Smorgasboarder_23_Feb_2016-s

GREAT
FAMILY
SURF ESCAPES
The deep south (New South Wales that is) appeals on so many levels. There are an endless number of uncrowded waves in the
area, the water is always absolutely pristine, albeit on the “Norsca Fresh” cool side of things, and the fresh local produce from the
sea and the land is on another level altogether. The most southern town of NSW is EDEN and its name is befitting of its appeal.
VISITING
EDEN
The freshest
of fresh
seafood!
THE WAVES
Well I can’t say too much out of
respect for the local surfers other
than a visit to this region won’t
usually see you go home empty
handed. A number of spots may
be fickle and heavily reliant on
the sandbanks, but on the day
they are something to remember
for the rest of your life, and there
are still plenty of other options to
suit various conditions.
There are waves here for all
surfing standards. Fun little
beachies can be had right out
front of the Holiday Park on
Aslings Beach. There’s a great
right further down the beach that
is best in 3-6ft and then there
are islands and rock shelfs in
the area that can hold up to 12ft
plus. Oh, and just a little further
north is Pambula Rivermouth.
You may have heard of it. It’s the
stuff of legend but is it real or a
myth? You will have to find out
for yourself.
FISHING
Eden is part of the Sapphire
Coast and the region’s
shimmering waters means it
not only lives up to its name but
they’re also teeming with fish,
making it one of the state’s top
fishing destinations. There’s
plenty of reef, rock, beach
and estuary fishing. Eden is
particularly popular with game
fisherman from December to May
and there are even land-based
game fishing options from the
Pulpit and City Rock. Think of a
fish and you will probably be able
to catch it here.
FOOD
First of all there is the freshest
of fresh seafood available in this
region whether you are catching
it yourself, visiting a local fish and
chip shop, heading down to the
wharf, dining at a local pub, café
or restaurant. There’s fish of every
description and size and then
there’s mussels and oysters. As I
said before, it is another level.
As for the local
produce there is a line
on the Sapphire Coast
tourism site that says
something like ‘Every
town in the region
offers an outlet for the
sort of food your grandparents
used to talk about.” Roadside
signs for farmgate sales, local
produce markets, the multi-award
winning Eden Smokehouse….
The list goes on and on. For more
information: www.visiteden.com.
au/local-produce/
WHAT ELSE?
Food (again), history and nature
are the drawcards. I have said
enough about food so I will focus
on the latter. Eden was home to
shore-based whaling stations
and a trip here is not complete
without a visit to the Eden Killer
Whale Museum and hearing the
story of Old Tom, the legendary
killer whale. You can also walk
the killer whale trail, explore Ben
Boyd National Park, kayak the
Kiah River or partake in an oyster
tour on beautiful Broadwater Lake
(there I go about food again).
SOUTH COAST
HOLIDAY PARKS
EDEN
Opposite Aslings beach and with
Lake Curalo as its backdrop,
this park is a cracker. Recently
renovated there are sites for
motorhomes and vans, camping
and 22 cabins to choose from to
suit various budgets and groups
with even some dog-friendly
options. You can hire a bike
here and ride along to the many
enjoyable walks through bushland
and national parks or kick a footy
on the open grass area.
southcoastparks.com.au
34
SMORGASBOARDER | SUMMER 2016