The sapphire waters of Australia’s southeastern coast hide a treasure that few international travelers discover. Eden, a small coastal town in New South Wales, sits perched between ocean and forest, where whales breach offshore and history echoes through the streets. This maritime gem offers an authentic slice of Australian coastal life that’s remained refreshingly under the radar.
A town built on unlikely whale partnerships
Eden holds one of the most fascinating stories in maritime history. For nearly 100 years, killer whales actually worked alongside human whalers in a remarkable hunting partnership.
“The killer whales would herd the baleen whales into Twofold Bay and alert the whalers by slapping their tails on the water. It was a relationship unlike anything seen elsewhere in the world,” explains Jenny Drenkhahn, curator at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.
This extraordinary relationship is documented in the Eden Killer Whale Museum, where you can view the skeleton of “Old Tom,” the most famous of these cooperative orcas.
Australia’s best-kept whale watching secret
While places like Hervey Bay get more attention, Eden offers whale watching experiences that rival any in Australia. From August to November, humpback whales cruise past Eden’s coastline during their annual migration.
“The whales come so close to shore here that sometimes you don’t even need a boat. They’re literally playing in our bay,” says local tour operator Rob Stevenson.
The Pinnacles: nature’s sandstone masterpiece
Just 30 minutes south of Eden in Ben Boyd National Park stands The Pinnacles, a geological formation where erosion has revealed multicolored sand cliffs in striking bands of red, white, and orange. The contrast against the sapphire ocean creates a photographer’s paradise reminiscent of Iceland’s dramatic coastal landscapes.
Fresh oysters pulled straight from the sea
Eden sits in the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast, where the pristine waters produce some of the country’s finest seafood. At Snug Cove, you can purchase oysters harvested that very morning from local farmers who’ve been working these waters for generations.
Nethercote Falls: the wild swimming spot locals won’t tell you about
Hidden in the forest west of Eden lies Nethercote Falls, a series of pristine freshwater swimming holes and cascades. Unlike Vietnam’s dramatic border waterfalls, these pools offer intimate forest bathing experiences with emerald waters flowing over granite rocks.
Historical lighthouses guarding treacherous shores
The Green Cape Lighthouse stands sentinel on a windswept headland, marking the site of numerous shipwrecks. Built in 1883, it offers both tours and unique accommodation in the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages, providing a coastal experience reminiscent of Ireland’s dramatic Ring of Kerry coastline.
Cocora Beach: the family-friendly hidden gem
Unlike the bustling beaches further north, Cocora Beach offers calm, flat waters perfect for families. Its white sands and protected position make it ideal for swimming, while extensive picnic facilities and a playground provide everything needed for a perfect beach day.
Where to stay: historic waterfront accommodation
The historic Seahorse Inn, built in 1843, overlooks Twofold Bay and offers luxury rooms with panoramic ocean views. With stone walls and wraparound verandas, it captures Eden’s maritime spirit while providing modern comforts.
“We’ve had guests who planned to stay one night and ended up extending for a week,” notes innkeeper Sarah Marshall. “There’s something magnetic about this coastline that holds people here.”
Eden rivals Thailand’s hidden coastal paradises with its pristine beaches and authentic local culture, yet remains delightfully uncrowded. For travelers seeking Australia beyond the postcard clichés, Eden delivers the perfect blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and small-town charm that will leave you wondering why more people haven’t discovered this coastal gem.