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. Join a whale watching cruise with Sapphire Coastal Adventures to get even closer to these majestic creatures.

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 history with whales and whaling. Explore the story of orca Old Tom, who famously helped herd baleen whales into the harbour, at the Eden Killer Whale Museum or take the self-drive Killer Whale Trail, which is an intriguing trip into the past. 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. Relax 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. Join a guided kayaking tour with Navigate Expeditions to paddle the Pambula River, shuck oysters and learn about its Indigenous history. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, the Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park has 58 kilometres of exhilarating trails.

The 32-kilometre one-way Light to Light Walk, the Far South Coast's premier bushwalk, has been completely revamped and reopened in mid 2025. The three-day, two-night walk passes landscapes of rugged cliff tops, eucalypt forest and coastal heathland between Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse, with campgrounds along the way. It can easily be tackled on your own or join a guided tour with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co, Life's An Adventure and Navigate Expeditions. 

Light to Light Walk - Credit: Remy Brand | DCCEEW

Bushwalking opportunities abound in the area, especially in nearby Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd's National Park). For something 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 1.1-kilometre 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

Discover the region's rich Indigenous heritage along the Bundian Way Story Trail. Following an ancient Aboriginal pathway, this 1.8-kilometre track winds along the coast and through lush bushland, with interpretive signage to highlight important sites. Yandama On Country runs immersive experiences around Twofold Bay that include a traditional smoking ceremony followed by a guided walk that introduces you to plants, animals and the deep connection the local Indigenous people have to the land.

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. If you are after a seafood feast, there are plenty of spots in town to indulge, including Eden Fish & Chips. 

Twofold Bay, Eden

Where to stay

Stay in a piece of history at the Hotel Australasia, known as the Grand Old Lady of Eden. First opened in 1904, it has been meticulously restored and is now a luxurious boutique hotel. Sitting on the edge of Twofold Bay, the Seahorse Inn was built in the mid 19th century by Scottish entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd. After being abandoned for nearly a century, it is now a stylish hotel with 10 rooms. Escape to the country with a stay at Hillview Farm, a tiny house surrounded by rolling hills and overlooking the Towamba River.

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. 

Cruise ships also call at Eden during the season. 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.