This extract is from my database Residents of NSW Vol.3. To date there are 165 entries for Bega.

BEGA. This thriving township is situated near the month of the Bega river, 255 miles south from Sydney. It is not unlikely to become a place of some importance, as the country in that part of the colony becomes opened up by agricultural settlers. Population, 625. Source: Extract from Samson PO Directory 1867.