Tranquil Mystics well worth tracking down
THERE is no easy way to get there, but when you make the trek or swim to Mystics Beach, it is well worth your while.
Tucked away in Killalea State Park, sheltered by rainforest to the west and the Minnamurra River to the south, Mystics Beach was the stand-out nomination for the Mercury's Best Secret Spot Award.
Ben Anderson, co-ordinator of the NSW Department of Education and Training Eco Citizens Program at Killalea, said people loved Mystics because it was uncrowded and beautiful.
"There's plenty of beautiful bird life there and the beach is almost always empty - once you leave the little northern corner, you're lucky to see another person on the beach and it's about a kilometre long," Mr Anderson said.
"You can walk over the other side and sit in the lagoon, which is very peaceful and lovely.
"And there is lots of beautiful native vegetation ... so it's a pretty awesome environment."
Despite being a public beach, Mystics is often empty because getting there can be quite laborious. "Access to the beach is difficult," Mr Anderson said.
"It's great because you actually have to paddle across the lagoon or hike a bit from where you park your car, which has helped keep people away.
"And you can't see any civilisation from the beach while you're there, so it feels nice and remote."
Killalea State Park Trust chair Ed Gilmore said the trust has worked on improving vehicular access to Mystics and The Farm by building better roads.
Mr Gilmore said the beach could often be busy with surfers, but it was still a nice place to get away.
"I think a lot of surfers appreciate how good the waves are," he said.
"But it's a beautiful area, and probably one of the cleanest beaches on the coast."
ALSO GREAT - SOUTHERN ILLAWARRA AND SOUTH COAST
· The Boneyard, south of Kiama Downs just before Bombo headland, is perfect for everything from snorkelling to surfing.
· Bombo Beach, just north of Kiama alongside the train line, has great waves for experienced surfers.
· The Farm, the beach at Killalea, is between Bass Point and Minnamurra.
· Honeymoon Bay, one of Jervis Bay's most secluded beaches, is a heart-shaped bay with calm waters and pristine sands.
Illawarra Mercury – 13 January 2009
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