The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre in Eden, South Coast, Australia | Eco Tourism | Marine Services | Whale Watching | Aquarium | Wildlife

The Discovery Centre is now open with marine creature tank displays and a collection of educational and inspirational displays so come and ?see the sea? at The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Snug Cove Wharf in Eden, New South Wales in Australia.

The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre Whale Watching on the Sapphire Coast - When it comes to marine mammals we are well catered for on the Sapphire Coast, Whale and Dolphins enthusiasts can take advantage of the excellent Boat and Aircraft Whale Watching operations. Also, great shore based vantage points are placed along the Coast for those without sea legs.

Migrating Humpback whales are the main attraction here on this coast, during September through to early December. They may also be seen in May through to July, on their Northern migration to the warmer waters of Queensland, where they head to for the breeding season. Few Southern Right Whales are seen, as the majority of their numbers stay along the Southern Coastline of Australia.

Large numbers of Common Dolphins are present in these waters and Bottlenose Dolphins can be seen most days along the Sapphire coast shoreline. Blue Whales, Minkes, Brydes, & Orcas can be witnessed for those fortunate to be present on those gems of days that these exotic animals pass through. To a lesser extent, Beaked Whales, Pilot Whales, False Killer Whales, Pygmy Killer Whales and Rissos Dolphins can be seen, but usually further out to sea.

The southern gateway to the Sapphire Coast, Eden is set in rugged beauty with golden sandy beaches and crystal waters to the east and forests and parklands to the west.

Eden Killer Whale Museum
Magnificent Twofold Bay has the quiet watcher of Mount Imlay in the background. It sees the whales feeding as they migrate every year; the days when men and killer whales worked together to herd the gentle giants for the whaling industry are long gone and faithfully recorded in fascinating displays at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. The skeleton of Old Tom, last of the herding killer whales of Eden, is an impressive exhibit.

Visit Davidson Whaling Station the longest-operating shore-based whaling station in Australia at Kiah Inlet, Boyds Tower and Boydtown to absorb the colourful history of Eden.

Eden A history steeped in the traditions of the sea. With endless fishing opportunities and fascinating dive wrecks is Eden. See the trawlers at Snug Cove unloading their catch of the day. You can sample their catch at one of many cafes or restaurants at the Wharf.

Lookout Point, Rotary Park and Seamens Memorial Wall are up the hill from Eden Wharf. They offer panoramic views over beautiful Twofold Bay to Mt Imlay. There is a Picnic area, toilets, and playground.

For splashing about choose between several beaches right in Eden - Aslings for surfing and rock pools, Corcora for family fun with facilities or Snug Cove with its caves. Charters offer all weather diving from Merimbula to Green Cape and daily fishing trips. Cruise Boats offer discovery cruises on Twofold Bay during which its history is unfolded and dolphins, seals and whales may also be seen.

Eden - Twofold Bay
Discover Boyds Tower on the southern headland of Twofold Bay, a massive sandstone tower built by Benjamin Boyd in the hope of establishing his empire in the area, the tower was also used by whalers. Access is from Edrom Road, and there is a sealed walking track with disabled access to the tower and sweeping views along the coast.

Eden - Wonboyn Lake
30km south of Eden,Wonboyn Lake is one of the most seculded spots on the coast. Adjacent to the Nadgee Croajingolong Wilderness Area, Wonboyn makes an ideal retreat. Here pristine beaches give way to rolling surf, and the many coastal walking tracks lead to magnificent vistas, beautiful conservation areas and tranquil lakes. Wonboyn Lake itself winds a 10km course before reaching Disaster Bay. Best discovered by boat, the lake has plenty of magnificent picnic spots. It also provides some of the area's best fishing locations. The backwaters of the lake are dotted with oyster leases, so when eating out on the Sapphire Coast, be sure to savour some of the lake's tastiest bounty - you won't taste finer.

Wonboyn Lake is best discovered by boat as you enter the lake mouth, sandy shoals and channels open to rolling surf and untouched beaches where dingos, dolphins and deserted sand hills can all be discovered. There is a boat ramp, picnic area and fabulous fishing surrounded by wilderness.

Eden National Parks and Reserves
Ben Boyd National Park flanks Wonboyn to the north and Nadgee Nature Reserve to the south, rich in ancient and endemic forms of Wildlife and vast wilderness areas. It offers many swimming, fishing and picnic spots, vantage lookout points, historic sites and designated camping areas. There are also lots of 4WD tracks to be explored.

Among these the Pinnacles and Haycock Point to the north and Saltwater Creek, Bittangabee Bay and Greencape to the south. Bookings for camping can be made at the National Parks office.

Mt Imlay National Park provides bushwalkers with spectacular views of Twofold Bay and adjacent mountain ranges. It is a steep track to the summit but well worth the effort.

Wallagaruah Forest Drive and Maxwell's Rainforest Walk starts 30km south of Eden at signpost. This easy rainforest walk is accessible for all ages.

The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre in Eden, New South Wales - A brief history of the Marine Centre - The idea for a Marine Discovery Centre was born in the late 1990s when a group of concerned Eden citizens formed a committee to work towards new employment opportunities for the town following a decline in the traditional industries of timber and fishing. The original committee successfully applied for charitable status through the establishment of a Trust. The concept has developed further to include not only a Discovery Centre, but a Research and Education Institute as well.

Over the next few years, our Centre began conducting low key programs to engage the communities of the Sapphire Coast and beyond in learning more about our local marine environment and industries. The popularity of the concept grew rapidly. Several Grants were acquired to assist us in delivering educational programs. For several years we operated as a ?marine centre without walls? as we lacked a building to house our proposed Centre. Eventually, in late 2007, through a substantial Grant provided by the Australian Government, we were able to acquire the leasehold on a large building in Eden on the Snug Cove wharves, in which our Stage 1 Discovery Centre is now operating.

Future plans include the development of wet and dry laboratory facilities and classrooms for use by school children, university students, researchers and scientists from across Australia and internationally. The Board and staff are committed to further development of the Discovery Centre displays and programs to create a new and exciting attraction for visitors and locals throughout the region.

The next phase will involve development of our marine education curriculum and programs to attract school visits for the hands-on experiences we will offer. Simultaneously, our Research Advisory Group is working to raise awareness of the abundant opportunities for scientific research our region offers.

Mission
To be Australia?s best temperate marine education and research centre within 10 years.

Vision
The Marine Centre promotes understanding of oceans and coasts by offering learning and knowledge experiences.

Objectives
? To facilitate research into the temperate marine environment
? To be a resource for specialist knowledge about the temperate marine environment
? To provide a wide range of visitor experiences focussing on our unique natural assets
? To offer educational opportunities for people of all ages
? To increase understanding of sustainable use of the oceans and coasts
? To work with indigenous people to achieve our mission
? To be a well managed not for profit organisation