Bremer Bay
The bay, from which the town derives its name, is believed to have been
named by Surveyor General John Septimus Roe, who visited the area in
1831. It is assumed that Roe named it after James John Gordon Bremer,
captain of the ship Tamar, under whom he served between 1824 and 1827.
Bremer Bay was originally named Wellstead in 1951 but locals petitioned to have the town renamed to the name it was known by locally - Bremer Bay - and the name was officially changed in 1962.
Today, Bremer Bay is a popular tourist destination with visitors coming to this part of the world for sightseeing, to walk on the snow white beaches, dip into the crystal clear water, fish, relax and get up close to whales (they're sometimes less than 50 metres from the shore).
Sightseeing
Fitzgerald River National Park
Bremer Bay is both on the edge of this unique
National Park. It is one of Australia's largest National Parks, an
UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserve with an extremely diverse Flora
and Fauna, with about 1900 species of plants, 75 of which are
endemic and abundant bird life. Discover the mallee-heathland,
beautiful bays and beaches, rugged mountain ranges and rivers. A
highlight is Point Ann, where during July to October the Southern
Right Whales come to calve in large numbers and can easily be
observed from viewing platforms r right from the shore.
There are a number of walk trails from 1 to 3 hours, as well as
overnight walks. You're required to register with the ranger if you
are planning an overnight journey. Most attractions can be reached
on 2wd gravel roads. There are quite a few 4wd trails as well and it
is advisable to contact the ranger about their condition before
heading off for your adventure.
Beaches
Some of the most beautiful, pristine, white beaches in the world are found
around Bremer Bay, and most are excellent swimming spots, including -
John Cove - a safe swimming beach, good for small children
Short Beach - deep water, good fishing
Blossoms Beach - good family beach
Native Dog Beach - good surfing (watch out for the rip)
Point Ann - Breathtaking and sometimes good surf.
Fishing
If you love seafood but recoil in fright whenever you see the price you have to pay retail, why not catch them yourself? Fishing on and off-shore ranges from herring, skippy and salmon to other deeper water varieties,
such as nannygai, snapper, groper and a host of others.
The Bremer River also provides fishing for bream and mullet.
For those with boats, launching at the Fishery Beach Marina provides
excellent facilities. Those interested in river fishing should note that
there is a small boat launching pad at Muir's Point.
Bremer Bay also hosts a large Offshore Angling Classic fishing tournament on the long weekend in March. Try your luck on Bremer Bay Charters for fishing or sightseeing, 9837 4340.
Whale watching
From July to October each year, Southern Right whales can be seen
calving in the calm waters of the many sheltered bays along this section of coastline. At times, they are as
close as six metres from the shore. Point Anne is one of the favourite
viewing spots.
Diving
The coral reefs offer another, spectacular world, just under the surface.
You'll be able to see the Leafy Sea Dragon, a rare and vulnerable relative
of the sea horse.
You can hire gear, fill your tanks, or even take a diving course at
Lebens Diving Services at Bremer Bay.
Wildflowers
The best times of the year are August, September and October. Many rare
species are found only in and around Bremer Bay and the Fitzgerald National
Park. Species to watch out for include the Royal Hakea (Hakea
victoria) and
the Quaalup Bell (Pimelea physodes), which can be found in the Fitzgerald
River National Park.
Accommodation
Bremer Bay Caravan Park Bremer Bay Rd. Ph 9837 4018.
Bremer Bay Holiday Flats Ph 9837 4014.
Bremer Bay Resort Bremer Bay Rd. Ph 9837 4133.
Community Youth Camp Bremer Bay Rd. Phone Bremer Bay Caravan Park for contact details.
Bremer Bay Beaches Resort cnr Wellstead & Pt Henry Peninsular Rd. Ph 9837 4290.
Wellstead Homestead Homestead Rd. Ph 9837 4042.
Fitzgerald River National Park Bed & Breakfast Quiss Rd. Ph 0448 446 668.
Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat Ph 9837 4124.
Food & Drinks
Bremer Bay Service Centre 5 Gnombup Tce. Ph 9837 4093.
Bremer Bay General Store & Liquor Store 1 Mary St. Ph 9837 4015.
Bremer Bay Resort Bremer Bay Rd. Ph 9837 4133.
Museum Resturant and Cafe Wellstead Rd Ph 9837 4313
Trumps Cafe and Pizzeria Bremer Bay Beaches Resort Ph 9837 4290
Further details about the sights and attractions of the area are available in the Jerramungup Shire District Map and Visitor Information Guide, which is available from the Shire of Jerramungup office (9835 1022), Bremer Bay Resource Centre (9837 4171), and most local businesses.
For more information, please visit the Shire of Jerramungup website.


