This is one of the most scenic rides in the Tilba area. It's about 28 kilometres return, and passes through the Bodalla State Forest. The destination is a series of beaches with rocky headlands and rock pools. In summer, there are ample opportunities for swimming. Allow several hours at Mystery Bay.
This ride starts in the village of Central Tilba. There is ample parking in the village most of the year. Take refreshments with you, as there are no shops at Mystery Bay.
Ride west from Central Tilba. You will soon begin to climb, but the road is not very steep.
The Ridge Road
Five kilometres from the village, there is a road to the left - Punkalla Road (most maps show Punkalla Road going straight, with the Ridge Road going off to the right).
Go straight ahead from this junction (on Ridge Road) for a further five kilometres to another junction. The signpost shows Tilba to the right.
To the winery
Turn right and follow the road for about one kilometre to the Tilba Valley Winery. If you have time, you could call in - there is often entertainment there on Sundays, but check with the winery on (02) 4473 7308. At the winery, the road divides. Take the left fork one kilometre to the highway. Although both forks will take you to the highway, the left one won't require cycling along the highway.
Mystery Bay Road
Cross the highway, and look for a narrow single track just the other side of the bitumen. This will keep you out of the way of vehicles. Follow this to the left for about half a kilometre to the Mystery Bay Road.
Mystery Bay is about two kilometres further on, all down hill from here.
Mystery Bay facilities
There is a picnic area at the end of the road, with barbecues, an interpretive display board, tables and seats, and this is an ideal spot for lunch, but by no means the only one with views. There is a recently constructed viewing platform near the picnic area, providing views of the coast.
Two options
There are now two further options, and most cyclists prefer to take both of them.
Viewing the rock formations
The first is to ride through the camping area to look at the cliffs and the rock formations - folded rocks of geological times long ago. There are several tracks through the camping area, but take the one that passes nearest the coast. There are short tracks off this one, each overlooking the rocks and the ocean.
The second option is just as good.
To the beaches
Go back along the road you came in, and turn down Lamont Young Street. It's at the bottom of the hill, opposite the car park and the monument that explains the mystery of the bay. Ride along for a couple of hundred metres to a narrow road to the left (there may be a National Parks and Wildlife Service sign at the turnoff). The road soon deteriorates into a dirt track as it passes through the Eurobodalla National park to Pooles Beach, and a little further on, to 1080 Beach. These are both excellent beaches, and 1080 beach is good for swimming.
Now you'll appreciate the need to allow plenty of time for this ride!
Warning: at the beaches, don't let your bikes out of your sight. Take them with you, especially during holiday times!
Returning to Central Tilba
There are two ways to return to Central Tilba. Go back through the national park to the Mystery Bay Road. After about one kilometre, you will come to Sunnyside Road. This is a shorter route back to the village, but is not recommended except for the brave, as the Princes Highway is very narrow and there is no shoulder on this section of highway. It is much safer, and preferable, to return the way you came, even though it adds about another seven kilometres to the return journey.
Download the map for Ride 9.
This ride starts in the village of Central Tilba. There is ample parking in the village most of the year. Take refreshments with you, as there are no shops at Mystery Bay.
Ride west from Central Tilba. You will soon begin to climb, but the road is not very steep.
The Ridge Road
Five kilometres from the village, there is a road to the left - Punkalla Road (most maps show Punkalla Road going straight, with the Ridge Road going off to the right).
Go straight ahead from this junction (on Ridge Road) for a further five kilometres to another junction. The signpost shows Tilba to the right.
To the winery
Turn right and follow the road for about one kilometre to the Tilba Valley Winery. If you have time, you could call in - there is often entertainment there on Sundays, but check with the winery on (02) 4473 7308. At the winery, the road divides. Take the left fork one kilometre to the highway. Although both forks will take you to the highway, the left one won't require cycling along the highway.
Mystery Bay Road
Cross the highway, and look for a narrow single track just the other side of the bitumen. This will keep you out of the way of vehicles. Follow this to the left for about half a kilometre to the Mystery Bay Road.
Mystery Bay is about two kilometres further on, all down hill from here.
Mystery Bay facilities
There is a picnic area at the end of the road, with barbecues, an interpretive display board, tables and seats, and this is an ideal spot for lunch, but by no means the only one with views. There is a recently constructed viewing platform near the picnic area, providing views of the coast.
Two options
There are now two further options, and most cyclists prefer to take both of them.
Viewing the rock formations
The first is to ride through the camping area to look at the cliffs and the rock formations - folded rocks of geological times long ago. There are several tracks through the camping area, but take the one that passes nearest the coast. There are short tracks off this one, each overlooking the rocks and the ocean.
The second option is just as good.
To the beaches
Go back along the road you came in, and turn down Lamont Young Street. It's at the bottom of the hill, opposite the car park and the monument that explains the mystery of the bay. Ride along for a couple of hundred metres to a narrow road to the left (there may be a National Parks and Wildlife Service sign at the turnoff). The road soon deteriorates into a dirt track as it passes through the Eurobodalla National park to Pooles Beach, and a little further on, to 1080 Beach. These are both excellent beaches, and 1080 beach is good for swimming.
Now you'll appreciate the need to allow plenty of time for this ride!
Warning: at the beaches, don't let your bikes out of your sight. Take them with you, especially during holiday times!
Returning to Central Tilba
There are two ways to return to Central Tilba. Go back through the national park to the Mystery Bay Road. After about one kilometre, you will come to Sunnyside Road. This is a shorter route back to the village, but is not recommended except for the brave, as the Princes Highway is very narrow and there is no shoulder on this section of highway. It is much safer, and preferable, to return the way you came, even though it adds about another seven kilometres to the return journey.
Download the map for Ride 9.
In the warmer months, there are ample opportunities for a swim at Mystery Bay.
While at 1080 Beach, make sure you allow plenty of time during summer for a swim.
There are views like this all around the Mystery Bay area.
18 great bike rides in the Narooma area of the NSW South Coast
The road out of Central Tilba is a cyclist's delight.
Don't forget to look around you as you cycle to Mystery Bay.
Ride through the spotted gums of the Eurobodalla National Park on your way to Poole's Beach and 1080 Beach.
Ride 9
Central Tilba to Mystery Bay
Return distance 28 kilometres
Easy grade
Start: Central Tilba
Central Tilba to Mystery Bay
Return distance 28 kilometres
Easy grade
Start: Central Tilba
