If you heard about a beautiful Eden on a Sapphire Coast, you would be intrigued, wouldn't you? Well, there really is such a place: it's the small town of Eden on the South Coast of NSW, also known as the Sapphire Coast because of its gem-like beauty. As the thousands of visitors who pass through this south coast town can attest, this Eden lives up to its idyllic image, too.
If you are travelling down the South Coast of NSW, Eden will be the last town you pass before you cross the border into Victoria. It attracts visitors from both of Australia's largest cities. If you look at a satellite view of Eden, it's easy to see what the attraction is. For one thing, it is surrounded by National Forest. Most of the Sapphire Coast has that feature in common. What else is special about Eden?
Zoom in on the satellite photo and you will see that Eden is tucked away on the northern edge of Twofold Bay. It's sheltered location there makes it an ideal place for a holiday. The rugged coast of the Tasman Sea in far south New South Wales can be unsafe for swimming, but when you're snuggled away in Eden, you are protected from the open sea swells and wind.
Twofold Bay appealed to the early settlers because its natural harbour could be used for herding and harvesting whales, so for its first century, Eden was primarily used as a whaling station. In the early 20th century, the whalers' job was made easier when a pod of killer whales decided to call Twofold Bay home as well and helped them draw whales into the bay.
Today, whales are still a big attraction in Eden, but it is not for the same reasons as it was in the past. Whale watching tours are very popular and the fascinating Killer Whale Museum is one of the town's feature attractions. Inside the museum, you can get a real taste of what the whalers' lives were really like. Fishing is still one of the leading industries in town, but today it is the rich stocks of tuna that are sought by fishermen.
While in the past, Eden was a more rough and tumble whaling town, today it is a tranquil community that attracts artists who are captivated by its natural beauty. "Art on Imlay," the Eden Community Gallery, is one place you won't want to miss when you visit Eden. When you visit the gallery, you get a real feel for Eden and its residents.
If you're a "city slicker," Eden will seem like a quaint village to you. In comparison with its surrounding towns, though, it is the "metropolis" of the area. Nimmitabel, for instance, lies about halfway between Eden and the Snowy Mountains. The population of Nimmitabel is only about 300. Like the other villages in the region, it's a great place to visit while you're staying in Eden.
Don't expect to find big resorts in Eden. Your Eden accommodation may not be a sumptuous five star resort, but you will be made to feel right at home in comfortable and hospitable style. It may take a day or so to adjust to the slower pace of life here, but once you do, you will feel like you want to stay in this "Garden of Eden" forever.
Need a break away, find <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/accommodation/nsw/south-coast/eden/1/">eden Accommodation</a>, things to do and other travel related information about the area on <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/">'Book it Now'</a>. Or visit our <a target="_new" href="http://travelblog.bookitnow.com.au/">travel blog</a> for more Australian holiday ideas.
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