What’s the mystery in Mystery Bay?

Fishing waters to the Yuin people and locally known as Mutton Fish Bay because of its plentiful abalone (mutton fish), the town became known as Mystery Bay after the fateful day on Sunday, 10 October 1880 when an abandoned row boat was discovered offshore.

The Mines Department had sent government geological surveyor, Lamont Young, and assistant Max Schneider to inspect and report on a gold find near Bermagui. They secured a boat and crew of three to row them from Bateman’s Bay to the gold fields.

At about 7 am on the Sunday morning the boat was seen by several residents leaving Bermagui and others noticed it as it moved slowly north along the coast.

The next time the distinctive green boat was seen was at Mutton Fish Point was at 4 pm that afternoon by a man riding along the coast. There were four large holes in the hull that were created from the inside-out. Personal items had been left behind in the boat and on the beach- but the men had disappeared. An intensive search began that day and followed for many months- but no clues to their disappearance have ever been found.

The streets in Mystery Bay are named after the crew of the boat.

If you’re driving up the coast road from Melbourne, bear in mind that filling up with petrol at Lake’s Entrance, Orbost  or Cann River will ensure you make it the whole way without any dramas. E-vehicles can also charge at Cann River: there are 3 Tesla chargers and a Chargefox (ChadeMo and CCS combo) at the playground near the public toilets.

Keep an eye out for the sign to turn off to the right at Mystery Bay road-it’s about 5km north of the turnoff to historic Tilba.

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Coming from the north leave Narooma, cross Lake Corunna, and as the next overtaking lane ends, is the turn off to Mystery Bay on your left. It’s easy to miss and a sharp turn, so stay alert! Drive about 2km and you’ll see Lamont Young drive on your right. Follow it along until just past Reader Place and the house is on your right.

The mild temperate climate in Mystery Bay and the surrounding area with 4 distinct seasons, mild cool winters and hot summers with moderate humidity makes the area conducive to lush semi tropical plant growth, but is most suited to the growth of Corymbia Maculata, the spotted gum tree which is attractive to honeyeaters.

Gulaga mountain (named Mount Dromedary by explorer Captain James Cook), a forested ancient volcano, and the surrounding landscape are important for Aboriginal people and especially significant to the Yuin women of the South Coast of NSW.

There is a 14km round trip (5 hour) walk: graded hard, starting near the café in Tilba Tilba.

It’s easy to while away a whole day exploring the garden and the many delights sprinkled throughout the house, from original local art to WWI brass relics and a shadow box full of delightful curios. Find adventure, romance or a fishing guide in the well-stocked bookshelf suited to kids and adults alike, with Christmas-themed books for the holiday season.

There are lots of local walks in the area, and 1080 beach is a 10 min drive over rough terrain but worth it as you have a spectacular view along the coast to reward you. The road entrance is on the opposite side of Lamont Young Drive near the cycad forest.

Should the skies close in, don’t despair. There is a selection of board games and puzzles for all ages as well as some drawing materials and a Brio train set. If it gets a bit chilly, the blue box on the front verandah is stocked with kindling and firewood and the fire will be laid ready for your arrival, and there’s also reverse-cycle air conditioning in the lounge/dining area and both bedrooms.

As the shadows lengthen, the stillness of the afternoon is broken by the echoes of a kookaburra chorus. Native birds (King parrots, rainbow lorrikeets, cockatoos and crimson rosellas) glide to the back deck to feast on seeds and fossick in the garden. Suitable seeds are provided for you to sprinkle out for visiting birds. It’s fascinating to watch them establish their pecking order. The Crimson Rosellas seem to be the “Mean Girls” of the birds native to the area.

After a BBQ dinner on the back deck, drift off to sleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore…bliss!