Far South Coast
Between the wild mountains and the ocean, a strip of national parks follow almost the entire length of NSW’s far south coast. These parks protect endangered flora and fauna whilst providing countless recreation opportunities. Further west the land climbs upwards towards the great alpine environment of Kosciuszko National Park, with its summer walks and winter snowfields.
The region is also home to many great land based whale watching spots including:
Moruya Heads (Eurobodalla NP)
The Toragy Point lookout is located in Moruya heads and offers panoramic whale watching views north along the coast.
Location and Access
300km south of Sydney just past Moruya, turn off the Princes Highway onto South Head Road, park on Elisabeth St and walk up the headland.
Fees
No fees apply
Facilities
- The lookout provides interpretive signage about whales and marine life.
- Picnic area
Top Experiences
The Eurobodalla area is home to significant aboriginal and European cultural sites. The Bingie Dreaming Track is a great way to learn more about aboriginal culture.
Montague Island Nature Reserve
From the end of winter to early December hundreds of seals make their home on the island. It’s also a breeding ground for 15 bird species, including about 8000 pairs of penguins.
Location and Access
Located 9km off shore of Narooma on the far south coast, Montague Island is reached by boat.
Fees
Various packages to visit the island are available.
Facilities
- Join a day or evening adventure tour with a park guide from Narooma.
- Overnight conservation tours are also available. Accommodation is provided in the fully-restored Head Keeper’s Quarters.
Top Experiences
Half day tours
Guided tours of Montague Island take around 4 hours, and start and finish at Narooma. The charter boat circumnavigates the island, giving you a chance to see the fur seal colony. At some times in the year, a wide range of other animals can be seen – including humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds, including little penguins and sooty oystercatchers. Tours also include an inspection of the island’s historic lighthouse buildings.
Overnight tours
Naturewise two-night Montague Island Conservation Tours are fully hosted by a park ranger. A unique part of a visit to the island is the option to spend a few hours helping to protect the 30,000 seabirds which nest and breed on the island, by contributing towards the sea bird habitat restoration project.
Self Guided tours
Ideal for individuals, special interest and corporate groups seeking something different. Stay overnight in the refurbished head keepers quarters, help with habitat management or research, and experience the wonder of this unique island.
Eden – Davidson Whaling Historic Site
Located on the shores of the Kiah Inlet at Twofold Bay, the Davidson Whaling Station was the longest-operating shore-based whaling station in Australia and the last of its type to close down. Protected today as an historic site, the station will give you a unique insight into the lives and industry of the 19th century whalers.
Location and Access
Davidson Whaling site is 35km southeast of Eden, and 520km south of Sydney. Turn off the Princes Hwy into Edrom Rd (south of Towamba River) and drive for 11 km. Turn left into Boyd Rd and 4 km on you will come to the carpark at the site.
Fees
No entry fees apply.
Facilities
- An asphalt pathway leads from the carpark past the old cottage and on to the try-works at Kiah Inlet.
- Read about life during the era of the whaling station on the information panels along the way.
Top Experiences
Kiah Inlet is a picturesque setting for a picnic or a spot of fishing.
Boyd’s Tower, Red Point (Ben Boyd NP)
Boyd’s Tower at Red Point on the southern shore of Twofold Bay was built by the Australian pioneer Ben Boyd. The tower was originally built as a lighthouse from sandstone quarried in Sydney, but because of a dispute with the government, the lighthouse never came into service and was mainly used by the Davidson’s for spotting whales.
Location and Access
To get to Boyd’s tower, you’ll need to access the south section of the park, 25 km south of Eden. Turn into Edrom Road from the Princes Highway. From here you can get to Green Cape, Bittangabee Bay, Saltwater Creek and Boyds Tower.
Fees
Vehicle entry fees apply.
Facilities
- An easy bitumen track leads to the base of the tower from the carpark at Red Point.
- A lookout nearby provides superb cliff views of Twofold Bay; allow at least 30 minutes to enjoy the magnificent views and the tower.
Top Experiences
Great swimming in the calm waters of the Pambula River estuary in the northern section of the park. Other popular swimming spots are at Bittangabee Bay and Saltwater Creek, as they’re protected from southerly winds and are reasonably safe.
Green Cape (Ben Boyd NP)
Green Cape is another spectacular location in Ben Boyd’s National Park. The isolated cliff top lighthouse overlooks the wild seas below. Whales are regularly spotted passing by the Cape.
Location and Access
You will need to access the south section of the park, 25 km south of Eden. Turn into Edrom Road from the Princes Highway. Then turn on to Green Cape road and follow this road right to the end. Parking isavailable at Green Cape Lightstation.
Fees
Vehicle entry fees apply.
Facilities
- The historic Green Cape lightstation keepers’ cottage is now converted in accommodation for up to 12 people.
- Regular tours of the lighthouse are also run.
Top Experiences
- The Pinnacles and Green Cape lightstation.
- Unique heritage accommodation in the Green Cape lightstation keepers’ cottages.
- Light to Light coastal walk. This walk starts at either Green Cape or Boyds Tower and provides spectacular scenery along the way. Whales can be seen on their migratory route between late May and December, along with seals and a number of seabirds.
- 4WD adventures can be experienced in some of the less visited areas in the northern section of the park, such as North Head, Lennard’s Island and Terrace Beach. These roads are also accessible by conventional vehicles, but only in dry conditions.
Water based whale watching activities
Once you have explored the many land-based whale watching opportunities that this region offers, you may want to go on a whale and dolphin watching cruise tour.
