Things to do in Eden, NSW

The best things to do in Eden, NSW, include whale-watching cruises, snorkelling tours, the Eden Killer Whale Museum and surfing at Aslings Beach.

Eden, NSW, is a smallish town on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. It’s the last settlement of any reasonable size on the New South Wales South Coast before you cross the border into Victoria if driving down from Sydney.

It’s a lovely little town, and a historic whaling port. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that top of the list of things to do in Eden is the Eden Killer Whale Museum.

Things to do in Eden, NSW: Eden Killer Whale Museum

This NSW South Coast museum is centred around the skeleton of a killer whale, but the museum also delves into the town’s whaling past and the surrounding natural environment.

The museum also sounds a siren when whales are swimming close to the sure. This allows everyone to head to the beaches and lookouts around Twofold Bay to see the whales.

Make the very best of your time: 8 Sapphire Coast experiences to book

Dolphins, seals and seabirds cruise from Merimbula.
Pambula River kayaking tour.
Sapphire Coast private highlights tour.
Oyster-shucking experience plus kayaking in Pambula.
Eden and Beowa National Park photography tours.
Potoroo Palace wildlife park tickets.
Guided nature walking tour in Mimosa Rocks National Park.
Reef fishing charter from Merimbula.

Things to do in Eden, NSW: Whale-watching cruises

Whale-watching season in Eden, NSW, is from May to early November. Cat Balou Cruises is among the operators offering whale-watching cruises from Eden.

The Catbalou Cruises boat in Twofold Bay, Eden, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Out of whale season, Catbalou Cruises keeps the boat running, offering sunset cruises and a more interesting Twofold Bay highlights tour. These Twofold Bay cruises take in mussels farms, Boyd’s Tower, the old woodchip mill and plenty of wildlife. They’ll usually encounter seals or dolphins.

Alternatively, you can learn to dive in Eden, NSW. Dive Eden offers introductory SCUBA classes, as well as diving and snorkelling tours.

Beaches in Eden, NSW: Cocora Beach and Aslings Beach

If it’s the beach you want, Cocora Beach is arguably the easiest to reach, but Aslings Beach is considerably longer and has a beautiful location backed by the Curalo Lagoon. Pick Cocora Beach if you want safer swimming, and Aslings Beach if you want to hit the surf. That said, the Aslings Beach Rock Pool is arguably the greatest swimming spot in Eden.

Pinnacles Beach, Long Beach and Haycock Beach are further north, backed by bushland.

Eden is also the main gateway town to Beowa National Park. The northern section includes the Pinnacles Loop walking track, which takes you to strikingly red-and-white cliffs. In the southern section, you’ll find the Green Cape Lighthouse, the southernmost lighthouse in New South Wales.

Where to stay in Eden

Aussie accommodation specialist Wotif offers stays in Eden for from $90 a night. Visit the top deals page to find your ideal accommodation.

However, the following Eden accommodation options are good picks.

For families: Discovery Parks Eden holiday park.
For a motel with style: Twofold Bay Motor Inn.
On a budget: Eden Gateway Holiday Park.
For superb sea views: Heritage House Motel and Units.

Driving distances to Eden, NSW

Batemans Bay to Eden: Distance 191km, driving time 2h23m.

Bermagui to Eden: Distance 89km, driving time 1h19m.

Canberra to Eden: Distance 261km, driving time 3h9m.

Mallacoota to Eden: Distance 85km, driving time 1h3m.

Melbourne to Eden: Distance 560km, driving time 6h36m.

Merimbula to Eden: Distance 26km, driving time 23m.

Narooma to Eden: Distance 128km, driving time 1h34m.

Sydney to Eden: Distance 542km, driving time 5h53m.

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