A NATURAL HARBOUR
The Port of Eden is located mid way between Sydney and Melbourne, approximately 40km from the Victorian border. It is the third-deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, making it ideal for large vessels. This working port is also a premier location for whale watching, an emerging cruise destination and home port to one of the largest fishing fleets in NSW.
Snug Cove
Eden’s iconic Snug Cove is where three wharves unite within one of the most stunning coastal vistas of NSW.
Set in a working port under the shadow of Balawan (Mount Imlay), Snug Cove harbours a fleet of fishing, charter and recreational vessels and is the southernmost deepwater harbour in NSW.
Watching the action from the harbour’s edge you’ll see boats come and go, the day’s catch unloaded and fishermen working on their nets and tending to their boats.
You are welcome to wander along the wharf and check out the boats or drop in a line. Or simply sit back on the harbour’s edge and appreciate the spectacular seaside vista.
Charters depart Snug Cove for fishing trips, diving, whale watching and coastal discovery cruises in Twofold Bay and beyond.
Drop into the Eden Welcome Centre for tips on exploring the region and enjoy the interpretive installations and foreshore Maritime History Pathway.
During the cruise season from October to March, there are a growing number of cruise liners in port, with passengers eager to experience Eden and surrounding region.
Eden Welcome Centre,
including Information Centre
The Eden Visitor Information Centre is housed inside the award-winning architecturally designed Eden Welcome Centre at Snug Cove.
Opened in 2021, the building is a unique addition to Eden’s waterfront constructed with recycled timber sources from all across New South Wales and Victoria, and showcasing a maritime walkway harbourside and indigenous etchings on the exterior.
Designed by award-winning firm Cox Architecture, the Centre is a two-story facility spanning approximately 1,000 square metres.
The Visitor Centre takes up the ground floor of the building and offers a carefully curated selection of local products and produce including books, jewellery, homewares, souvenirs, and pantry items.
You can also peruse the selection of brochures, visitor guides and maps that cover a two to three-hour drive radius. Passionate local volunteers staff the information counter who look forward to sharing their tips and secrets on what to see and do in Eden to make the most of your stay.
The first floor of the Welcome Centre accommodates offices for Port Authority of NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Transport for NSW personnel.
Host an event at the Eden Welcome Centre
The Eden Welcome Centre with its unique waterside location and architecturally designed building, makes the best venue for your next special event, networking function or presentation.
For more information, please download our Events at EVIC guide HERE, or email info@visiteden.com.au
Cruise Eden
Cruise Eden is the locally based not-for-profit organisation that welcomes cruise ship passengers to the Port of Eden. Since 2014, the Port of Eden has seen a significant increase in cruise ship visitation. Ships previously had to anchor in Twofold Bay and tender passengers ashore by boat until August 2019 when the $44 million wharf extension was completed, enabling passenger vessels up to 325 metres in length to berth alongside the upgraded wharf at Snug Cove. These facilities were improved yet again in 2021 when the Eden Welcome Centre was opened, providing a sheltered location for Cruise Eden’s famous markets, as well as further facilities for passengers including the Eden Visitor Information Centre on the ground floor. Visit the Cruise Eden page to view the current cruise ship schedule and find further information for those visiting Eden as a cruise ship passenger.
Multipurpose Wharf
Commissioned in October 2003, the multipurpose wharf situated on the southern side of Twofold Bay is a 200m long, 30m wide concrete wharf accessed via a 560m long timber jetty. It has a berthing depth of 12m and was designed to accommodate softwood exports, cargo, and naval deammunitioning. When it’s not closed for commercial use, it is open to the public to enjoy and a walk to the end will reward you with fabulous views of this coastline including historic Edrom Lodge. It is also a popular location for fishermen catching fish such as snapper or worwong, and snorkellers harvesting mussels or trying to spot the local weedy sea dragons. You can view the current shipping schedule to check if the wharf is open to the public here.
The Multi-Purpose (Navy) Wharf is located in East Boyd Bay. This wharf is used principally for logs, containers, general cargo and naval operations.
It is a modern, concrete decked wharf with a face length of 200m and width of 30m.
The wharf is licensed to handle Class 1 Dangerous Goods (explosives).
A hard stand storage yard of 8 hectares is located nearby.
Principally used for Naval operations and the loading of logs for export.
- Max LOA: 185m
- Max draft: 10.5m
- Max DWT 35,000MT
History of the Port
In 1818, Thomas Raine established the first shore based whaling station on mainland Australia at Twofold Bay. A small pier was erected by Raine, as well as slab huts for a home and the whaling try-works.
The first wharf built for shipping was built in 1860.
The Port of Eden has welcomed many prominent maritime arrivals since the late 18th century, playing a key role in shaping the identity of this seaside town. Head to Our Maritime History page to discover some of the fascinating tales of Eden’s most famous and interesting ships, seafarers and exploits.
We love seeing where our visitors have explored.
You can follow us on Facebook & Instagram @visiteden
Don’t forget to tag us in your posts #visiteden