Winter is almost over, but there’s still time to squeeze in one last seasonal escape before spring arrives. Perched between Twofold Bay and vast stretches of national park, Eden is particularly rewarding this time of year, especially if whale watching is on your bucket list. Thousands of migrating humpbacks travel along the coastline and the town’s spectacular lookouts offer some of the best vantage points in the state for spotting them. Beyond the whales, the picture-perfect town on the Sapphire Coast boasts striking blue waters, incredible coastal trails and wild beaches. Add waterside eateries, a fascinating maritime history and easy access to the outdoors, and there’s plenty to fill a final cold-weather escape. Here’s how to make the most of a trip to Eden this winter.
Things to do in Eden in winter
Winter is the perfect time to explore Eden’s long connection with whales, and the Killer Whale Trail is a good place to start. The self-guided driving route connects five significant sites around Twofold Bay, combining local history with some excellent places to scan the water for passing humpbacks. Stop at Rotary Lookout for expansive views across the bay before continuing to Boyds Tower, an imposing sandstone structure originally built in the 1840s as a lighthouse but later used as a lookout by whalers. The route also leads to the historic Davidson Whaling Station, where visitors can see remnants of one of Australia’s longest-running shore-based whaling operations and learn more about the town’s whaling past.
If you can’t get enough of whales, back in town learn more at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Its most famous exhibit is the skeleton of Old Tom, an orca that became part of Eden folklore for the remarkable relationship between local killer whales and whalers during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Thousands of objects, photographs and maritime artefacts can be found at the museum, making it an especially worthwhile stop if the weather turns chilly or wet.
For a dose of sunshine, head to the nearby Beowa National Park. The park sits besides a particularly dramatic section of coastline, with walking trails leading through bushland to beaches, headlands and incredible rock formations. The Pinnacles loop walking track is a short and easy option, taking you to lookouts over stunning red-and-white cliffs. Keen hikers can tackle part or all of the 30km Light to Light Walk, one of the prettiest winter hikes in the state, following the coastline between Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse over several days, winding past secluded beaches, rocky headlands and Caribbean-blue ocean views at nearly every turn.
If you love a chilly winter swim, head to Aslings Beach, home to the 6-kilometre Lake Curalo Boardwalk and the popular Aslings Beach Rock Pool, often touted as the prettiest in the state, surrounded by dramatic pink and white cliffs.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Eden has plenty of places to warm up over good food and coffee, with a side of sparkling ocean views. Toast Cafe is a popular breakfast stop in the centre of town, serving specialty coffee alongside familiar brunch favourites, while Ishmael’s is another laid-back option for breakfast, baked treats and a quick caffeine fix. Other local favourites include Fig Cafe & Bar for tapas, cocktails and share plates and Goodenia for delicious dumplings, wontons and yum cha.
Down by the water, Snug Cove is the place to go for seafood and harbour views. The working port is home to several places to eat, including the family-run Sprout Eden, where the menu makes the most of local produce, and classic fish and chips by the water. For dinner with a view, head a little further around Twofold Bay to the Seahorse Inn for modern Australian dishes overlooking the bay.
Eden has a scattering of independent shops, including homewares, gifts and locally made products. Stop by Tribal Suzani for clothing, textiles and homewares, browse a collection of vintage pieces at Eden Antiques, Collectables and Old Wares, or pop into Eden Karma Collectives for gifts and locally made finds. If your visit falls on a weekend, the Eden Community Market is also worth checking out, with a handful of stellar local stallholders selling handmade goods, fresh produce, plants, baked treats and other regional finds. Read more about Eden and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Eden is around a 6-hour drive south of Sydney, making it best suited to a long weekend or a leisurely South Coast road trip. The drive follows the Princes Highway through towns including Nowra, Batemans Bay and Narooma. If you’d rather skip the drive, you can fly from Sydney to Merimbula Airport and hire a car for the roughly 20-minute trip to Eden. Public transport is also available, although considerably slower, with coach services connecting the region with Sydney and Canberra. Plan your journey on Transport for NSW.
