Bermagui Historical Society

08/10/2026

Well we didn't solve it, but we had a great time retracing the fascinating and baffling Bermagui Mystery. Many thanks to the 50-odd history nuts who gathered on Monday on the Bermagui headland, then ventured to Long Swamp, Tilba headland and Corunna point before ending up at Mystery Bay. It was 146 years since five men vanished from Bermagui, their boat later found wrecked at Corunna point. Where they murdered? If so, whodunnit, how and why? Or were they accidentally lost at sea? If so, how come the boat managed to wash ashore? Thanks to Montreal Goldfield and Narooma Historical Society for delivering the 2026 edition of the Mystery Tour with us at the Bermagui Historical Society.

13/09/2026

Big reminder: October 5, you're invited to Retrace the (in)famous Bermagui Mystery. Excellent write up in About Regional - thank you!

In October 1880 five men who had arrived in Bermagui a few days earlier disappeared. Their boat was found on…

04/08/2026

Hold the date! On October 5th we'll be retracing the famous 'Bermagui mystery' of 1880. It's the Monday of the long-weekend, so it'll be a perfect opportunity for visitors (and locals!) to learn more about this remarkable, unsolved and unsolvable mystery which cost five lives ... only their boat was found, with a single bullet lodged in the bulwark ...

22/07/2026

And talking of 150 years Bermagui Public School, here are two commemorative glasses from the Centenary celebs back in 1976. They're part of our collection of local history items and are on display now in our Museum. Come and visit! (Opening hours Tues and Thurs 10-2).

22/07/2026

More details about the big celebration for 150 years Bermagui Public School. This is sure to be a big event in town so make sure it is in your diary!

15/07/2026

The O'Shea sundial - beautifully restored, and now on display again in the Museum. Thanks to Philippe Ravenal of Galba Forge, who crafted a new bronze gnomon and welded it neatly to the face of the sundial.. And thanks to our volunteers who staff the Museum visits can see the sundial, and other other displays, between 10 am and 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.

https://galbaforge.net.au/index.php/custom-made/

If you can't come in, read the amazing history of the sundial on our website: https://bermaguihistoricalsociety.org.au/our-mystery-sundial-fake-or-fortune/

The original gnomon was installed at the O'Shea memorial on the foreshore in 1937, and went missing sometime during the Second World War.

29/06/2026

Important announcement tomorrow on ABC South East NSW (9.15am Tuesday 30/6) regarding our O'Shea sundial. Spoiler alert: it has been beautifully restored and will soon be on display again in the Museum.

10/06/2026

Big local anniversary coming up in September!

🌳 Do you remember The Big Tree? 🌳

We are looking for photos, stories and memories of The Big Tree- whether you played nearby, have old photos or just remember it fondly, we'd love to hear from you!

Please share your photos or memories in the comments or send us a message if you'd like.

Below is a current photo of The Big Tree, 2026.

17/05/2026

There were fond words and heartfelt thanks at the farewell this afternoon for Bermagui stalwarts Wendy and Allan Douch, who are heading north to Queensland. Family, friends and community representatives spoke warmly of the couple for their rich and varied contributions to the life of the local community over many decades – not least during the Black Summer fires. They will be sorely missed!

Cuttagee-born Allan served as President of the Bermagui Historical Society after a lifetime in forestry, with Wendy by his side as Secretary.

Earlier this week Dr Michael Holland read a Community Recognition Statement about Allan and Wendy in the NSW Parliament – see comments for details.

20/04/2026

UPDATE: DEFERRED TO WEDNESDAY MORNING, 9.20am Tune in to ABC local radio - we’ll be discussing the history of the war memorial on the Bermagui headland, venue for annual ANZAC Day Dawn Services. Thanks to ABC Radio for its regular support for local Historical Societies!

Send a message to learn more