LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 107 EDEN Have a whale of a time in this historic seaside town The town of Eden is famed for its large commercial fishing fleet and abundant local supply of delicious fresh seafood. The deep sea port offers bay cruising, fishing charters and diving year round. Along with an abundance of things to see and do in and around the township, Eden is a prime whale-watching location. Humpback whales should have started their northern migration along the coast by now, and this will continue until August, when they start heading back south on their annual southern migration, often with calves. Sightings of humpbacks on the Sapphire Coast are generally at their highest during September and October, with other whale species, including Killer Whales, often spotted in Twofold Bay during spring. Eden is also a launching pad for scenic drives (and wonderful walks) into and around the Mt Imlay and Beowa National Parks. Killer Whale Museum The fascinating Eden Killer Whale Museum attracts more than 55,000 visitors every year. The museum has been in operation for almost 90 years and provides a fascinating journey into the area’s whaling, timber and fishing heritage. It also features the real-life skeleton (and the amazing story) of the region’s most famous killer whale ‘Old Tom’. To find out more about the Killer Whale Museum, visit the website at killerwhalemuseum.com.au Drive into whaling history If you have access to a car or motorbike, it’s certainly worth taking the self-drive Killer Whale Trail, an intriguing trip into the past to a time when, sadly, whales were hunted almost to extinction for their oil. The trail includes a must-see stop at the now defunct Davidson Whaling Station, the longest-operating, shore-based whaling station in Australia. Fascinating stories along The Way Eden has an ancient indigenous history dating back many thousands of years. The Bundian Way Story Trail Story is the first section of a 350-kilometre aboriginal pathway that extends from the sea at Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) to Targangal (Mount Kosciuszko). The Story Trail is an approximately two-kilometre walk between Cocora Beach (via Ida Rodd Drive) and Quarantine Bay. Along the way there are spectacular coastal views of Twofold Bay and beyond. The path winds around the headlands, down to a beach, then around another headland. Viewing deck lookouts along the way allow you to take in the views across the bay. On the Story Trail, you can learn about the sealers at Sealers Platform, and of Ben Boyd’s empire at Brierly Platform. The Bundian Way Story Trail is more than a walk, it is a shared history of the Aboriginal walking track from the tablelands to the coastal plains. There is free parking at Cocora Beach, as well as public toilets, a kids playground and barbecue facilities. There is also parking at Quarantine Bay. Navigating the region At Eden’s Snug Cove – a sheltered harbour, resplendent with fishing vessels and cruise boats – you’ll find the architect-designed Eden Welcome Centre – a treasure trove of maps, guides, gifts and friendly staff, which all make it well worth a visit. Another way to find out more about Eden and surrounds is to go to the website visiteden.com.au Pictured clockwise from top: Eden’s Killer Whale Museum features the real-life skeleton (and the amazing story) of the region’s most famous killer whale ‘Old Tom’. A lookout on The Bundian Way Story Trail in Eden. Photo: David Rogers Photography The deep waters of Twofold Bay make Eden a prime whale-watching location. Information correct at time of publication. Source: toiletmap.gov.au Here’s a list of all-abilities public toilets in this region. All toilets are open during daylight hours, unless otherwise specified. More info at toiletmap.gov.au SAPPHIRE COAST ALL-ABILITIES PUBLIC TOILETS Need a stop? comfort Eden Caltex Eden, 159 Imlay Street, Eden (7am-9pm) Chandos Street, Eden (24 hrs) Aslings Beach, 8 Lake Street, Eden (6am-2:30pm) Aslings Beach, Barclay Street, Eden (6am-2:30pm) Pambula Baddeleys Car Park, Princes Highway, Pambula (24 hrs) Merimbula Palmers Car Park, Palmer Street, Merimbula (24 hrs) Tathra Taylors Square Park, Andy Poole Drive, Tathra (24 hrs) Tathra Wharf, Wharf Road, Tathra (24 hrs) Bermagui Apex Park, Opposite Tuross St, Bermagui (24 hrs) Dickinson Park, Lamont St, Bermagui (24 hrs) Blue Pools, Pacific Drive, Bermagui (24 hrs) Reflections Holiday Park, 1 Lamont St, Bermagui (24 hrs)
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