20 BEGA - SAPPHIRE COAST - AUTUMN 2024 Rich history, wild landscapes and colourful communities Considered the historic 'country centre' of the NSW Sapphire Coast, the quaint town of Bega is located in a lush pastoral region, and is probably best known for being home of the internationally famous Bega Cheese brand. Dairying began in the verdant Bega Valley in the 1850s, and the original Bega Cheese factory opened in 1900. At the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre (see opposite page) you can learn about the history of the valley and the cheesemaking process – and also taste the delicious results! A historic walk around Bega is an intriguing way of stepping back into the past, and it's also worth checking out the funky and stylish new cafes and galleries that have popped up around the town, along with a new micro gin distillery – all of which are helping to turn Bega into an epicurean epicentre. And of course, don't forget to check out the local community produce market, which runs from 8am to 1pm every Friday in Bega's Littleton Gardens, with the region's growers and producers displaying their wares, which typically range from baked goods and sourdough, to seedlings and seeds, abundant seasonal produce, flowers, preserves and crafts... all to a soundtrack of live music from local artists. Rustic charm South-west of Bega is Candelo, a small town of less than 700 people, which still retains the rustic charm of yesteryear. The township provides a colourful market on the first Sunday of every month, from 8.30am to 12.30pm, featuring local produce and a wonderful country atmosphere. Early settlers had the foresight to establish a beautiful park beside the river here, and today it still provides a year-round location for relaxing walks and picnics. Wild landscapes and ancient culture There are many magnificent national parks to explore in the region, offering diverse landscapes and a rich indigenous history. These include Wadbilliga, Bournda and Biamanga: a significant site for local Yuin First Nations people. Biamanga National Park Jointly managed by Aboriginal people and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW, Biamanga National Park (bi-a-man-ga) is a significant Aboriginal site filled with dramatic landscapes and places to unwind. Sacred to the local Aboriginal Yuin People for centuries, in May 2006 its was returned to its traditional custodians as part of a joint management agreement with NSW National Parks, which means that when you visit the park, you're visiting a place where decisions about the land are made by Aboriginal people, and where the sea and the landscape connects Aboriginal culture and lore. Although just 20 kilometres from the town of Bega, the park has a rugged landscape of cascades and granite boulders, ribbon gums, babbling creeks, and dramatic river gorges fed by natural springs. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities, some lovely picnic spots, and various scenic lookouts that are easily reached via short, family-friendly walks. The beauty of Biamanga National Park, which is just 20 kilometres from Bega. Photo: NPWS NSW One of the happy stallholders at the weekly Bega community produce market. Photo: Visit NSW Scan here for full detailed map CARP STREET GIPPS STREET EAST STREET NEWTOWN ROAD PRINCES HWY PRINCES HWY PRINCES HWY AUCKLAND STREET AUCKLAND STREET TATHRA STREET UPPER STREET UPPER STREET CARP STREET CARP STREET MERIMBULA & PAMBULA TO BERMAGUI TO TATHRA TO BEGA Welcome to
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