Sunday, June 12, 2011

A Little Slice of Paradise - Eden

I've been to a lot of places - I've travelled extensively in Australia as well as overseas - I just did a quick count and I've been to over 40 countries. I lived and worked overseas for several years, I've studied in Italy and done some fantastic treks including the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and The Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in Peru.

So I've seen some very beautiful places...but my favourite place in the world is a small town on the NSW Far South Coast of Australia - Eden. It's where I grew up and where my mother still lives. It is situated on one of the world's deepest natural harbours, Twofold Bay. There are so many lovely little beaches (with no one on them) and the sand is a gorgeous colour and the water is very blue - they call it the Sapphire Coast.

Eden has a fascinating history. There was a thriving whaling industry although now the whales are back and bring tourism.  There are still many historic buildings and whaling relics.  It makes for great visiting (although a long drive from Sydney!)

I thought I'd share some photos: Not of the town but of the bay and the surrounding Ben Boyd National Park.  The park was named and established in 1971, in honour of Benjamin Boyd (1801-1851). Ben Boyd National Park protects a wonderful section of coast line from Pambula to Green Cape, split into two distinct sections, one north of Eden and the other south. The park is well known for its contrasting red rocks, whale sighting, Boyd Tower, Green Cape Lighthouse and associated history.



View from South Head to the township of Eden


The chipmill (a big timber industry)



Edrom Lodge, on the south side of the Bay is a fantastic place you can rent out. We used to stay here as children for camps. Private beach, open fires, beautiful lawns and a historic house.

Originally built as a lighthouse but never granted permission to be lit, Boyd Tower was used a lookout for whales.




The Seahorse Inn at Boydtown (no longer a town but a campground across the bay from Eden) has recently been fully restored and has beautiful guest rooms.


 

View below from Boydtown to Eden

North of the town is the beach I practically grew up on; Quondolo Point in Ben Boyd National Park. Locals call it Long Beach.  My favourite place in the whole world.



 

I loved jumping from this rock also - at the same age my little girl is now.



South of Eden is a beach called Saltwater Creek with a very primitive campground. We used to spend 3 weeks camping here every summer with several other families. So many wonderful childhood memories.



 
We took the kids on the Coast Walk. They walked ahead of us and said "stay back, we're telling secrets".  I love the lush misty vegetation of this walk.




What a wonderful place to grow up! So much beauty. This is why I'm a country girl at heart and why I'm creating a "country life in the inner city suburbs".

Leave me a comment if you've been to Eden or if you want to share your favourite place.

Fiona xx


9 comments:

  1. I have been wanting to vist Eden and Bega since I found out that sme of my anscetors settled and were born down that way.It sure is a beautiful areaHow nice that you can still visit your mum there do you think you will ever move back?

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  2. Eden is truly beautiful Fiona... I think the cleanest most blue water I have ever seen. How lucky you are to have the best of both worlds...city and country xx

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  3. it is for sure a beautiful place.. Our family holidays were and still are at Pambula Beach.. We having been heading that way for 35 years. we love fishing at Haycocks Point and down on Pambula river..
    Great photos.

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  4. Hi Fiona,
    Love Eden and all of the far south coast. Just to let you know. I am having trouble reading your post. (Only because of your background) I may be the only one. Just letting you know. Looks like you had a nice visit. We visited Boyds tower the last time we were up that way.
    Have a great day.

    Kelly

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  5. Don't worry about above, Fiona. The background has now come up in white. When I first opened post it stayed with the fence paling background .
    Bye for now

    Kelly

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  6. Gorgeous and amazing place. And your pics are wonderful too. Glad you added your link to Beach cottage Good Life Wednesdays and joined the party.

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  7. What lovely photos - looks beautiful!

    Visiting from A Beach Cottage's 'Good Life Wed.' party.

    Hugs,
    Marie

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  8. Great photos and a lovely representation of Eden!
    I'm starting to think we probably/possibly know a lot of the same people... how long ago did you move away?
    :)
    xx

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com