Eden’s Whale-Sized Surprise: Visit the Killer Whale Whale Museum with Kids

Eden, Australia might seem like a random little town to stop in, but let me tell you, it’s full of surprises, whale-sized surprises. Sitting along the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, Eden was a perfect spot for a night on our road trip from Sydney to the Great Ocean Road.

Home to one of the most fascinating stories of whale and human interaction in the world, if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to find the Eden Killer Whale Museum to learn about history, marine science, and myth. It’s a lot more memorable than you might imagine.

Eden Killer Whale Museum, Eden, Australia

Get ready to explore the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Here’s what you need to know:

Basic Info
A Centuries Old Human and Whale Partnership
The Legend of Old Tom (and His Friends)
Explore Eden’s Maritime Heritage
Another Whale of a Tale!
Don’t miss the Killer Whale Trail

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Basic Info

Address: 182 Imlay St, Eden, Australia
Hours: Monday ~ Saturday: 9:15am ~ 3:45pm; Sunday: 10:15am ~ 2:45pm
Admission: Adults: $15.00; Children (5-15): $5.00; Children under 5: Free
Website: https://killerwhalemuseum.com.au/
Best time to visit to spot whales: Spring from September through November.

A Centuries Old Human and Whale Partnership

For centuries, killer whales helped herd baleen whales into Twofold Bay, working in tandem with the Thaua people, who rewarded their aquatic partners with part of the catch, the lips and tongue of the whales in particular. Because the black-and-white orcas resembled Corroboree dancers, many believed the whales were reincarnated warriors and honored them as spiritual brothers, or beowas.

Later, when tribesmen rowed whaleboats for European whalers, the orcas helped by driving baleen whales into the bay. This unspoken agreement became known as the “Law of the Tongue.” The indigenous people taught the Europeans this centuries old tradition and the Davidsons, in particular, honored this agreement between man and whale.

Why here? Twofold Bay is one of the deepest natural harbors in the world with 6.5 square kilometers of navigable water with safe anchorages.

The Legend of Old Tom (and His Friends)

Old Tom, a killer whale whose skeleton now hangs proudly inside the museum, is the star of the museum. The leader of the pack, Old Tom is the most famous killer whale in Eden’s history.

According to local legend (and historical records), Old Tom would swim to the whaling station at Kiah Inlet, leap out of the water and splash around until the whalers would launch a boat. He would then lead the whalers to where the orcas were surrounding a whale.

What to see: While you’re in the museum, look for Tom’s enormous teeth and follow the tale of Old Tom through video reenactments, pictures, and more.

Tom was so involved that he would sometimes seize a boat’s harpoon line to slow down a whale and would even tow boats holding the towrope in his teeth.

The Davidsons would anchor captured whales and allow the Killer Whales to take their fill before towing the carcass to the whaling station and this continued for three generations. It was a hunting partnership unlike any other, and Eden is the only place n the world where it was ever recorded.

Fun fact: After Tom’s body was found floating in the southern part of the bay in September 1930, not a single killer whale showed up the following season. Without their help, Eden’s shore-based whaling operations, already on a decline, collapsed. It marked the end of an era.

Explore Eden’s Maritime Heritage

The museum houses over 10,000 artifacts exploring Eden’s maritime heritage, Aboriginal stories, and the natural history of the Sapphire Coast. There are displays on whaling equipment, shipwrecks, sea life, and plenty of whale facts to keep budding marine biologists interested.

Follow Old Tom’s story through videos, photos, and artifacts. Our kids loved seeing the scale of Tom’s skeleton and were wide-eyed at how close humans and whales once worked together.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss walking outside to head into the light house for a fantastic view. You may need to ask staff to unlock the door, but it’s open for visitors to climb up and take in the surrounding ocean views.

The exhibits don’t shy away from the complexities of whaling history, offering space to reflect on both the dangers and the damage of the industry, while also celebrating the culture and knowledge of the Thaua people.

What to know: In 1947, Australia and 16 other nations, signed an international whaling commission agreement placing complete bans on the taking of some endangered species to ensure that all may survive.

Another Whale of a Tale!

Need another wild sea story? Don’t skip the display about James Bartley, a sailor who was swallowed by a sperm whale… and survived! This whale of a tale that is equally horrifying and fascinating took place in February, 1891.

It goes that two whaleboats from the Vessel Star of the East were dispatched after a huge sperm whale that had been harpooned. The whale dove 800 feet before the line slackened and the whale rose up under one boat smashing it to pieces before sounding again. The survivors were rescued but there were two missing. The dying whale resurfaced about sunset and was winched to the vessel for immediate processing.

After the huge liver and stomach were hoisted on board, the whalers noticed something moving inside and cut it open only to find James Bartley, one of the missing crewmen. He was doubled over, unconscious, but still alive after 15 hours in the belly of the whale!

Apparently, the whale’s digestive juices had permanently bleached James’ skin a deathly white, he lost his hair, and went almost blind. He was delirious for two weeks and it was a month before he could detail his experience falling into the whale’s mouth and sliding down through the huge teeth grate into the throat and then stomach where he found live fish flapping around. He lived for another 18 years.

Don’t miss the Killer Whale Trail

While you’re in Eden, we highly recommend following the Killer Whale Trail, a self-guided drive to historical sites around Twofold Bay. It connects important sites, offers incredible views, and is a great way to see and understand the places mentioned in the museum.

Must-visit stops:

Davidson Whaling Station: A great picnic spot by the Kiah River inlet.
Boyd’s Tower: Once a lookout for both whales and whalers.
The Rotary Lookout: Perfect for whale spotting during migration season from September to November.

Standing where the whalers once shouted “Rusho!” as orcas drove the hunt into the bay, we couldn’t help but marvel at the natural drama this coastline once held.

The Eden Killer Whale Museum is small, but mighty. It tells a story you won’t hear anywhere else: a real-life alliance between humans and killer whales.

For families, it’s a fascinating, fun, and educational stop that hits all the right notes. Whether your kids are obsessed with ocean animals or you’re just curious about one of Australia’s most unique coastal tales, this quirky stop on the Sapphire Coast is well worth it.

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