Eden

Whale watching & history

Eden is one of the best whale-watching spots in Australia during the annual migration between May and early November. You will find plenty of shoreline vantage points around Twofold Bay and along the coast in Beowa National Park – Green Cape Lookout is a popular spot.

Whale breaching off the coast of Eden - Credit: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Eden Beachfront

Twofold Bay is the third-deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere and has a long associated history with whales. You can explore the story of orca Old Tom at the Eden Killer Whale Museum or take the self-drive Killer Whale Trail, which is an intriguing trip into the past when whales were hunted for oil.

Continue the close encounters with whales and other marine life – including dolphins and seals – with Cat Balou Cruises. The annual Eden Whale Festival in October celebrates the southern migration when whales stop to feed in Twofold Bay.

Eden Killer Whale Museum, Eden

Things to do

There are plenty of things to do in Eden throughout the year, like relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches, fishing, kayaking, bushwalking and snorkelling. Snorkel or scuba dive in Twofold Bay with Dive Eden and catch a glimpse of blue groupers and weedy sea dragons. Other adventure tours in the region include kayaking with Navigate Expeditions and fishing with Freedom Charters.

Green Cape Lighthouse, Beowa National Park

Bushwalking opportunities abound in the area, especially in nearby Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd's National Park). The 30km one-way Light to Light Walk, the Far South Coast's premier bushwalk, can be conquered in a day. For something more leisurely, the 800m Boyds Tower Track takes you to the historic tower designed by controversial Scottish entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd, and the Pinnacles Loop Walking Track is an easy 1.1km loop leading to two lookout points from which you can view the fascinating Pinnacles erosion feature.

Couple enjoying the view on the Pinnacles Loop Walking Track, Eden

Wine & dine

Spirit connoisseurs should head to North of Eden Gin for a tasting or to make their own bottle of gin. The cellar doors also has an onsite bar serving up cocktails, beer and wine, if you'd rather relax in the garden with your tipple of choice.

North of Eden Gin Cellar Door, Stoney Creek

If you are after a seafood feast, there are plenty of spots in town to indulge, including Eden Fish & Chips. Meanwhile Essentially Eden, the restaurant tucked within Eden’s Great Southern Inn, serves up classic pub fare (think steaks, parmis, lamb cutlets, burgers), Sprout Cafe makes a great stop for coffee, cakes and sandwiches.

Twofold Bay, Eden

Getting there

Eden is a little over six hours’ drive from Sydney, seven hours from Melbourne and around 3.5-hour from Canberra. You can fly into Merimbula Airport and hire a car for the short drive south to Eden, which takes about 20 minutes. 

The wharf at Eden was recently extended and can now welcome larger vessels, with passengers disembarking straight onto the dock. Some very large ships still need to anchor in Twofold Bay and bring passengers to shore in tender boats. The terminal is close to the centre of town and all the main attractions are within easy walking distance.