Bears Beach (Bermagui)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bears Beach (Bermagui) is an exposed reef-and-beach surfing spot where wave quality is typically most consistent in the cooler season. Surf guidance emphasizes that it is usually a safe bet overall, but summer can be mostly flat or deteriorate depending on wind timing and swell. The break is described as a reef-break with an exposed feel and both left and right-hand options, with the reef section capable of producing hollower, more consistent waves than a standard beach break. It’s generally aimed at intermediate surfers: the spot can work well when offshore winds are present, but the combination of reef structure and rocks means you should plan for close-by hazards. Wind and seasonal patterns strongly influence conditions. Winter offshore westerlies are described as giving the cleanest surf, while summer sea-breezes from the NE are common and can blow out or make conditions messy for surfing. Safety considerations are a core part of local guidance: rocks, rips near reef sections/rocks, and sharks are all listed hazards, and localism is also noted. There are no lifeguards at the spot, and emergency medical access is provided via facilities in town.
- Best reliability in July
- Exposed reef section with consistent, hollower waves potential
- Cleanest conditions with winter offshore westerlies
- Rips and rocks require caution
- Generally reliable exposed reef break for consistent surf in the cooler months
- Winter offshore westerlies tend to produce cleaner conditions
- Reef sections can offer hollower/more consistent waves than typical beach breaks
- Exposed reef break with rocks and reef hazards
- Rips are present, especially near reef sections and rocks
- Summer conditions can be flat or become messy with NE cross-onshore winds
- Localism noted in some surf guidance
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, SW
- Offshore directions
- W, NW, SW
- No-go directions
- NE
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winter offshore conditions are best when winds turn to westerly offshore directions; summer is dominated by sea-breeze patterns that can make conditions messy for surf.
- Reliability
- Moderate; best clean conditions occur with winter offshore westerlies.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar · Dir: NE, E, ENE · Afternoon sea-breezes are common in summer and can blow out / worsen surf conditions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with rocky headlands at both ends.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Sand beach with rocky headlands at both ends.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Generally quiet, with higher traffic during school holidays and on weekends when swell is good.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef-and-beach surf with reliable waves in the cooler months. Generally intermediate-friendly, but the reef sections and rocks require caution.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE, SE, SSE, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- W to NW winds are offshore and typically cleaner. NE winds are cross-onshore and usually messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size, but may close out on very large, direct easterly swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Includes a reef section that can create more consistent, hollower waves than average beach breaks.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides can run about 50 to 150 meters depending on swell and sandbank configuration; typical ride length is described around 100 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Provides rides between 50 and 150 meters depending on the swell and sandbank configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bears Beach (Bermagui) in the full forecast view.
Bears Beach (Bermagui) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- ENE76°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.1 m8s period
- Temperature
- 11–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bears Beach (Bermagui) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.8–2.1 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Rips
- Sharks
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional coverage is described as limited, with marine rescue services and seasonal patrols in the area.
- Emergency Info
- Bermagui Medical Centre is the nearest facility in town.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism is described as moderate in some spot guidance; local tips suggest respecting local access.
Rules of the spot
Be aware of rocks and strong reef-related hazards; keep a close eye for rips and avoid getting caught near reef sections and rocks.
- The reef at the northern end can produce a very good right-hander, but requires caution with the rocks.
- The spot is more consistent in winter months when offshore winds are frequent.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Bega
- Nearest Town
- Bermagui
- Parking
- Small gravel parking area available at the end of Beares Beach Road.
- Access
- Accessible via Beares Beach Road in Bermagui; short walk from the parking area down to the sand.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various holiday rentals, caravan parks, and motels in Bermagui town center.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes and restaurants are available within a 2-minute drive in Bermagui.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfing and stand-up paddleboarding rentals are available via local surf shops; specialized kite/wingfoil rental is limited in the immediate town (regional baseline).
- Gear Storage
- Limited to private accommodations or specific arrangements with local surf schools (regional baseline).
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and wetsuit repairs are available locally (regional baseline).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Bermagui is known for dramatic scenery and a relaxed pace, with outdoor activities centered around the harbor and main beach.
A famous natural rock pool carved into the base of a cliff, suitable for snorkeling and swimming.
A distinctive rock formation and beach area at the northern end of the region.
A site of deep spiritual significance to the local Yuin people, with hiking trails and coastal views.
A premier destination for big-game fishing and charter boat excursions.
Local seafood hub offering fresh catches and dining overlooking the harbor.
A fenced, salt-water swimming area near the harbor entrance, suitable for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bears Beach (Bermagui)?
The best overall months at Bears Beach (Bermagui) are July. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Bears Beach (Bermagui)?
Bears Beach (Bermagui) works with W, NW, SW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW, SW. No-go directions are NE.
What skill level is Bears Beach (Bermagui) suitable for?
Bears Beach (Bermagui) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.