorkelling gear, binoculars and picnic basket. There are so many ways to enjoy the rugged and beautiful national parks on this fishing trip along the state's Sapphire Coast. Find out more about fishing safety.

Read more about Itinerary: Sapphire Coast fishing

These clean, secluded beaches, rocky reefs, calm lagoons and lakes offer up an endless variety of fishing experiences. Haul in bream from the beach in Mimosa Rocks National Park, go game fishing in Beowa National Park, or fish from your canoe, kayak or boat on Wallagoot Lake.

And when you're not angling for fish, an array of other natural adventures await. Go surfing, swimming and snorkelling, visit historic lighthouses and immerse yourself in magnificent coastal views from the varied walking trails. In winter, the coastal headlands are also great vantage points for whale watching. When you're ready to rest, there are perfectly positioned campgrounds and even a heritage lightstation keeper's cottage to sleep in.

You'll need to organise a fishing licence before setting out. Please visit the NSW Fisheries website for more information.

Getting there:

  • Start in Bega, on the NSW Far South Coast, also known as Sapphire Coast.
  • Bega is around 6 hours by car from Sydney, 7 hours from Melbourne and around 3 hours from Canberra.
  • Regional Express fly from Sydney and Melbourne to Merimbula airport, which is located approximately 35km from the centre of town.
  • Premier Motor Service has bus services that operate north to Sydney and south to Melbourne, stopping at most towns and cities in between.
  • Countrylink operates a train service from Sydney to Canberra, with bus connections on to Bega. Visit NSW TrainLink for timetables, fares and online bookings.
  • V/Line has a train/bus service from Melbourne. Train service to Bairnsdale, then bus service from Bairnsdale to Bega.
  • For weather forecasts in the area, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Day 1: Haul in a catch from Mimosa Rocks

It's only a short drive from Bega to Mimosa Rocks National Park, where the rugged, spectacular coastline offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, as well as walking, surfing, birdwatching and photography. Try catching some bream from Nelson Beach or reel in your line from Nelson Lagoon, also a popular place to canoe and kayak. At Picnic Point campground, you can sleep just steps from your next catch.

Aerial image of the beach at Mimosa Rocks National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

Mimosa Rocks National Park

Located near Bega on the far south coast of NSW, Mimosa Rocks National Park offers a great camping holiday. Visit today to go fishing or birdwatching.

Fees

Free park entry

Things to do
12
Places to stay
5
Where
South Coast
Picnic Point Campground, Mimosa Rocks National Park. Photo: John Yurasek Copyright: NSW Government

Picnic Point campground

Camp by the beach and banksia trees at Picnic Point campground. Find your favourite fishing spot; enjoy swimming and scenic views of the stunning Sapphire Coastline.

Price
Budget. Free park entry.
Sites
17
Suitable for
Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Where
Mimosa Rocks National Park in South Coast

Day 2: Catch the fish of the day at Bournda National Park

Drive into Bournda National Park, where the ocean beaches, creeks, lagoons and idyllic Wallagoot Lake have something for every fishing enthusiast. Combine fishing with a tranquil picnic lunch at Bournda Lagoon or Turingal Head picnic area, which overlooks the sparkling waters of Wallagoot Lake and Wine Glass Bay. Back at the picturesque Hobart Beach campground, you can barbecue your catch and share stories about the one that got away.

Two campers sitting outside their tent at Hobart Beach campground, Bournda National Park. Photo: Daniel Tran/DPIE

Hobart Beach campground

Hobart Beach campground, near Bega, is a perfect coastal holiday offering swimming, fishing, paddling, and walking options for the whole family.

Price
Budget. Park entry fees apply.
Sites
66
Suitable for
Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Where
Bournda National Park in South Coast

Day 3: Get lured by the beauty of Beowa National Park

Head south to Beowa National Park, which protects rare wildlife and sheltered inlets along 45km of stunning, rocky coastline. Fish for salmon or tailor along the northern beaches, or for bream or flathead in the peaceful Pambula River. Pulpit Rock and City Rock are also popular for land-based game fishing. Bittangabee campground is a great beachfront base for your fishing expeditions, as well as walking, swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Aerial view of headland, ocean and eucalypt trees near Saltwater campground. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

Beowa National Park

Beowa National Park, formerly Ben Boyd National Park, spans 47km of rocky coastline and sheltered inlets. Located near the whale watching town of Eden on the far South Coast of NSW, its crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming.

Fees

Park entry fees apply in the Green Cape area of the park (south of Eden).

Things to do
22
Places to stay
5
Where
South Coast
Length
3 days
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