The Bega Valley Shire is located at the south-eastern extremity of New South Wales, Australia, approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne. The Shire’s coastal fringe extends from Wallaga Lake (Bermagui) in the north to Cape Howe and the Victorian border in the south. Collectively, this 106-kilometre section of coastline forms the beautiful Sapphire Coast. Inland, higher peaks of the Great Dividing Range give way to rolling hills, and numerous rivers and streams. Undoubtedly it is the natural environment that attracts residents and visitors to the area. The Shire covers an area of 6,052 square kilometres and has relatively small population of approximately 30,500 people.