I had an incredible time exploring the Blue Mountains during our two-week road trip in November 2023. The waterfalls were especially captivating after the recent rain, and witnessing the Three Sisters at both sunrise and sunset was an unforgettable experience, with the sunlight creating a stunning glow over the rock formations. We only managed to explore a fraction of what the Blue Mountains have to offer, and I can’t wait to return and discover more.
Throughout the trip, we made multiple stops and stayed overnight at various locations, giving us the opportunity to fully enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.
We stopped in at Eden for a couple of hours, here are the places we stopped at.
Nestled along the stunning Sapphire Coast, Eden captivates with its pristine beauty and maritime charm. I find solace in the rhythmic melody of waves brushing against golden shores. Home to the iconic Twofold Bay, where history intertwines with nature, Eden unfolds a tapestry of seafaring tales and lush landscapes. From the striking Eden Killer Whale Museum to the panoramic vistas at Ben Boyd National Park, every corner reveals a piece of this region’s rich heritage. Join me in exploring Eden’s enchanting blend of coastal allure and cultural treasures.
Click on this link to go to Eden Part 2
Eden
Nestled on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, Eden beckons travelers with its mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage. As you journey through this coastal paradise, prepare to be enchanted by pristine beaches, rich history, and a tapestry of experiences that make Eden an unparalleled destination.
By the Water
A NATURAL DEEP WATER HARBOR
The Port of Eden stands as the southernmost deep water harbor in NSW, perfectly positioned between Sydney and Melbourne. It offers services like a Harbor Master, 24-hour pilotage, Navy wharf management, and port security. Beyond commercial, naval, and cruise traffic, the port invites various recreational activities. Boasting ocean beaches, picturesque estuaries, sheltered bays, and top-notch facilities, Eden is an unparalleled destination for water enthusiasts, offering the clearest waters in NSW.
Beaches
Aslings Beach
This 2 km stretch of beach extends from an ocean-fed rock tidal pool to the entrance of Lake Curalo. Serving as Eden’s primary surf beach, it’s accessible by road from the town center to Lake Curalo. During the summer season, a section of the beach is patrolled. The clifftop viewing platform marks the starting point of a walkway leading to the lake, providing breathtaking views of the surf, bay, and both south and north heads. Dolphins are a common sight, especially during warmer weather. The beach is well-suited for surfing and paragliding.
Facilities include toilet/changing rooms, showers, parking spaces, a viewing platform, walkways, a tidal swimming pool, leash-free dog areas, and northward access to the lake. The town center is conveniently located nearby.
Aslings Beach Maritime Walk
Stroll along the 4km beachside boardwalk, passing the Historic Eden Cemetery and Eden Sports Ground before reaching the Maritime Heritage Walk leading to Lake Curalo. Etched images showcase Eden’s maritime history. Enjoy convenient beach access, a designated leash-free area for dogs, and the possibility of spotting dolphins and whales during the season. The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk offers a delightful coastal experience.
Cocora Beach
Nestled on the southern side of Eden along Ida Rodd Drive, Cocora Beach is a charming and sheltered coastal spot. The waters here are typically calm, making it a favored destination for family picnics.
Accessible from the southern end of the beach, the Bundian Way walking track awaits exploration. Dogs are allowed on the beach from April 30th to December 1st.
Facilities comprise covered BBQ areas, a children’s playground, picnic tables, toilets, cold showers, and convenient parking.
Bungo Beach (Keefe’s Pinch Beach)
A hidden gem on the northern fringe of Twofold Bay, situated between Cocora Beach and Oman Point. Accessible by turning off the Princes Highway into Quarantine Bay, veering left, and navigating a narrow dirt track for about 500 meters through the reserve. While amenities are minimal with a small car park, this leash-free beach is accessible year-round, providing a serene spot to enjoy with your pet.
Boydtown Beach and Nullica River
Boydtown Beach extends for nearly 3 kilometers along the southern sub-embayment of Twofold Bay, from the entrance of the Nullica River, past the Seahorse Inn at Boydtown, and around towards Torarago Point. The waters are pristine and calm, especially toward the southern end, making it a popular destination for swimmers, divers, fishermen, and wind surfers. Nullica Lake, located on Boydtown Beach, is an estuary. Amenities include picnic tables (bring your own wood), lagoon parking at the Nullica River end, Seahorse Inn, and lagoon parking at the Boydtown end.
Pinnacles Beach (Long Beach, Terrace Beach)
Pinnacles Beach is a 3km stretch that’s part of the renowned “Long Beach,” extending over 10kms. Secluded and vast, it’s surrounded by dense coastal scrub. The highlight is the natural rock formations, The Pinnacles, showcasing multi-colored sand and clays. These non-patrolled beaches are perfect for surfing and beach fishing. Access via Haycock Road from the Princes Highway, about 8kms north of Eden, with parking available at the NWPS carpark, approximately 1.5kms off the highway on a well-maintained dirt road. Amenities include non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood BBQs (bring your own wood), bush walks, and lookout points.
Saltwater Creek Beach
Saltwater Creek, situated in the southern precinct of Ben Boyd National Park, features a scenic camping ground. This picturesque location is well-favored for fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving, complemented by bush walks and a charming lagoon in close proximity. Located 34km south of Eden, the area is unpatrolled, and the road is unsealed.
Facilities include non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fire facilities (bring your own wood), gas/electric BBQs, camping options, and rainwater tanks. Please note that dogs are not permitted in National Parks.
Marine Launching Facilities
Quarantine Bay and Rixon’s Beach
Quarantine Bay and Rixons Beach in Twofold Bay offer serene waters, convenient amenities, and vibrant maritime life. Rixons Beach, known for its calm waters and picturesque boatshed, is ideal for relaxation. Meanwhile, Quarantine Bay boasts a four-lane boat ramp, perfect for fishing and photography. It’s also a starting point for the Bundian Way Story Trail.
Access: 3 km south of Eden off the Princes Highway.
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, boat washing facilities, 4 lane ramp, cleaning tables.
Pambula Lake
Single-lane concrete boat ramp equipped with amenities such as fish cleaning facilities, BBQ, and toilets.
Note that the sea entrance at Pambula River Mouth is shallow and potentially hazardous, suitable only for experienced skippers.
Bega River (Mogareeka Inlet)
Single-lane concrete boat ramp with amenities like lighting, BBQ, and toilets.
Access the ramp from the southern side of Hancock Bridge, located 55km north of Eden.
Wonboyn Lake
Single-lane concrete boat ramp with amenities such as fish cleaning and toilets.
Located 33km south of Eden in Myrtle Cove Wonboyn Rd, please note that the entrance to the sea is shallow and requires experienced skippers.
Merimbula
Double-lane concrete boat ramp with amenities like washdown, lighting, fish cleaning not allowed, and toilets.
The car park accommodates 60 car/trailers, but be aware of bridge height restrictions if heading to sea.
Located 25km north of Eden.
Practical advice from the NSW Water Police for boat ramp usage:
- Inspect the boat ramp before use.
- Prioritize safety; never reverse down a ramp without checking its conditions.
- Determine the ramp’s depth and potential drop-off.
- Seek assistance when launching or retrieving your boat.
- Ensure your hand brake is well-adjusted, and rear tires provide sufficient road grip.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help; independence is secondary to safety, preventing accidents, and unnecessary expenses.
Things To Do In Eden
Eden Killer Whale Museum
Originally built to showcase Old Tom’s skeleton and shed light on the challenges faced by killer whales in the area, this museum now celebrates Eden’s marine life and maritime history. With around 10,000 artifacts, it delves into the Sapphire Coast’s whaling industry through exhibitions and films, offering a deep dive into the region’s past. While Eden’s orca population is no more, the museum pays homage to the once-familiar whales, including Old Tom, Stranger, Hooky, Big Ben, and Little Jack.
For more details, visit https://killerwhalemuseum.com.au/
Killer Whale Trail
Embark on a self-drive tour exploring five historical sites amidst Eden’s natural beauty on the NSW Sapphire Coast.
Begin with fresh produce shopping in Eden for a picnic at Kiah River inlet near Davidson Whaling Station or enjoy lunch at the Seahorse Inn, blending beachfront dining with local history.
Delve into Eden’s whaling history (1828-1930) and the unique relationship between Thaua People, European mariners, and wild killer whales (orcas).
Explore ancient rituals and dances honoring killer whales, known as ‘beowas’ by the Thaua people.
Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum to uncover the remarkable partnership between humans and killer whales. Learn about the 1840s era when around 50 killer whales, including 21 recognizable ones by name like Tom, were present. Discover artifacts showcasing maritime, Aboriginal, and pioneering heritage.
In spring (September to November), these sites offer prime views of migrating humpback whales along the coast, adding another layer to this captivating story.
Whale Dreaming Trail
Embark on the Whale Dreaming Trail, a 600m accessible walk through native gardens in Eden. Uncover the ancient connection between the Katungal people and beowas (killer whales) predating European history. Specially designed signage guides you to an epic lookout over Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) and the Bundian Way’s coastal gateway. Starting at Warrens Walk, near Snug Cove, the trail zig-zags to the lookout and connects to Imlay Street, leading to the Eden Killer Whale Museum. For a continued Bundian Way experience, visit Cocora Beach and explore the 1.8km Story Trail.
For more details, visit https://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/killer-whale-trail
Eden Lookout and Rotary Park
Rotary Lookout stands out as one of Eden’s most breathtaking viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas across Twofold Bay and serving as an excellent spot for land-based whale watching.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/eden-rotary-lookout
Eagles Claw Nature Reserve Gugi’s Lookout
Adjacent to the Eden Lookout and Rotary Park, this lookout offers limited parking along the side of the sealed road. The access to the road requires navigating a tight and sharp turn.
Humpback Highway
Experience prime whale watching in Eden, Australia, as humpbacks migrate from May to November. Discover ideal vantage points along Twofold Bay and the Beowa National Park coastline.
Twofold Bay, the third-deepest natural harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, holds a rich whale history. Learn about Old Tom at the Eden Killer Whale Museum or explore the self-drive Killer Whale Trail, a journey into the whaling past. Recognized as the “Humpback Highway,” thousands of humpback whales migrate through our waters from September to November, joined by baleen and toothed whales with calves. Eden offers exceptional proximity for whale watching, with charter operators and onshore spots. The annual Eden Whale Festival in mid-October celebrates this remarkable migration.
Cat Balou Cruises and Whale Watching Eden
If your are looking to do a whale watching tour then check out there website for more information https://www.catbalou.com.au/
Sunset At Eden
We visited Eden again on the 28th September 2024 on our roundtrip up to Queensland and it was our second nights accommodation. The first place we checked out was on the corner of “Bass Street” and “Hosies Road” where there is a lookout that was recommended by the owner of the the accommodation, its also wheel chair accessible, the street is a “one way street” with only a couple of spots to park on the side of the road. Our second stop was “Eden Lookout and Rotary Park” and our third stop was at the marina on “Weecoon Street” its called “Port of Eden Snug Cove” next to the Eden Visitor Information Centre. Our last stop was at Curalo Lagoon which was the best spot for sunset photos and videos over the lagoon before the sun set behind the mountain.
The photos below are of the lookout on “Bass Street” and “Hosies Road”
The photos below are of the marina at “Port of Eden Snug Cove”
The photos below are taken at Eden Lookout and Rotary Park
The photos below are taken at Curalo Lake
The path is on the left hand at the end of the carpark.
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Essential Packing List
Click here to explore my packing list
Frequently Asked Questions About Eden?
Is Eden, NSW worth visiting?
Eden, a natural haven along the glistening Sapphire Coast of NSW, boasts an array of remarkable attractions. These include watching humpback whales in the expansive blue waters of Twofold Bay, exploring the area’s whaling history, bushwalking in Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park), and encountering marine life up close…
Was Eden going to be the capital of Australia?
After Australia became a federation in 1901, Eden was considered as a potential capital due to its equidistant location between Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania.
Is Eden a nice place to live?
Eden is a picturesque town situated on a headland that extends into Twofold Bay, enveloped by national parks and bushland. To the north and south lies Ben Boyd National Park, while Nullica State Forest and Mount Imlay National Park are positioned to the west.
What is the closest city to Eden Australia?
Eden is among the southernmost towns in New South Wales. The closest larger town is Merimbula, located about 19km away and home to approximately 4,900 people.
Does Eden have a beach?
Aslings Beach, nestled in the heart of the fishing village of Eden along the northern coast of Twofold Bay, provides opportunities for both surfing and swimming. This beach is patrolled during the summer months. At the southern end of the beach, you’ll find the scenic Aslings Beach Rock Pool, a favorite spot among local families.
How far is Eden from victorian border?
The Port of Eden is situated roughly midway between Sydney and Melbourne, about 40 kilometers from the Victorian border.
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