Davidson Whaling Station

South Coast

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Take a guided tour at historic Davidson Whaling Station – discover how killer whales helped the Davidson family. And when you're done, finish the day with a picnic at the nearby beach.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Accessibility
Medium
Entry fees

It's free to visit Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site. Park entry fees apply in nearby Beowa National Park.

Opening times

Entry to Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site is available at any time without a guide. Tours operate during the Eden Whale Festival. Please contact the park office to arrange a tour.

Please note

The road to Ben Boyd Road is sealed, followed by 4km of unsealed road.

Discover a lifestyle from the past at Davidson Whaling Station historic site, located at Kiah Inlet on the shores of Twofold Bay, just a short drive from Beowa National Park.

Plan a trip in the summer or easter holidays or during the Eden Whale Festival and take a guided tour to see the fascinating 1890s weatherboard homestead. See where the Davidson family took to the seas, assisted by a pack of killer whales. The skeleton of the pack’s leader, ‘Old Tom’, is today displayed at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.

Check out the historic try-works, where blubber was processed, and learn all about the whaling operation. Walk a few steps to the beach to enjoy a picnic, swim, or just feel the sand between your toes.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Boyds Tower in Beowa National Park. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Boyds Tower walking track

    Take an easy walk to historic Boyds Tower, find out about Ben Boyd’s empire dreams and enjoy whale watching and stunning views from the lookout.

  • Light to Light walkers standing on the red rocks at Bittangabee Bay. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Light to Light walk

    Begin this multi-day walk at Boyds Tower down the far south coast, and end at Green Cape Lighthouse. Stop for a swim and the opportunity to spot seals, seabirds and whales.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/davidson-whaling-station-historic-site/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Davidson Whaling Station.

Getting there and parking

Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site is approximately 10 minutes' drive south from Beowa National Park.

To get there:

  • Travel south from Eden on the Princes Highway for 18km
  • Turn off at Edrom Road and drive for 11km
  • Turn left into Boyd Road
  • Drive for 4km to the station’s carpark

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Beowa National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Camp at Bittangabee campground and see lyrebirds performing their characteristic dance and tail display.

Spring

Visit Green Cape Lighthouse or Boyds Tower to spot whales migrating south to their Antarctic feeding grounds - you might even see females with young calves.

Summer

Plan a camping trip to Saltwater Creek - to enjoy the lagoons and beautiful surf beach.

Winter

Take the Light to Light walk when it's nice and cool and the banksias are in bloom.

Facilities

Amenities

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Assistance may be required to access this area

  • A gently sloping paved path and boardwalk run down to the historic house
  • The try-works site and beach are not wheelchair-accessible

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info