The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary at Mystery Bay Cottages

There’s a special kind of magic about Mystery Bay. A place where time slows, where the air smells of salt and eucalyptus, and where the hardest decision you’ll make all weekend is whether to hike, snorkel, or just sip wine on the balcony.

If you need a reset—space to breathe, move, explore—this is it. And here’s exactly how to make the most of 48 hours at Mystery Bay Cottages.

Friday Night: Settle In & Sunset Feasting

5:00 PM – Arrive at Mystery Bay Cottages

Roll into Mystery Bay just as the afternoon light softens. Step out of the car, stretch, and take a deep breath—the kind that instantly shifts your mood. There’s something about this place that does that.

Check in, drop your bags, and take a quick wander. No rush, no noise—just the sounds of the ocean and the trees. You’ve made it.

6:30 PM – Dinner at Quarterdeck, Narooma

Narooma’s iconic Quarterdeck is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re on holiday the second you walk in. Tiki vibes, cocktails, seafood straight from the boats—it’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend.

9:00 PM – Slow Down & Switch Off

Back at your cottage, let the night take over. Pour a herb tea , step outside for a minute, and just be. No screens, no stress—just the stars and the sound of the ocean in the distance. Sleep is going to be good tonight.

Saturday: Choose Your Own Adventure

7:30 AM – Coffee & Breakfast at Bound to Earth

Start the day right at Bound to Earth in Narooma. The kind of place that does coffee properly—organic, strong, no fuss. Breakfast is fresh, healthy, and exactly what you need before a day of exploring.

8:30 AM – Option 1: Hike Gulaga Mountain

If you’re up for it, Gulaga is calling. This sacred mountain is more than just a hike—it’s a journey through rainforest, past ancient rock formations, up to sweeping views that remind you why getting outside is always worth it.

Lunch at Dromedary Hotel after? Feels right. A cold beer and a hearty meal in a pub with history. Perfect post-hike reward.

8:30 AM – Option 2: Snorkel with Seals at Barunguba (Montague Island)

Not feeling the climb? Go underwater instead. Snorkeling with the seals at Barunguba is next-level. They’re playful, curious, and if you’re lucky, they’ll spin around you in the water. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you.

Post-snorkel lunch? Oyster Farmer’s Daughter for fresh-shucked oysters, seafood and wine by the water. Or, if you’re feeling casual, grab fish and chips from Blue Octopus in Dalmeny and eat with your toes in the sand.

5:30 PM – Sunset Over Gulaga & Dinner In

Back at the cottages, watch the sun dip behind Gulaga with a glass of something good in hand. No need to go anywhere tonight—the full kitchen means you can cook up something simple and delicious.

A slow dinner, fresh air, and an early night? Sounds perfect.

Sunday: Slow Mornings & Coastal Wanders

6:30 AM – Tea & Journaling on the Deck

Mornings here hit differently. Wrap your hands around a cup tea, grab a journal (or just sit and take it all in), and let your mind slow down. There’s something about early light, quiet air, and that first sip that just works.

7:00 AM – Bushwalk to Corunna & Swim at Billy’s Beach

Take a morning walk from Mystery Bay to Corunna, following the coastal trail around the headland. On the way back, stop at Billy’s Beach—secluded, crystal-clear, and perfect for a wake-up swim.

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Salt Café, Narooma

Head into town for breakfast at Salt, where Narooma inlet views and a laid-back vibe pair perfectly with healthy food and excellent coffee. It’s the kind of place where you sit a little longer than planned, just soaking it all in.

11:00 AM – Music, Wine & One Last Stop

If the timing’s right, head to Four Winds for a concert where live music meets nature. Or, if a long lunch feels more like your vibe, Tilba Valley Winery has live tunes, local wines, and the kind of relaxed Sunday energy that makes leaving harder than it should be.

2:00 PM – Pack Up & Head Home

By now, you’ve got that good kind of tired—the one that only comes from fresh air, movement, and a weekend well spent. Bags packed, windows down, you head home knowing one thing for sure: you’ll be back.

Ready to Plan Your Stay?

No matter the season, Mystery Bay Cottages is the perfect place to switch off, reset, and reconnect. Whether you’re here for the hikes, the ocean, or just some well-earned stillness, this is your place to escape.

www.mysterybaycottages.com.au