Montreal Goldfields History

Searching for gold During the gold rush era, prospectors were always looking for new sources of gold. Gold had been discovered at Kiandra, Nerrigundah, Araluen, and Mt Dromedary. Reef gold was found on the mountain in 1877 and prospectors were soon looking for signs of alluvial gold down the slopes. In 1880 a Canadian, Henry […]

Bermagui’s Tuna Poling Days

During the late 1940s the pole fishing method was introduced into the local tuna industry. It was a very energetic but effective method of fishing. Most tuna caught by this method were the Southern Bluefin. When a school of tuna were located they were stirred into a feeding frenzy by scoops of bait (usually yellowtail) […]

History of Bermagui’s Timber Industry

Timber has played a major part in Bermagui’s history. Since Bermagui’s first settlers in the 1830s, timber was sourced from local forests, and used for dwelling construction and fences etc. What follows is a brief outline of the development of the timber industry in and around Bermagui. As the country expanded the demand for timber […]

Bermagui and District

The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 4th July 1887 (By Our Special Reporter) With the exception of those whose business took them to the southern coast between Kiama and Twofold Bay, Bermagui was scarcely known to anyone until about eight years ago, when the discovery of gold in the vicinity brought it into prominence, not only […]

Seeking Sam Sinclair

In 1904 after the Boer War ended, Sam Sinclair cycled into Bermagui and set up a Blacksmiths shop. Over time the shop developed into a hardware and petrol stop and was a well-known spot for a yarn. Sam was respected for his great kindness and sense of humour and over 60 years Sam’s talents expanded […]