Photo: Matilda / CC BY 3.0
Twofold Bay, on the far south coast of New South Wales, is a wild and beautiful stretch of coastline where the forest meets the sea. This deep natural harbour, flanked by the towns of Eden and Boydtown, is steeped in whaling history and offers some of the best whale-watching in Australia. The bay's sheltered waters, backed by national parks and dotted with historic sites, make it a serene stop for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Highlights & What to See
- Whale Watching: From May to November, humpback and southern right whales migrate along this coast. Join a cruise from Eden or watch from the headlands at Lookout Point.
- Killer Whale Museum: Dive into the fascinating and poignant history of the bay's orca-assisted whaling industry, with exhibits on the famous killer whales that once hunted alongside humans.
- Ben Boyd National Park: Explore rugged sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and the historic Boyd's Tower, a 19th-century stone lighthouse built by early settler Benjamin Boyd.
- Eden Wharf: A working fishing wharf where you can watch the daily catch come in, buy fresh seafood, and enjoy fish and chips with a view.
- Aslings Beach: A long, sandy beach perfect for a swim or a coastal walk, with calm waters and a backdrop of native bushland.
Suggested Time to Spend
Twofold Bay rewards a relaxed pace. Spend a full day to take in the museum, a whale-watching cruise (in season), and a walk in Ben Boyd National Park. If you're pressed for time, half a day allows you to visit the museum and a lookout. Many travellers use Eden as a base for two nights, combining the bay with nearby attractions.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Eden: The main town on the bay, with cafés, galleries, and the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.
- Boydtown: A historic hamlet with the ruins of the Seahorse Inn and lovely views across the bay.
- Bega: Known for its cheese—visit the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre for tastings and history.
- Mimosa Rocks National Park: A coastal park with dramatic rock formations, Aboriginal sites, and great surfing beaches.
- Merimbula: A lively holiday town with a lake, oyster farms, and the Magic Mountain theme park (great for families).
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Eden — Killer_whale_(Old_Tom)_and_whalers_-_original.jpeg : Charles Eden Wellings (1881-1952) derivative work: Avenue ( talk ) / Public domain
- Boydtown — Matilda / CC BY 3.0
- Merimbula — Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom / CC BY 2.0
- Ben Boyd National Park — Bluedawe / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mimosa Rocks National Park — Mark Andrews / CC BY-SA 3.0