From incredible coastal hikes, and kayaking in crystal clear waters to mountain biking on some of the state’s best trails, Eden has something in store for every kind of Explorer.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Yuin Country where the Yuin People have cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Jump to Section

There’s a reason they call it Eden! It really does feel like heaven and some of the natural formations are almost otherworldly. Toward the southern end of the NSW coastline lies this charming coastal town that’s packed with options for a weekend of adventures.

History of Eden

Eden has a rich historical significance when it comes to the ocean. What was once a whaling hub has now been transformed into a town that focuses on whale-watching and the migration of whales up Australia’s east coast.

You also don’t have to be in town long to recognise that the town has an obsession with orcas (killer whales).

 

 

We started our weekend with a trip to the Killer Whale Museum, a unique educational experience highlighting the bond between these intelligent animals and the people of this town.

For only $15 you get to walk through at your own pace and even see the full skeleton of ‘Old Tom’, the town’s favourite Orca.

How To Get to Eden

Eden is a 6.5-hour drive south from Sydney and about the same north from Melbourne, which makes for a good excuse to take your mates for a weekend road trip to stay in this beautifully remote location.

The journey to Eden is certainly worth it – if you’re coming from Sydney you get to see the magical Sapphire Coast where the greenest hills meet the blue sea, plus stop in for a burger at Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe in Milton on your way down. Too good to miss!

Where to Stay in Eden

Our recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance with Reflections Holidays, which has options at Eden and Bermagui. Reflections Eden is in Twofold Bay, a famously spectacular cove where you can spend the afternoon swimming or exploring the ocean pools and rock formations.

 

 

You’ve got the option to stay in a campsite to get the full outdoor experience and bring along your swag or tent, or, if you’re feeling like spoiling yourself, there are a range of affordable cabins to share.

The premium cabins that sleep six for under $200 per night were nicer than my actual home, making it difficult to leave the next morning, alas, there were adventures to be had!

Eden Deluxe Cabin Reflections

Where to Eat in Eden

My priorities lie with food and coffee before any adventures begin.

 

Toast Cafe – Eden

Start your day in Eden with breakfast plus a little treat at Toast Cafe, a quick four-minute drive from your stay at Reflections. They had steaming fresh Portuguese tarts straight from the oven when we arrived, so maybe pack a few of these for later (if they last that long).

 

 

Hotel Australasia – Eden

A few doors up is your dinner or lunch spot. For a classic Aussie pub feed with the option of incredible wood-fired pizza, look no further. This place is ticking all the boxes.

 

 

Boneless Vegetarian Cafe – Bermagui

The ultimate lunch spot, incredible smoothies and burgers and the team prioritises seasonal produce and what’s available to their community. Very wholesome vibes!

 

Honorbread – Bermagui

Your spot for fresh pastries and unbelievably good coffee! While you wait, check out their side garden to see art installations and a beehive amongst fresh herb gardens.  Grab some sourdough for a picnic too!

 

Activities & Things to Do in Eden

Mountain Biking at Gravity MTB Park

With almost 60km of mountain biking trails available, the Gravity MTB Park is a playground for all levels of riders. If it’s been a while since you’ve been behind the handlebars you can start on the asphalt skills pump track or the dirt jump park.

Then, if you’re feeling up to the challenge, pick your own adventure with the trail map, or ask the guys at Creativelines Ride store in town for some suggestions. You can also rent any gear needed here by the hour, and the staff are super friendly and helpful!

Our top trail picks are the flowy Breath of Fire and Gutterball. Continue from Breath of Fire into Straight Six to add some jumps and keep the party going!

Read more: Gravity Eden – Dirt Surfing at NSW South Coast’s Newest Mountain Bike Park

Hiking

There’s a huge range of options here for our hiking buds! With incredible rock formations and plenty of spots to dip into the sea for a swim, this coastline is perfect for getting your legs moving.

Light to Light Walk

Distance: 30km (can do smaller sections)

Located in Beowa National Park, this walk covers a massive section of the coastline just south of Eden and intertwines with some incredible historic lookouts and light stations.

It’s about a 30-40 minute drive to the national park, so pack plenty of food and water for your trip. If you’re not up for the full two to three-day hike you can cover any smaller sections like the Boyds Tower to Saltwater Creek Walking Track or Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape walking track.

This part of Eden has the most stunning red rock and aqua ocean where you can jump in for a swim. You may even spot seals playing and snoozing along the rocky shores or whales, depending on the migration season.

Nearby Accommodation

Bundian Way Story Trail 

Distance: 1.8km

This easy-going story trail is an absolute delight to walk, where you follow in the footsteps of the First Nations peoples who used this passage for thousands of years to connect the resourceful coastline with the trails in the Snowy Mountains.

This smaller section links Cocora Beach to Quarantine Bay. You can take a self-guided educational journey from either direction and stop in at the eight significant points signposted along the way.

Pinnacles Loop Walking Track

Distance: 1.1km

This is where you’ll want to bring your camera! About a 12-minute drive north of the Eden town centre is a breathtaking short walk, a quick 20-40 minute loop trail that shows off the insane colour palette of the region’s coastline. The white sands contrast stunningly with the pink and orange sandstone, and bright red mudstone that dates back 65 million years. No filters needed.

Read more: The Pinnacles is Nature at its Colourful Peak

Sunset Picnic and Snorkelling

Terrace Beach and Lennards Island

For the best end to your day, grab a picnic blanket, some snorkelling gear and (of course) snacks. The drive out to Terrace Beach/Lennards Island is 4WD accessible only, so make sure you’ve got some trusty wheels. Take the afternoon to explore the underwater world on this coastline and delve into the impossibly aqua waters that boast great diving visibility.

Read more: 8 Ways to Minimise Your Impact While Snorkelling and Diving

 

Kayak Tour

For an in-depth tour of the rivers and indigenous history, I can recommend the Pambula River Kayak Tour which runs from Pambula to the beautiful Severs Beach. You get to leisurely paddle up the river at your own pace through various oyster farms and learn about the fascinating natural history of the area.

We spotted middens (residual Aboriginal shell collections that date thousands of years) and nesting White-bellied sea eagles. With morning tea included, you MUST also try a fresh oyster when you finish the tour. Add a bit of lemon and down the hatch!

Diving

For those like me who are ocean addicts, you’ve got the choice of freediving or scuba diving around Twofolds Bay in Eden. Take advantage of the insanely good visibility and book a boat dive to explore the two shipwrecks or the magical caves in the area.

Read more: A Guide To Reef & Ocean Safe Sunscreen

Drive to Bermagui

About a 1 hour 20-minute drive north from Eden is Bermagui, another picturesque surf town that you must tick off your list.

Stop into Boneless for an exquisite veggie burger and smoothie, bring your board and surf some fun beach breaks at Camel Rock or swim in the naturally formed Blue Pool, a very camera-worthy spot.

Bermagui is also famous for its fishing spots and fresh produce, or if you’re feeling adventurous, bring a rod and you can flick in a line yourself!

Reflections Bermagui has the best real estate in town, it’s an easy walk to the pub, rock pool, or beach. Grab a cabin for the night or pitch a tent on one of their campsites, where the cosy community of Bermagui travellers are warm and welcoming.

Essential Gear for Eden

My ultimate packing list for Eden:

  • Plenty of water for your hikes
  • Snorkelling gear + fins
  • Fishing rod
  • Mountain bike + helmet
  • Surfboard for Bermagui
  • Picnic set up
  • Camping gear if you’re choosing to camp for the weekend
  • Of course, your camera (to capture the memories)

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

What It’s Like to Visit Eden

The South Coast of NSW is such a haven of adventure. We were greeted by lovely locals keen to share fishing stories over a beer at the pub or chat about the secrets of sourdough at the local cafe. This place is a perfect getaway for a couple or a group of friends looking to unleash some weekend adventures.

Whether you’re ready for hardcore mountain bike trails, hiking and kayaking, or just want to explore fresh produce and relax on the beach, plan your next trip down south with Reflections Holidays and you won’t regret it!

Our Editorial Standards determine which brands we partner with and our approach to the content we produce. 'In partnership' means we work together with a company to create content our readers will genuinely enjoy that also promotes their product or service. You’ll always know when you’re reading sponsored content, as we’re proud to promote the brands we’ve chosen to work with.