OVERVIEW
Cruise through Twofold Bay aboard a sleek catamaran, tracing a coastline blanketed with forests and dotted with historical buildings. Named for the two distinct curving folds along its shoreline, this body of water is one of the deepest natural harbors in the entire Southern Hemisphere. As your boat slices through the sea’s surface on stable twin hulls, an onboard guide will elaborate on Eden and Twofold Bay’s 19th-century history as a major whaling center. In those days, these waters were so busy with migrating whales headed for Antarctica during season that this became known as the Humpback Highway. You may also spot the old, weathered homestead of the Davidson Whaling Station off on one corner of the bay where the Towamba River flows in. This historic site was where the Davidson family ran their shore-based operation – longest-running in Australia – assisted in their efforts by an unusual alliance with a pack of killer whales. The whale-spotting tower of another historic Twofold Bay character, controversial entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd, stands nearby; he mysteriously disappeared while hunting ducks. Happily, for us and the planet, humpbacks and right whales still pass by here each year in sizable numbers, free to enjoy these waters in safety.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Board a sleek catamaran at the cruise pier and set sail into beautiful Twofold Bay.
• Sightsee along the coastline, a place of sandy beaches, thick forests and historic landmarks from Eden’s whaling past.
• Hear your guide recount the days when these waters were so filled with migrating whales this was known as the Humpback Highway
• Learn the stories behind the ramshackle Davidson Whaling Station and the old tower on the point in Ben Boyd National Park.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; consider a light jacket or sweater
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.
