START WITH THE BEACH

Walk to Billy’s Beach

This is the one we’re a little biased about.

Billy’s Beach is just 150 metres from Mystery Bay Cottages, with private access from the property. Walk down through the grounds and you’ll find a quiet, sheltered stretch of sand backed by bush and rocky headlands.

Explore the caves and rock pools, take a swim, bring a towel and a book, or simply wander down to see what the ocean is doing.

Early morning is particularly beautiful, with views across the water towards Barunguba Montague Island.

Explore Mystery Bay

Around a 10-minute walk from the property, Mystery Bay is known for its clear water, rock pools, caves, beaches and fascinating coastal geology. The sheltered areas are popular for swimming and snorkelling, while the rocky shoreline is perfect for exploring at low tide.

Keep an eye out for whales during the southern migration season, or simply find a rock, sit down and watch the ocean.

Head to 1080 Beach

For a wilder stretch of coastline, drive out to 1080 Beach. Pronounced “ten-eighty” by the locals, it’s popular for surfing, swimming, fishing and long walks along the sand. The surrounding forest is also a good place to spot wallabies, kangaroos and native birdlife.

The Mystery Bay to 1080 Beach coastal walk links beaches, bushland and rocky headlands and is a great way to experience this part of the Eurobodalla National Park.

WALK, RIDE & EXPLORE

You don’t need to go far to get into the bush.

The coastline around Mystery Bay is threaded with walking tracks, beaches and headlands, while Eurobodalla National Park stretches along the coast with a network of trails and spectacular natural landscapes. The Mystery Bay to 1080 Beach walk is one option, while longer adventures include the Bingi Dreaming Track and the Gulaga Mountain walk.

For cyclists and mountain bikers, the wider Eurobodalla region has an extensive network of pathways, gravel roads and mountain bike trails, including the Mogo Mountain Bike Trails further north.

GO FISHING

Bring the fishing rods.

There are plenty of places to throw in a line around Mystery Bay and the surrounding coastline, from the rocks around Mystery Bay to nearby beaches, Corunna Lake and other coastal waterways.

Whether you’re chasing a proper fishing session or just want to take the kids down with a rod for an hour, there are plenty of options close to home.

EXPLORE NAROOMA

Just a short drive north, Narooma is the main coastal town nearby and an easy place to spend a day.

Walk along the Wagonga Inlet, explore the beaches and rock formations, stop for lunch, browse the shops or head out on the water. Narooma is also the gateway to Barunguba Montague Island, where you can take boat trips for wildlife encounters including seals, penguins, seabirds, dolphins and whales.

VISIT CENTRAL TILBA & GULAGA

Head south and you’ll find the historic villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba beneath the slopes of Gulaga.

Spend a few hours wandering the heritage-listed streets, browsing local galleries and shops, tasting local produce and visiting the famous Tilba Real Dairy. The surrounding region is known for its food, arts, crafts and connection to Gulaga and the Yuin people.

For walkers, the Gulaga Mountain track offers a much bigger day out, while the Bellbrook Farm Loop is an easier option around the foothills.

SLOW DOWN AT CORUNNA LAKE

Not every day needs to be spent at the beach.

Corunna Lake sits inland from Mystery Bay and is surrounded by bush and farmland. It’s a beautiful part of the region to explore by kayak or simply stop for a picnic and enjoy the quieter side of the South Coast.

The drive between Mystery Bay, Corunna Lake and Tilba also makes for an easy half-day or full-day wander, with plenty of places to stop along the way.

EAT, DRINK & EXPLORE

The Eurobodalla is as much about local food and produce as it is about beaches.

Head to Central Tilba for local cheeses, cafés, galleries and small shops, or make your way to the Tilba Valley Winery & Alehouse beside Corunna Lake for lunch, local wine and craft beer. The region is also home to farmers’ markets, local producers, restaurants and plenty of places worth stopping when you’re out exploring.

OR STAY HOME

Of course, you don’t have to do any of it.

Spend the morning on the beach, come back for lunch, read a book on the veranda, play tennis or table tennis, watch the parrots on the grass and wait for the sun to drop behind Gulaga.

As night falls, head outside and look up. Away from the lights of the bigger towns, the night sky at Mystery Bay can be spectacular.

Sometimes the best thing to do on the NSW South Coast is nothing much at all.

PLAN YOUR STAY

For more ideas, local attractions, walks, beaches, food and what’s on across the region, visit the official Eurobodalla tourism website and the local events guide.