A Garden of Eden on a Sapphire Coast of New South Wales

If somebody told you there was a Garden of Eden on a Sapphire Coast, you would probably either think they were crazy or would ask them how to get there? Hopefully, you would do the latter, because there really is an Eden and it's on the Sapphire Coast of southern New South Wales. Eden's relaxed atmosphere and stunning setting attracts visitors from both sides of the border.

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. The Eden Community Gallery, also called "Art on Imlay," is another of Eden's most popular attractions. When you visit the gallery, you get a real feel for Eden and its residents.

Eden isn't a metropolis by any stretch of the imagination, but it is still the largest town in its vicinity. While you're there, take the time to visit the some of the inland villages. Nimmitabel, for example rests at an altitude of around 2500 feet above sea level and is located between Eden and the Snowy Mountains. This tiny village's population numbers only 300 and has a magical and even mystical feel about it.

Don't expect to find big resorts in Eden. Your Eden accommodation will be small, but so comfortable, you will probably find it more relaxing than many expensive resorts. 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.

Take a few days off, find eden Accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.