
Around 478 kilometres south of Sydney sits the coastal town of Eden, a small town gem that is often overlooked for its more popular counterparts, but offers its fair share of character-rich attractions. Once a coastal fishing village, the enchanting spot has sprung back to life in recent years. Showcasing incredible scenery, hidden coves, sparkling blue waters, and some excellent coastal hiking trails, the town is a striking embodiment of its name. Despite all these offerings, it’s largely off the radar for tourists which is part of its charm. Throw in miles and miles of beautiful beaches and you’ve got yourself the perfect warm-weather getaway. Natural landscapes are abundant here, as are the opportunities to explore them. If you’re ready to plan a trip, here are some of the best things to do in Eden.
Eden, NSW

Eden is the answer to a quieter beach escape with stunning vistas all around, natural swimming spots, well-preserved buildings, the iconic Green Cape Lighthouse, and incredible whale-watching opportunities. The most southerly town in NSW, it is also set on one of the deepest natural harbours in the southern hemisphere. Aside from diverse outdoor attractions, it also has a flourishing food and beverage scene. Here is a weekend itinerary hitting all the major highlights of the idyllic town of Eden.
Dive into maritime history at the Eden Killer Whale Museum

Eden has a long and storied connection to whaling and the Eden Killer Whale Museum offers a closer look into the town’s maritime heritage. It was built to house the skeleton of the orca named “Old Tom” who worked alongside whalers to hunt baleens in Eden. Although small in size, the museum has a big personality and is now home to at least 10,000 artefacts that give visitors an insight into the Sapphire Coast’s whaling industry. It also hosts exhibitions, films, a gift and souvenir shop, and more. Located a short walk from the town centre, with tickets priced at $15 for adults and $5 for children over 15, this is a must-visit stop. Find out what’s on at the museum here.
Explore the Beowa National Park

Eden is enveloped by a national park so the views on land are just as picture-perfect as those of the water. The Beowa National Park, formerly Ben Boyd National Park, is located close to Eden and promises a day of superb recreational activities. Split by Twofold Bay, the park offers two distinct areas to explore. The Pambula-Haycock area has pristine lakes, and excellent surf beaches while the Green Cape area is perfect for those looking to plan a beachside camping trip. Twofold Bay also has plenty of secret coves you can get all to yourself. Pinnacles Loop walking track is another star attraction in the area. Stunning coastline views, excellent lookouts, native wildlife, and lush greenery are generously sprinkled throughout the national park. Find more info about the park here.
Follow the Killer Whale Trail

Eden hasn’t earned the reputation of being one of the best whale-watching towns in NSW for nothing. The Killer Whale Trail is a self-drive day tour that leads to five historical sites around Eden, shedding light on the history of killer whales in the area and ample views of these majestic creatures.
These include the earlier mentioned Killer Whale Museum, the Rotary Lookout where you can get exceptional views of whales migrating along Twofold Bay, Seahorse Inn which also overlooks the bright blue waters of Twofold Bay, the Davidson Whaling Station which is now a residential property but was once the longest-operating shore-based whaling station in Australia and the fifth and final stop is the Boyds Tower which was once a lookout for local whalers to spot whales and remains an excellent spot to see passing humpback whales. This trail is packed with history and references to whaling and one of the best things to do in Eden, find more information about it here.
Discover the many charms of Snug Cove

When you need a break from adventure activities, head to Snug Cove, a popular spot where three wharves combine and offer some of the town’s best to travellers. This part of town is usually buzzing with activity and visitors can see boats come and go from the harbour, enjoy the dazzling seaside scenery, eat flavourful seafood at the waterfront restaurants, and watch fishing boats unload their daily catch. There is also a fish market in the vicinity that you can visit for fresh seafood and more. This is a great spot to take in the town’s lively atmosphere especially early in the day and soak in the Caribbean-like waters.
Unplug at the North of Eden Gin Distillery

For a quieter, more relaxing activity, head to the popular North of Eden gin distillery. The small distillery has produced some stellar award-winning gins and also comes with lovely views of rolling hills and clear skies over the Bega Valley. Gin tastings, beers, cocktails, and other refreshing drinks are on offer and you can also take some home with you from the shop on-site or learn how to make your own bottle of gin with the North of Eden crew. See what’s on at the distillery here.
Cool down at Aslings Beach

A trip to Eden would be incomplete without visiting the beaches. Aslings Beach is the most popular in the area and lies in the very heart of the town with its own picturesque rock pool at the southern end of the beach. Some of the best beaches in Eden that boast turquoise waters, surfing, and swimming opportunities, and unspoiled views include the Pinnacles and Long Beach at the Beowa National Park, the tranquil Cocora Beach that offers coastal walks and safe swimming, and Quarantine Bay and Rixons Beach which are a sheltered part of Twofold Bay. In the warmer months, you can also spot bioluminescence at some of the beaches.
Best time to visit Eden
Eden is one of the best places to catch migrating whales in Australia so it is recommended to visit between the months of May and November to see the action up close. You can also plan your visit to coincide with the Eden Whale Festival which is typically held in October. If whale watching is not really your thing, the good news is that there is no bad time to visit Eden. The weather is usually temperate and the warm-weather seasons of spring and summer are a great time to discover the town’s secluded coves, beaches, and rockpools. In terms of lodging, a variety of accommodation options are available. Find more information here.
How to get there
Eden is a 5.5-hour drive from Sydney and a popular stopover on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip. You can also fly into Merimbula Airport if you’re short on time and hire a car to the town, which would take around 20 minutes. Head to Transport NSW to find public transport options.