IN THE BEGINNING:

Tuross Head (and further north to Bingie Bingie Point) is located in a area known for its early Devonian granites around 410-390 million years old. Most notably is the Tuross Head tonalite and Bingie Bingie suite of gabbroic diorite.

Bingie Bingie Point is of major geological significance as it is where a complex association of two igneous rock types exists - granite (Tuross Head tonalite) and gabroic diorite (Bingie Bingie suite).

The clear exposure of two differing igneous rock types and their relationship to each other in such a confined area is regarded as outstanding among exposures of igneous intrusive rocks in Australia.

OUR ABORIGINAL HISTORY:

The Brinja Yuin people occupied land from south of the Moruya River to the Wagonga Inlet. Their population was estimated to be about 1000-1500 prior to first European settlement in this area.
Traditional ceremonial activities reinforcing cultural beliefs and practices were conducted around the shores of Coila Lake. Many middens, open campsites and bora ceremonial grounds have been found.
Archaeological excavations in the area known as "the Narrows" between Coila and Tuross Lakes has revealed very dense concentrations of Aboriginal artefacts. The local aboriginal community appreciates the support and respect given by the general public to the protection of these site.

OUR EARLY PIONEERS:

The first of the pioneer European settlers to Tuross Head as John Hawdon in 1832. Hawdon was a squatter with land holdings from Moruya to Bodalla and at the centre of his holdings was the home he built in 1860 over looking Tuross Lake. Hawdon In 1838/9 John Hawdon owned a small sailing cargo vessel named “Alligator” which he used for transporting goods up the coast. She had been built in 1835 in Hobart by William Williamson, whose ship building yard was to the East of Her Majesty’s Ordinance Stores near Battery Point. Hawdon squatted on the Tuross Head peninsular, however, he had to give up the lands on the head when they were officially subdivided in 1860.
The next round of pioneer settler was in 1860 when Patrick Mylott and his wife Mary bought the Tuross Head holdings from the “Narrows” eastward. They built “Tuross House” overlooking the lakes and sea. The land was farmed until 1883 and then leased whilst Patrick Mylott and family moved to Sydney to expand his empire. He died in 1898 with Mary returning to Tuross Head to then sell the property to Hector McWilliam in 1925.

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To read on - download Tuross Head- a brief history pdf - author Lei Parker