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Davidson Whaling Station

Ben Boyd National Park

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
Where
Ben Boyd National Park
Accessibility
Medium
Price
Free
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
  • Strong rips and currents may be present at this beach – take care in the water and please supervise children at all times
  • The road to Ben Boyd Road is sealed, followed by 4km of unsealed road.
  • A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters

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 Ben Boyd 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

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Edward River canoe and kayak trail, Murray Valley National Park. Photo: David Finnegan.

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Mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus). Photo: Cate Aitken

Park info

  • in Ben Boyd National Park in the South Coast region

  • Ben Boyd National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies in the southern section of the park (south of Eden). There is no park entry fee for the northern section of the park (north of Eden). The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring correct change.

    Buy an annual pass.
    • Merimbula
      (02) 6495 5000
      Contact hours: 10am-3pm Monday to Friday and some weekends during peak holiday periods.
    • Corner Sapphire Coast and Merimbula Drives, Merimbula NSW
    • Email: FSCR@environment.nsw.gov.au
      Fax: (02) 6495 5055
    More
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

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Itinerary (2)

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Volunteering (1)

The beach near the Whaling Station. Photo: John Yurasek