beaches

UNSPOILT BEAUTY

From calm bays to secret coves and secluded surf breaks, Eden is surrounded by incredible beaches, stretching from The Pinnacles in the north to Bittangabee Bay in the south.

The Pinnacles & Long Beach — Beowa National Park [North] (formerly Ben Boyd National Park)

Long Beach has a magnificent backdrop: the 65-million-year-old Pinnacles. In winter it’s a popular salmon fishing spot, while the flathead like to bite in the warmer months.
Long Beach is exposed and unpatrolled. From the car park you can head straight to the beach (700m return, with steps) or take the Pinnacles Loop Walk. The walk offers a bird’s-eye view of the Pinnacles — its white sands mark the level of an ancient water table, while the red gravel clay above is rust (iron oxide). There are two lookouts with views south to Lennards Island and north to Haycock Point, both of which are in the northern section of Ben Boyd National Park.

Aslings Beach

Located in the heart of Eden, on the northern shore of Twofold Bay, Aslings Beach offers both surf and safe swimming, and is patrolled in summer. Conditions change regularly and rips are often present. There is an off-leash, pet-friendly area to the north of Barclay Street.
The northern end of the beach ends at Lake Curalo, an intermittently closing estuary, and the southern end at the stunning Aslings Beach Rock Pool. Whales (August to early November) are often seen along the shoreline, while dolphins are frequently spotted feeding or sheltering in the bay. Take in the views from the 6km Lake Curalo Boardwalk, which is level and accessible. Wheelchair-accessible amenities are available at two locations on Aslings Beach Road. The foreshore area has a skatepark, sportsground and amenities along the foreshore.

Cocora Beach

Cocora Beach is perfect for beachside BBQs with the family, short walks and safe swimming. The beach is pet-friendly with restrictions during some months (dogs are prohibited on Cocora Beach 8am–6pm, December 1–April 30). Cocora Beach rarely has waves and there is an excellent playground with covered BBQ areas and amenities (including outdoor showers). For a glimpse of Aboriginal heritage and the experience of treading an ancient pathway, take the Bundian Way Story Trail to Quarantine Bay and Rixons Beach. This 40-minute elevated walk has some steps and there are several secluded beaches along the way.

Quarantine Bay & Rixons Beach

Quarantine Bay and Rixons Beach are a sheltered part of Twofold Bay, with amenities, jetty and boat ramp. Rixons Beach is virtually wave-free and bordered by a breakwall at one end and natural rock at the other. The beach is dotted with boats and a boatshed, and there are amenities and shady places to sit. While peaceful and ringing with bellbird calls, there is always something to watch on the water, as the bay is home to a four-lane boat ramp, Quarantine Bay Yacht Club and the Eden Amateur Fishing Club. The bay is also a trailhead for the Bundian Way Story Trail, an ancient interpretative walk that can be accessed from the Eden Amateur Fishing Club car park or Cocora Beach.

Bittangabee Bay —

Beowa National Park [South]

(formerly Ben Boyd National Park)

A rocky, enclosed bay with a small beach, Bittangabee Bay is an appealing spot to kick back and soak up spectacular coastal views. Remote without being inaccessible, it offers secluded swimming and fishing in a pristine natural environment. Bring a picnic lunch and a pair of binoculars for a spot of birdwatching or whale watching during the migration season. Bittangabee Bay is easily accessible from Bittangabee campground and walkers will want to try the Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape walk, part of the Light to Light walk between Boyd’s Tower and Green Cape Light Station. There are nearby ruins for history buffs and an abundance of local wildlife for the naturalists, including long-nosed bandicoots, wombats, brush-tailed possums and lace monitor lizards.

Saltwater Creek —

Beowa National Park (South)

A remote surf beach in the southern section of Ben Boyd National Park, “Saltwater” is bordered by two intermittently closing creeks and their small lagoons. Saltwater Creek, the northern estuary, is a secluded place for a kayak or SUP, while the beach is exposed to easterly swells. It’s a popular stopover for walkers on the Light to Light walk between Boyd’s Tower and Green Cape Light Station. There are toilets, picnic tables, BBQs and a small campground with 15 sites. Bookings are encouraged and can be secured online. Take a virtual tour of Saltwater Creek campground on Google Street View Trekker here.