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Eden

Killer Whale Museum, Tourism New South Wales

Population 3010

Situated on the Sapphire Coast, the aptly named Eden is an idyllic and peaceful town on Twofold Bay. The location is excellent, with national park to the north and south, water to the east and woodland to the west. The beautiful bay is rimmed with mountains. Originally settled by whalers, it is now a fishing port and a popular, but relatively undeveloped, tourist town.

Visitor Information

Eden Gateway Centre, cnr Princes Hwy and Mitchell St; (02) 6496 1953

www.visiteden.com.au

Nearby national parks

Nearby towns

  • Merimbula

    Merimbula is a modern seaside town known for its surfing, fishing and oyster farming. Middens found in the area indicate that oysters were...more

  • Tathra

    Tathra is an idyllic family holiday location with a 3-kilometre surf beach, frequented by dolphins, that is safe for swimming and...more

  • Bega

    It is possible to ski and surf on the same day around Bega, set in a fertile valley with the mountains of the Kosciuszko snow resorts to...more

In Town

Aslings Beach: surf beach with rockpools and excellent platforms for whale-watching Oct–Nov; Aslings Beach Rd. Snug Cove: working fishing port with plenty of restaurants and cafes. Eden Killer Whale Museum: fascinating displays on the history of the local whaling industry including the skeleton of 'Old Tom' the killer whale; Imlay St; (02) 6496 2094.

Nearby

Ben Boyd National Park This park's scenery includes rugged stretches of coastline, unique rock formations, heaths and banksia forest. The area is excellent for fishing, swimming, wreck diving, bushwalking and camping. Boyd's Tower at Red Point, 32 km SE, was originally built for whale-spotting. Cape Green Lighthouse, 45 km SE, is the first cast-concrete lighthouse in Australia and the second tallest in NSW; tours by appt; bookings (02) 6495 5000. The Pinnacles, 8 km N, are an unusual earth formation with red gravel atop white sand cliffs.

Jiggamy Farm: Aboriginal cultural and bush tucker experience; 9 km N. Boydtown: former rival settlement on the shores of Twofold Bay with convict-built Seahorse Inn (still licensed), safe beach and good fishing; 9 km S. Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site: provides unique insight into the lives of 19th-century whalers; Kiah Inlet; 30 km SE. South East Fibre Exports Visitors Centre: logging and milling displays; Jews Head; bookings essential (02) 6496 0222; 34 km SE. Nadgee Nature Reserve: walking track, access via Wonboyn Lake; 35 km SE. Wonboyn Lake: scenic area with good fishing and 4WD tracks; 40 km S.

Fishing spots near town

Eden 8 km

Anyone looking for fishing variety should visit Eden. Angling opportunities include offshore game, reef, beach, estuary and pier. Eden nestles snugly on the shoreline of Twofold Bay and, unlike Merimbula and Narooma... Find out more


Pambula Lake 10 km

Pambula Lake, south of Merimbula, also known as the Broadwater, produces good catches of bream, dusky flathead, tailor, whiting, salmon, gummy sharks and mulloway. I fished this water with Bruce Libbis on one of his... Find out more


Merimbula 19 km

Most visitors on family trips arrive at Merimbula with at least one fishing rod on board. Some give priority to the boat and tackle, then try to fit the family in around them. A good boat ramp is situated near the... Find out more


Lake Wonboyn 20 km

Lake Wonboyn is one of my all-time favourite spots. Located about halfway between Eden and the border with Victoria, this large estuary system suits serious anglers and families. Some visitors to this estuary stay in... Find out more


Green Cape 27 km

Anglers who fish the east coast often refer to the January–March period as the ‘magic quarter’, when the East Australian Current brings millions of baitfish that in turn attract large predators, like... Find out more


Tathra 39 km

Tathra is a great family destination with a mixed bag of fishing. Saltwater anglers can choose from estuary, surf, rock and blue-water, while freshwater offerings include streams and dams. The major fishing attraction... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River 44 km

The Wallagaraugh River is in southern NSW and northern Victoria. It’s a big river, wide and deep in parts. Upstream, near where the Princes Highway crosses the river, it breaks out into pools. For anglers who... Find out more


Maramingo Creek 49 km

One of the most exciting, albeit also one of the most frustrating, days I experienced in an estuary took place in Maramingo Creek, an offshoot of the Genoa River. To get there, follow the Genoa River upstream from the... Find out more


Gipsy Point 50 km

If you are after dusky flathead and black bream, then Gipsy Point – which marks the junction of the Wallagaraugh and Genoa rivers – offers easy access to some of the best fishing in the inlet. To get there,... Find out more


Mallacoota Inlet 54 km

Mallacoota Inlet, near the Victoria/NSW border, is one of Victoria’s largest estuaries. The Genoa and Wallagaraugh rivers and a host of smaller creeks and streams feed the inlet. The Wallagaraugh River joins the... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Cycling - Bega Valley to Orbost 44 km

Back Pedal Cycle Tours is an eco-certified tour company that offers a great range of supported, safe and family-friendly cycle tours, from single-day excursions in the Bega Valley, through to the three-day ‘Border... Find out more


Platypus-watching - Bombala 62 km

If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out more


Croajingolong National Park 84 km

One-third of Australia’s bird species have been spotted in this 87 500-hectare park that stretches for 100 kilometres along the coast. The threatened ground parrot forages in the heath and lorikeets feed in the... Find out more


Snowy Mountains Touring Company 135 km

Based on an unusual concept, this company offers a personal tour guide who can accompany you, in your vehicle, explaining the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the area as you travel. Either you can drive, or they... Find out more


Canoeing in the Snowys 137 km

It is certainly not the best spot in the country for canoeing and kayaking, but peaceful days can be had enjoying these activities on Lake Jindabyne, or more exciting adventures are possible on overnight excursions down... Find out more


Cross-country skiing 152 km

A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out more


Sailing - Batemans Bay 152 km

Batemans Bay Sailing Charters is eco-certified and offers sailing trips out of Batemans Bay on a 12.5-metre catamaran, from a three-hour cruise around the bay to overnight excursions.... Find out more


Bushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 155 km

There is almost no end to the hiking that can be done in the Snowy Mountains. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks, and infinite ways to wander through the hills. The most popular walks are to the top of... Find out more


Bushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 191 km

From meanders along isolated beaches and around heath-covered headlands, to long hikes up rugged mountains in Budawang, Morton or Deua national parks, the South Coast provides limitless possibilities for great... Find out more


Cruises - around Lakes Entrance 192 km

More than just a cruise, a one- or two-hour Sea- Safari out of Lakes Entrance is an opportunity to add to research about the area. You will help document seabirds, marine life – including seahorses with an... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Narooma Golf Club 96 km

Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out more


Royal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 208 km

When the site for the nation’s capital was selected in 1909, it was mainly rolling grassy plains with few trees. Little was known about what species might flourish in Canberra’s environment. The federal... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Eden Fishermen’s Club

‘Old Tom’s’ Dining Room has had a facelift, with renovations making the most of the stunning Twofold Bay views. Ocean-fresh crayfish, oysters and mussels are delivered to the kitchen door every day for no-frills,... Find out more


Essentially Eden

Part of The Great Southern Inn, this busy restaurant highlights the freshest regional ingredients, particularly the local seafood. With stunning views of Twofold Bay, visitors are enticed to delay their departure and... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 210 km

Canberra may well claim to be the real ale capital of Australia on the strength of this single brew-pub, which sees more pints of hand-pumped ale pulled than any other joint in the land. From the well-balanced and... Find out more


Campsites around town

Mowarry Point camping area (bush camping) 13 km

With no facilities, this bush-camping site is along the Light to Light walking track, 3 km north of Saltwater Creek. You can also walk in from the end of the road to the north, which passes by scenic Leatherjacket... Find out more


Saltwater Creek camping area 14 km

To get to Saltwater Creek campground, follow the Princes Hwy 18 km south of Eden and turn onto Green Cape Rd then Duckhole Rd. Turn east onto Saltwater Rd and follow it to the end. There’s fishing, swimming,... Find out more


Hegartys Bay camping area (bush camping) 18 km

This is a bush camping site with no facilities, along the Light to Light walking track north of Bittangabee Bay. Access via either Bittangabee Bay or Saltwater Creek to the north. Bring your own drinking water; gas/fuel... Find out more


Scrubby Creek picnic and camping area 20 km

The facilities here are pretty basic, but they include picnic tables, drinking water and wood barbecues, which is all you need for a comfortable overnight stopover. Follow the signs from the Princes Hwy to East Boyd... Find out more


Bittangabee camping area 20 km

On the long-distance but easy Light to Light walking track (30 km, 3 days) in the southern section of the park, Bittangabee camping area offers swimming, snorkelling, fishing and diving. A shorter section of the track... Find out more


Merrica River Entrance Camping Area (bush camping) 26 km

It’s about 4.5 km from the trackhead to Merrica River Entrance camping area. This is a designated bush-camping site for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred.... Find out more


Hobart Beach camping area 30 km

Spacious and well equipped, Hobart Beach camping area has shaded campsites, lovely picnic spots and excellent lookouts (Turingal Head is a favourite). A number of walking tracks fan out from here, and the park rangers... Find out more


Newtons Crossing camping area 30 km

Follow Allan Brook Rd off Imlay Rd and follow the signs to Newtons Crossing. It’s just a small spot, with 5 sites available. However, it is a lovely spot, situated next to the Wallagaraugh River, which flows... Find out more


Newtons Beach Camping Area (bush camping) 34 km

About 9 km from the trackhead, this camping site is a designated bush-camping site for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred.... Find out more


Little Creek Camping Area (bush camping) 38 km

From Newtons Beach to the designated bush-camping site at Little Creek is approximately 4.3 km. Gas/fuel stove preferred. For self-sufficient walkers only.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Garden of Eden Caravan Park 1 km

This is a well-appointed, reasonably priced park in a great garden setting, just 2 km from the town centre. It is a good place for an overnight stay or for a longer holiday. Bookings are required in peak periods; pets... Find out more


Eden Tourist Park 2 km

Situated across the road from the beach, this place is 2 km from the town centre. A popular holiday park, it caters predominantly for tourists, offering good facilities. It is a good base from which to explore the area.... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Eden 3 km

Easily accessed from the highway, this picturesque park is located on the south side of Eden in a lovely beachfront position. It has a wide range of facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Pambula Beach 14 km

This beachside park is one of our favourites in the popular family holiday region of the south coast of New South Wales. It has a pool complex, a licensed restaurant and spotless amenities, and is a great family park.... Find out more


Merimbula Beach Holiday Park 20 km

Perched on a headland looking out to sea, this quality park is in a great position. It has an excellent range of facilities including a shop and takeaway food. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more


Seabreeze Holiday Park 38 km

This is a very good quality park located across the road from the surf club, and just a stroll to local eateries. The features here are outstanding and include Austar television cabled to every site. Bookings are... Find out more


Tathra Beach Family Park 38 km

This good quality, absolute beachfront park is located in the heart of Tathra. Just stroll to the beach from your site or take a short walk to the town centre, restaurants or club. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


Bega Caravan Park 42 km

This well-managed park alongside the Princes Highway is on the southern approach to Bega. There are large grassy sites, modern amenities and pets are welcome. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River Retreat 47 km

This park is located at the end of 8 km of good, unsealed road and the turn-off is well signposted on the Princes Highway, around 8 km east of Genoa. On the banks of the Wallagaraugh River, this is a secluded spot for... Find out more


Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park 56 km

This amazing, picturesque caravan park sprawls along the water’s edge. There are over 650 sites and the reception building is just 150 metres from the town centre. Some waterfront sites even have their own... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Crown & Anchor

This is a traditional B&B in an early 1840s inn, with elevated views of Twofold Bay and surroundings. Here guests will find a welcoming country home with four guest rooms, all with ensuites and sea views. There is a... Find out more


Quarantine Bay Beach 
Cottages

Quarantine Bay Beach Cottages offers four-star self-contained accommodation that is perfect for families. There are six cottages and three units to choose from, the pick of the bunch being the Spa Vista Cottages. Located... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 55 km

These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out more


Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 111 km

This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out more


Alpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 142 km

Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out more


Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 214 km

This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Hut Link Road Rest Area 17 km

89 km NE of Cann River (L) or 19 km SW of Eden (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 12.278 E149 50.695  ... Find out more


Scrubby Creek Rest Area 19 km

86 km NE of Cann River (L) or 22 km SW of Eden (R) Large area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 13.370 E149 49.797... Find out more


Yellowpinch Dam Rest Area 25 km

32 km N of Eden (L) or 22 km S of Bega (R) Small area located 1 kilometre off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 51.068 E149 48.765... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River Rest Area 38 km

65 km NE of Cann River (L) or 43 km SW of Eden (R) Small area adjacent to the highway among a few large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 22.163 E149 42.885... Find out more


Bega Lookout Park Area 47 km

5 km N of Bega (R) or 72 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 38.692 E149 49.430... Find out more


Genoa Rest Area 53 km

48 km NE of Cann River (L) or 61 km SW of Eden (R) Large area well off the highway on the north side of the river. Excellent facilities. Good shade. GPS: S37 28.351 E149 35.486... Find out more


Bemboka Rest Area 56 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. NOTE: Camping and showers available for a fee. GPS: S36 38.127 E149 34.696... Find out more


Fred Piper Memorial Lookout Park Area 66 km

14 km W of Bemboka (L) or 62 km E of Cooma (R) Very small parking bay adjacent to the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 35.841 E149 26.647... Find out more


Quaama Rest Area 66 km

31 km N of Bega (R) or 46 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 28.110 E149 51.979 ... Find out more


Thurra River Rest Area 79 km

11 km E of Cann River (L) or 98 km SW of Eden (R) Small but secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 34.147 E149 16.346... Find out more


Nimmitabel Park Area 82 km

South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out more


Mystery Bay Camp Area 87 km

T/O 68 km N of Bega (R) or 9 km S of Narooma (L) Small shady campground located on the foreshore at a secluded beach 2 kilometres east of the highway. Limited facilities. Good shade. GPS: S36 18.032 E150... Find out more


Corunna Lake Park Area 91 km

71 km N of Bega (L) or 6 km S of Narooma (R) Very small area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S36 16.016 E150 07.742... Find out more


Bodalla Forest Park Rest Area 103 km

9 km N of Narooma (L) or 32 km S of Moruya (R) Large secluded area in the forest. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 09.063 E150 05.729... Find out more


Bemm River Rest Area 110 km

45 km E of Orbost (R) or 30 km W of Cann River (L) Small area 300 metres off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 37.799 E148 53.224... Find out more


Bellbird Creek Rest Area 116 km

39 km E of Orbost (R) or 36 km W of Cann River (L) Small parking area next to the hotel. Good shade. GPS: S37 39.132 E148 49.058  ... Find out more


Mount Gladstone Lookout Rest Area 116 km

T/O 4 km W of Cooma (L) or 47 km SE of Adaminaby (R) Small area 1.5 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Steep access road. GPS: S36 15.04 E149 04.42... Find out more


Murrungower Rest Area 133 km

16 km E of Orbost (L) or 59 km W of Cann River (R) Large secluded area just off the highway in a pleasant forest setting. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 41.358 E148 37.107... Find out more


Waldrons Swamp Rest Area 134 km

8 km N of Moruya (R) or 20 km S of Batemans Bay (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 51.906 E150 07.158  ... Find out more


What's on around town

Market: Calle Calle St; 1st Sat each month.

Eden Seafood and Arts Festival: Easter.

Eden Whale Festival: Oct/Nov.

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