Tucked along the far reaches of the Sapphire Coast, Eden is a small town that lives up to its name. With balmy sea breezes, long strips of golden sand, a bevy of relaxed coastal cafes, and one of the prettiest rock pools in the state, the town offers a winning formula for an offbeat seasonal getaway. The once-humble fishing village encourages a slower pace with some of the best whale watching on the East Coast and plenty of old-world charm. Whether you want to lounge on a secluded beach, discover a secret cove, go on a coastal hike, or eat your weight in fresh seafood, summer is a wonderful time to visit, with a little bit of everything on offer. Here’s what to see, eat, and do for an unforgettable getaway to Eden.
Things to do in Eden this summer
Eden’s small size makes it easy to explore, but there’s plenty packed into this corner of the South Coast that boasts a deep natural harbour and a vibrant cruise port. Start with a visit to the popular Eden Killer Whale Museum, which tells the story of the town’s whaling past and its most famous resident orca, Old Tom. It’s compact but fascinating, with exhibits, films, and more than 10,000 artefacts that trace the area’s deep maritime roots. If you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, head to Aslings Beach right in the heart of town, or make a beeline to Cocora Beach for calm waters and coastal walks.
The Instagrammable town is made even better thanks to its proximity to nature. Keen for an adrenaline rush? Just a stone’s throw from town, Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd) shows off Eden’s natural beauty in all its splendour. Split by Twofold Bay, the park is known for its dramatic red cliffs, perfect surf beaches, and serene, crystal clear lakes. The Pambula–Haycock section of the park offers excellent walks and picnic spots with beautiful vantage points, while the Green Cape area is made for those chasing ocean views, beachside camping, and epic views.
The months of May to November are also prime time for whale watching. Follow the fittingly named self-drive Killer Whale Trail, a coastal route that links lookout points including Rotary Lookout, the historic Davidson Whaling Station, historic whaling sites, and gives visitors a front-row seat to sweeping ocean views where humpbacks can still be seen during migration season.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Beyond its beaches and whale lookouts, Eden has a breezy food scene that fits the setting. If you work up an appetite exploring, Snug Cove is where you’ll want to go, a working harbour with fishing boats pulling in alongside waterfront cafes and casual seafood spots for quick bites or sit-down meals. Local favourite dining spots around town include Toast Cafe for specialty coffee, classic breakfast options, and good vibes, Fig Cafe & Bar for tapas and cocktails, Cuppaz for all-day breakfast and baked goods.
Sapphire Smokehouse is the spot to go for mouthwatering meat and seafood, while the popular Seahorse Inn Brasserie offers an elegant dining experience with Modern Australian cuisine on the menu. If you’re looking to fill an afternoon, visit the nearby North of Eden Distillery, a small-batch gin producer set in the hills outside town.
Other things to do around town include browsing the Eden Community Market for fresh produce, live music, wholesome home-cooked meals, and, as the name suggests, a community atmosphere. The main street also has a handful of small boutiques and homeware stores worth a wander, and you can also book a guided tour to see the rich and vibrant marine life up close. Find accomodation options and read more about Eden here.
Planning your trip
Eden is located around a scenic 6-hour drive from Sydney or just over seven hours from Melbourne, making it an easy stop on a coastal road trip from either city. If you’d rather skip the drive, the nearest airport is Merimbula, around 20 minutes away, with regular flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Public transport is limited but available. NSW TrainLink runs coach services connecting Eden with Canberra (and via the region), and regional bus services link Eden with neighbouring towns such as Bega and smaller communities along the Sapphire Coast, but be prepared for a longer journey. Eden is also a great base to explore nearby spots like Pambula and Merimbula for more coastal adventures. Further north, Bermagui and Narooma offer excellent day trips worth adding to your route. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.