Beowa National Park & Whaling Station

OVERVIEW

See how 19th-century whalers lived and worked as you visit a surviving whaling station and a lookout tower along Twofold Bay. Named for it two curving shoreline folds, this body of water is one of the deepest natural harbors in the Southern Hemisphere. The ideal conditions and vast numbers of migrating humpback and right whales passing close by each year made this area home to many whaling stations. Among them was Davidson Whaling Station – the longest-operating, shore-based whaling station in Australia. As you tour this weathered landmark, your guide will enlighten you on the three generations of Davidson whalers who lived here from 1826 until 1932. Much of their family memorabilia and equipment remains, including the try-works where blubber was boiled to extract the oil. After a time, you’ll continue to a sandstone structure that though intended as a lighthouse, it was never lit – instead being used as a lookout for whales. Climb to the top for a superb vantage point on surrounding Green Cape and rocky Red Point. Closer by, look for the carving on one of its window ledges, paying tribute to a sailor killed by a whale.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit two Eden landmarks from the days when whaling – not whale-watching – dominated Twofold Bay.
• Tour the weathered home site and blubber processing relics at Davidson Whaling Station.
• Learn more about this unique family who hunted whales from here for three generations, aided by a pack of killer whales.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.