Mystery Bay Campground – Beachside Camping on the NSW South Coast

Embrace a classic Australian coastal escape at Mystery Bay Campground, a stunning nature-based camping ground located on the pristine Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. Renowned for its raw, unspoiled beauty, this campground offers a genuine back-to-basics experience, allowing you to truly disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the natural world. Set within a beautiful forest of spotted gums and burrawang palms, the spacious and undefined sites provide a sense of seclusion and serenity, with the soothing sound of the ocean as your constant companion. The campground’s prime location offers direct access to the beach, with its iconic rocky outcrops and sheltered coves perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring rock pools. It’s an idyllic setting for those who appreciate simplicity and the great outdoors.

Mystery Bay serves as a perfect base for exploring the rich offerings of the Eurobodalla region. Just a short drive away is the charming heritage village of Central Tilba, where you can wander through beautifully preserved buildings, browse artisan shops, and sample local cheeses. The vibrant coastal town of Narooma is also nearby, offering fantastic fishing charters, whale watching tours in season, and the chance to see the famous colony of seals at the Australia Rock lookout. For bushwalkers and nature lovers, the adjacent Eurobodalla National Park presents endless opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. At the campground itself, native wildlife is abundant, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a diverse array of birdlife frequently visiting the sites. Whether you’re planning to spend your days fishing from the beach, kayaking in the clear waters, or simply relaxing by a campfire under the stars, Mystery Bay Campground delivers an authentic and unforgettable coastal camping adventure.

• Website: Mystery Bay Campground
• Phone Number: (02) 6123 9457
• GPS Coordinates: -36.30063, 150.13108

Site Information

• Location: Mystery Bay, Eurobodalla Shire, NSW.
• Site suitable for: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes. Note: sites are unpowered.
• Road access: Sealed road to the campground entrance, then well-maintained gravel tracks within the grounds.
• Site surface: Natural ground, grass, and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings are managed by the local council and are often essential, especially during peak periods.
• Maximum overnight stays: Varies by season, check with booking agent.
• Facilities: Basic amenities.
• Picnic tables: Some available in communal areas.
• Potable water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra provides the most reliable but intermittent service. Other carriers have poor to no coverage.
• TV reception: Poor to none.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, pit/composting toilets are available. No showers.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them to protect local wildlife.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted, to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
• Number of sites available: Sites are not individually numbered; camping is in designated zones.

Essentials to Bring

• Ample drinking water.
• Firewood (chainsaws are prohibited).
• Portable gas stove for cooking, especially during fire bans.
• Portable toilet if preferred.
• Solar panels or batteries for power needs.
• Insect repellent and a first-aid kit.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on-leash within the campground and on designated beaches nearby.
• Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing opportunities for species like bream, salmon, and tailor.
• Short walks: Explore the coastline with beautiful walks south to Billys Beach or north towards Narooma.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Lynch’s Hotel Narooma (~12 km)
  • O’Brien’s Hotel Narooma (~12 km)
  • Dromedary Hotel, Central Tilba (~10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Dromedary Hotel Bistro (~10 km)
  • Various cafes and restaurants in Narooma (e.g., Quarterdeck, Salt) (~12 km)
  • Tilba Valley Winery & Ale House (~11 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic Village of Central Tilba (~10 km)
  • Australia Rock & Seal Colony, Narooma (~13 km)
  • Montague Island Tours (departing Narooma) (~12 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks (with power/showers):
  • BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park (~11 km)
  • Island View Beach Resort, Narooma (~14 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Bodalla Forest Park Rest Area (~25 km)
  • Comerang Farm Stays (check for fees) (~40 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Narooma Visitor Information Centre (~12 km)
  • Dalmeny Campground (~18 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Narooma (~11 km)
  • Shell Narooma (~12 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Narooma Visitor Information Centre (~12 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flushing).
  • Narooma Foreshore Parks (~12 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mystery Bay

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot, with average temperatures between 17°C and 25°C. Perfect for swimming, though can be popular. Expect occasional summer storms.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild and often sunny days with cooler nights. Temperatures range from 13°C to 22°C. A beautiful and calm time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): Cool and crisp, with clear skies. Temperatures range from 7°C to 17°C. Ideal for whale watching, walking, and campfires.
• Spring (September – November): Mild and pleasant as temperatures warm up. Ranges from 11°C to 20°C. Wildflowers bloom and it’s a great time for all outdoor activities.