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18 Best Things To Do In Eden NSW 2024 Guide

Wondering what are the best things to do in Eden NSW in the Sapphire Coast region? Known for what was once a whaling town, there’s more to this past of the South Coast than you might think! If you’re on a South Coast road trip and looking for places to visit, here’s our personal guide for the best things to do in Eden.


Why visit Eden?

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Eden is a town in the Sapphire Coast which is a stop many people do when travelling between Sydney and Melbourne. Known for it’s Killer Whale Museum, Insta-worthy rock pools and much more, it’s a stop over that could easily become your next getaway from Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra.

While Eden is known for its whale history and as one of the best whale watching spots in Australia, this guide is designed to help you plan your next trip to this coastal town.


Where is Eden?

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Eden in New South Wales is located a six hour drive from Sydney and 6h30m from Melbourne making it a great half way point. It’s also a three hour drive from Canberra as well.


Best Things To Do In Eden

1. Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum

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Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating maritime history of Eden at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Delve into the captivating stories of the legendary orcas that once helped local whalers, discover impressive displays of maritime artifacts, and gain insights into the town’s whaling heritage.

The museum’s collection provides a unique perspective on the interconnectedness between humans and marine life.


2. Go on a whale watching cruise

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Join a whale watching cruise with Cat Balou and witness the awe-inspiring sight of humpback and southern right whales as they migrate along the coastline. Feel the rush of excitement as these gentle giants breach and tail-slap, providing an unforgettable whale spotting experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur.


3. Explore the Killer Whale Trail

Interested to learn more about the Killer whales in Eden? Do the self-drive Killer Whale Trail which will take you to five stops to various important places such as the Seahorse Inn, Rotary Lookout and more. You can learn all about the stories of the orcas and their unique relationship with the local whaling community on the Sapphire Coast tourism website.


4. Visit the Insta-worthy Aslings Beach Rock Pool

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When I first saw Aslings Beach Rock Pool on Instagram while researching for our South Coast trip, I couldn’t believe it’s in Australia.

This rock pool is so unique, the mesmerising rock formations honestly are worth travelling to Eden alone for.

When I visited, it was quite overcast and yet it still looked amazing (as you can see in our picture above!). You need to walk along Aslings Beach and it’s on the far right hand side. It will take you about five minutes to walk there from the main road, but it’s worth walking right up to, as it really is incredible in person. It reminds me a little of The Pinnacles, like it’s a landscape taken from Mars.


5. Be mesmerised by The Pinnacles at Ben Boyd National Park

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The Pinnacles really is a sight to be seen and easily one of my highlights when I drove from Sydney to Eden NSW recently. South Coast Eden really is a special place to visit when you’re up close to The Pinnacles. As one of the top attractions in Eden, you must go and visit The Pinnacles which almost resemble the landscape in Mars.

Check out our guide for How To Visit The Pinnacles in NSW and I’m sure you’ll be just as wowed by the towering sandstone cliffs coloured in orange, red and white which makes it a surreal landscape and a photographers dream!


6. Relax on the beautiful Cocora Beach

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If you’re looking for the best beaches in Eden, you must check out Cocora Beach, which overlooks Twofold Bay. The flat water is perfect for those you don’t like waves, and there’s a BBQ, picnic area, and playground with toilet facilities, making it the perfect family friendly beach.

There’s also a walking track here which takes you over to Quarantine Bay. The 1.8km walk is the perfect way to explore the area on the Bundian Way Story Trail. Check out our complete guide for the Best Beaches On The South Coast NSW to see which others we picked out!


7. Swim at Nethercote Falls

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If you’re looking for wild swimming holes in Sapphire Coast, check out the nearby Nethercote Falls. Surrounded by lush rainforest, these cascading falls offer a picturesque setting for a peaceful picnic or a rejuvenating dip in the refreshing waters. It’s just an easy 15 minute walk from the carpark to reach the falls, something the whole family could do together.


8. Visit the iconic Green Cape Lighthouse

You can’t visit Eden without visiting the iconic Green Cape Lighthouse. Perched atop rugged cliffs, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and landscapes. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and enjoy breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.


9. Hike the Lake Curalo Trail

Embark on a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the picturesque 6km Lake Curalo Trail. This scenic boardwalk winds its way around the lake, offering captivating views of the tranquil waters and surrounding wetlands. Hire a bike from Cycle N Surf to make the most of the trail.


10. Check out the views at Ben Boyd Tower

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Built in the mid-1800s, this historic Ben Boyd Tower served as a navigational aid for ships entering Twofold Bay. Located on the southern end of Eden in Beowa National Park, take in the panoramic vistas of the coastline, soak in the rich history, and region’s maritime past.


11. And Disaster Bay Lookout

Eden definitely isn’t short of lookouts! For a sweeping view south of eden along the rugged coastline, make your way to the Disaster Bay Lookout. This vantage point offers a true sense of the untamed beauty of the region.


12. Snug Cove Wharf

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Stroll along the Snug Cove Wharf and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Eden’s bustling harbour. Watch as fishing boats unload their fresh catches, visit the local seafood market, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. The wharf is also a great spot to indulge in some leisurely fishing or simply take in the picturesque views.


13. Check out the Canadian Love Seat

Discover a unique piece of history at the Canadian Love Seat, a wooden bench that commemorates the connection between Canada and Eden. Situated on the headland overlooking Twofold Bay, this rustic seat offers a tranquil spot to relax and admire the stunning coastal scenery. Take a moment to appreciate the bond between these two distant lands.


14. Eden Lookout and Rotary Park

Just around the corner from the Canadian Love Seat is the Eden Lookout and Rotary Park. Enjoy a leisurely picnic, stroll through the park’s gardens, and marvel at the vistas stretching across Twofold Bay. This elevated viewpoint provides an excellent vantage point to capture stunning photographs and appreciate the beauty of the region.


15. Snorkel or Dive at Twofold Bay

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Dive into an underwater wonderland and explore the vibrant marine life of Twofold Bay. Whether you’re a snorkelling enthusiast or a certified scuba diver, the crystal-clear waters of the bay offer a fascinating glimpse into a world teeming with colourful corals, curious fish, and even the chance to watch whales and encounter playful seals. Dive Eden offer a range of scuba diving and snorkelling in Eden as well as free-diving courses as well.


16. North of Eden Gin

Support local tourism and head over to North of Eden Gin Distillery. Located on the 12 acre Stony Creek Farm, the regional distillery is award-winning and internationally recognised! Come here for a cocktail, gin tasting or a beer or wine if gin isn’t your thing. It has exceptional views overlooking the Bega Valley which is worth coming along for. Well behaved dogs are welcome and you can bring your own picnic as well.


17. Seahorse Inn For Dinner

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We actually stayed the Seahorse Inn and loved this hotel. In fact, it was one of our favourite hotels we stayed at on our South Coast road trip. Located opposite Boydtown Beach, you can come here for lunch or dinner, even if you’re not staying here. The food is good and the staff are excellent.


18. Eden Whale Festival

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If you happen to visit Eden in November, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the excitement of the Eden Whale Festival. Celebrating the annual Southern migration of humpback and southern right whales, this vibrant festival features a range of activities, including live music, art exhibitions, street parades, and whale watching tours. Join in the festivities and experience being part of this cherished tradition.


Places to Visit Nearby

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There’s so many places to visit on the South Coast! If you’re looking for more things to do in Eden or nearby, check out our other popular South Coast guides!


Eden Accommodation

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Seahorse Inn Eden

Wondering where to stay in Eden? The first time we visited, we camped at a caravan park, and the second time, we stayed at the beautiful Seahorse Inn which I highly recommend. During our stay here, we left at 5:30am in the morning to race back up the coast to do a tour to Montague Island, but a few minutes after we left the hotel, I realised I left my engagement ring in the room.

One of the staff got up out of bed and came down to the hotel to let me back in. That alone is enough for me to rave about this hotel, let alone it was the nicest accommodation we stayed in during our entire South Coast trip. The beds are super comfy, the rooms are big and we loved our stay here.

  1. Seahorse Inn – As I said above, we loved our stay here! The room is big, the beds are so comfy and we had a great stay here. Highly recommend!
  2. Discovery Parks Eden – family friendly camping with cabins and villa accommodation, right next to the beach and within minutes of Eden.
  3. Coast Motel Eden – clean, modern rooms in the heart of Eden town centre.

Things to do in Eden

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