GULAGA
(Mt Dromedary)
An extinct volcano rising 806 metres above sea level, the steep track up the mountain was built in 1894 for gold miners. Gulaga and the surrounding landscape are important for Aboriginal people and especially significant to the Yuin women of the South Coast of NSW.
(see our history page for more info)
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At 'Halfway Rock' the Battery Trail leads 1.6km off the main track around the side of the ridge to the foundations of the mine manager's residence. Return to the main track and 30 minutes later you should reach 'The Saddle' Continue on to the summit via magical rainforest, teeming with life and take in the spectacular views to the coast along the way. The rock formations are both numerous and photoworthy.
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The 14km return walking trail takes around 5 hours and is quite strenuous with steep uphill sections.
HOW TO GET THERE
Turn into the road to the left (coming from the south) next to Pam's General Store in Tilba Tilba and follow the road up the mountain.
MYSTERY BAY
Mystery Bay's name arises from the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a geologist, Lamont Young, his assistant and three other men on a mission to inspect new goldfields in 1880.
With Montague Island (Baranguba) set as at backdrop and a dramatic landscape of rocky foreshore, it's fitting scenery to ponder the mystery as you gaze out to the ocean and island.
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Mystery Bay features several picnicking spots, viewing platforms and grassy areas and is a great spot to spend the day diving, swimming & snorkelling in the warmer months.
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With several small sandy bays in close proximity, dotted with rocks that provide havens for a variety of sea life, it's a very pretty location ideal for exploring rock pools and just wandering around the various little coves & nooks.
HOW TO GET THERE
2km from the Princes Highway approx 2km north of Tilba. From the highway turn onto Mystery Bay Road. Follow Mystery Bay Road into Mystery Bay. There is car parking at both the northern and southern ends of the beach.
1080 BEACH
Popular among locals for surfing, swimming and fishing 1080 is a lovely sandy beach with some rocks dotted in, perfect for a romantic stroll and a swim.
Set up a picnic at one of the tables on the headland above the beach to enjoy the view down the coastline and inland to the mountains.
Keep your eyes open as you’re travelling through the bush on your way to 1080 Beach – you may see wallabies and kangaroos among the Burrawang's (Macrozamia communis - a large native cycad plant). It’s a good spot for birdwatching too.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the turnoff from the Princes Hwy onto Mystery Bay Road and then turn right into Lamont Young Drive.
Look to the left for the entrance into the National Park, approximately 800m and follow the signs to the carpark. It's a short walk down onto the beach.
POOLES BEACH
A neat & narrow little beach with good swimming (unpatrolled) and surfing possibilities.
Views from the headland down the coast and to the north, onto the unusual rocky outcrops of the "kink zone" with views of Montague Island in the distance. A good vantage point for spotting whales during the season, so bring your binoculars.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the turnoff from the Princes Hwy onto Mystery Bay Road and then turn right into Lamont Young Drive.
Look to the left for the entrance into the National Park, approximately 800m and follow the signs to the carpark. It's a short walk down onto the beach via a boardwalk & stairs.
CORUNNA LAKE
Corunna Lake and it's lovely picnic area is set among trees in a small clearing, featuring tables and barbecues. Pretty views look out on to the lake and the lush green hills behind it.
The calm water is perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) as well as waterskiing & boating. There’s a boat ramp at the northern end of the picnic area.
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Fantastic fishing opportunities out on the lake, and dusk can reveal some incredible fish acrobatics as they leap out of the water catching the evening's meal.
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HOW TO GET THERE
Corunna Lake is located off the Princes Hwy, look for the signs about 5.5km south of Narooma. There are several spots to access the lake and walk to the surrounding beach and headland.
BILLY'S BEACH
Also known as Pebbly Beach
HOW TO GET THERE
Billy’s Beach is unusual in that it used to be covered in pebbles from one side to the other which happened overnight after a huge king tide & storm in 1974.
A small shingle dune is all that remains of a huge gravel deposit which used to cover the beach completely - you can spot the shingle pebbles awash on other beaches around the area, as the sandy beach has slowly returned. The pebbles still shift & move with the tides, and lots of rocky outcrops give you plenty of tidal pools to discover.
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There's also interesting geological features in the forms of the "kink zone". Observe the unique folded layers of rock forged millions of years ago.
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A very pretty and quite sheltered little beach, it's a lovely spot for a family swim and there's shade on the edge of the beach to enjoy the views on a hot summer's day.
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Billy's Beach is tucked on the south side of Corunna Point and can be accessed via the northern end of the Mystery Bay campground - about a 200m walk from the campground.
LOADER BEACH
Located adjacent to Corunna Lake, Loader Beach (also known as Corunna Beach) has long been a place to gather and enjoy the outdoors and a swim.
Formerly home to the famous "Corunna Point Recreation Ground" the area had been a very popular community and social meeting place at the end of the 19th century, attracting thousands of visitors for events, socialising, swimming & cycling.
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A beautiful long white sandy beach with Corunna Lake just over the dunes, the southern end is dotted with the rock formations of "The Kink". The northern end blends into Fuller Beach past a small rocky outcrop.
HOW TO GET THERE
Travel north from Tilba along the Princes Hwy, and take the next turn right after the Mystery Bay turnoff. Follow the road around, veering to the right and follow to the end. It's a short walk down to the beach & lake to the right. You can also walk along the headland, heading north from Billy's Beach.
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WALLAGA LAKE
Wallaga Lake is the largest lake in southern NSW, and is the home of Umbarra, the black duck - totem of the Yuin-Monaro people. Merriman Island, located within the lake, is gazetted as an Aboriginal Place in recognition of its significance to local Aboriginal people. This island is not accessible to the public and landings are not permitted. Significant Aboriginal artefacts & middens have been found in the area.
A fantastic spot for kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating, sailing, water skiing, bushwalking and bird and wildlife watching. Picnic and toilet facilities are available as well as boat hire.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Tilba, head south along the Princes Hwy and turn left towards Bermagui. The road will take you right past the lake, keep an eye out for the signs.
