Eden

After a great start to our trip we left Narooma on Friday the 1^st of Feb. It was only about 150km to Eden and we had a leisurely drive. Stopped at Bega for a coffee. Then onto Eden and pulled into the Reflections Holiday Park.

Reflections charge a bit more because of their great location. They have views of the bay and are only separated from the beach by the road in. Before our trip I checked out the options of where to stay and there was nothing in the way of showground or other cheap stays. The van parks seem to have the monopoly on the great locations down here. So having found out that there are water hook ups available at some of the unpowered sites I asked for unpowered with water and bay views. He said I was now asking to much. After some good natured chat he relented and we had what we wanted, cheaper camping with the best of positions. By taking the unpowered site we got the price down to $32 a night, but when you see our location I reckon you will think it worth it. It is just a stroll from the van to the beach.

After setting up and lunch we visited the town where we checked out the lookout at Rotary Park. It looks out over Twofold Bay. Eden was a major whaling area. The southern headland in the photo has a tower that was used as a lookout for whales back in the day. A gun would get fired when whales were sighted and the puff of smoke would be seen in Eden which would trigger the row boats to head out to catch and harpoon the whale.

We checked out the Fishermans Club but settled on the Golf Course Club for dinner. It was Asian cuisine and delicious.

Saturday morning we went straight to the Information Centre to pick up a map and info about the area. I had done some research already so had a good idea of what to see. We headed south and drove into the Ben Boyd National Park heading for Green Cape. On the way we stopped at the Disaster Bay Lookout. Enjoyed morning tea whilst looking at this great view. Apart from the sand not being as white I think it rivals Wineglass Bay in Tassie.

At Green Cape there is a lighthouse and stories of shipwrecks.

We then went on to the south head at Twofold Bay and had a look at the tower that Ben Boyd had built. That was the tower I referred to earlier that was used as a lookout for whales. The plaques also tell the story of Boyd, his little empire and his folly with the tower.

We then headed back to Eden but stopped on the way at Boydtown. Ben Boyd built a church and his mansion right on the water looking toward Eden. It is now a grand hotel and pub.

After a late lunch there we went back to camp for a relaxing evening at the end of another good day. Sunday was a beautiful sunny day, albeit a bit windy. We had a good walk and a couple of swims. Tried some fishing from the beach but no good again. Did some reading. Then chatting to other campers and passing on some tips to a young man with this family about to head off on 12 months around Australia. Once upon a time I used to be the guy receiving all the tips. Now I am able to pass on a heap of tips myself. 

Then at the end of the day it was great to be outside BBQing again on a beautiful balmy evening. It was a great day and I was glad to make use of the sunny weather, knowing we have some rainy and cloudy days coming.