Kiah

Why Live in Kiah?

History
The local Aboriginal people who traditionally inhabited the region were the Thaua people of the Yuin nation. From ancient times they have been the custodians of the land, sea and waterways in the area. Sites throughout the area demonstrate occupation by these rich cultures to be in excess of 6,000 years. Some of the oldest physical records of human occupation and activity to be found anywhere in the world are located beneath our noses here in the Bega Valley Shire. For an unknown number of generations, the Yuin people benefitted from the natural hunting strategies of the local Killer whales. The various tribes who inhabited the bay integrated the orcas into their belief systems as the orcas would regularly herd migrating baleen whales into the bay and the whales would commonly strand themselves on beaches to escape the killers. Early european explorers documented rituals where the yuins would “call” the orcas to drive whales to shore. Whale oil played a part in tribal rituals up and down the east coast and the yuins had a many uses for the carcasses.
The Davidson Whaling Station historic site can be found at the Kiah Inlet. The Davidson Whaling Station was the longest-operating shore-based whaling station in Australia and the last of its type to close down. Protected today as an historic site, the station will give you a unique insight into the lives and industry of the 19th century whalers.

Sports and Fitness
The fishing along the banks of the Kiah River or beyond into Twofold Bay and the waiting Pacific Ocean, is first class. Flathead, Bream, Whiting, Flounder, Trevally, Mullet and many other species can all be caught from the banks of the river. Journey out through the river mouth into Twofold Bay and the possibilities are only limited by your ambition and skill. Hook a snapper on the numerous reefs surrounding Twofold Bay or catch a Tuna, Albacore or Kingfish from one of the many schools that migrate offshore. Majestic sea eagles nest all around the area and can be spotted searching for prey. Catch a glimpse of a lyrebird scratching at the rainforest floor or snap that photo of a rainbow lorikeet or black cockatoo as it crosses between the trees. Arrive at the rivermouth and gaze at the lazy pelicans drying their wings. Daily fishing trips are available on charter, or diving trips are available between Merimbula and Green Cape. There are historic discovery cruises in Twofold Bay offering dolphin, seal and whale spotting opportunities. Alternatively beach, rock and surf fishing are available as land-based activities. There are popular scuba diving and snorkelling locations in and around the wrecks that litter the coast. Near Kiah lies Ben Boyd National Park, offering a wealth of outstanding scenery and bushwalking. There are many popular bushwalking tracks including the Light to Light walk from Boyd’s Tower to Green Cape lighthouse.

Distance From Cities and Transportation
Kiah is 7 hours from Sydney, 4 hours from Canberra and 7 hours from Melbourne. The locality is approximately 70 kilometres from Bega and 15 kilometres from Eden. The local airport is located on the outskirts of Merimbuka and is serviced by regular daily flights to Melbourne and Sydney. Interstate, Regional and local bus services are available.

Famous Landmarks
15 minutes from Kiah is a monumental example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style of architecture, Edrom Lodge. The house exhibits many characteristics of the style including interiors with high quality workmanship. The impressive setting on a peninsula on Twofold Bay and historic associations with the original owner add to its significance. This remarkable home was owner-designed by John Logan and built for him in 1913. John Logan was a tireless activist against governmental neglect of this area. He also had Eden's Log Cabin constructed in 1936 which he then donated to the Girl Guides, where his daugther Margaret was First Lieutenant. The home is situated near the Harris Daishawa chip mill and enjoys commanding views across Twofold Bay toward Eden. It now offers accommodation to educational and community groups. The site is also of historical significance as the base for Benjamin Boyd's activities at East Boyd, the manager's house, occupied by Oswald Brierly, being sited in what is now the front garden of Edrom.

Restaurants and Cafes
Kiah is approximately 15 minutes from Eden. There are no restaurants or cafes in Kiah, however, there is the Kiah General Store. It sells petrol, food, liquor and fishing equipment and is open 7 days a week.

Schools, Education and Institutions
Kiah is a short drive out of Eden, and the local school buses offer their services to Eden Primary School and Eden Marine High School, also to the schools in the surrounding areas.