Australia’s Hidden Gem: Eden Celebrates 20 Years of Record-Breaking Cruise Tourism – Why You Should Visit Now!

Published on November 21, 2025

Eden, a picturesque coastal town in southern New South Wales (NSW), has recently celebrated a significant milestone in its tourism history. The region has now marked 20 years since its first cruise ship visit, which has since transformed the town into a thriving hub for cruise tourism. With more than 195 cruise ships and over 400,000 visitors and crew arriving at the port, Eden has truly made its mark as a key destination for global travelers. The 2024-2025 cruise season alone saw over 45,000 passengers and 20,000 crew members, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy and further solidifying the town’s growing reputation.

A Remarkable Growth in Cruise Tourism

The development of cruise tourism in Eden has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since the arrival of the first cruise ship two decades ago, the town has experienced a tenfold increase in visitor numbers. According to John McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority of NSW, the growth of cruise tourism in the town is a remarkable success story. In his statement, he highlighted how the community’s commitment to developing and supporting cruise tourism has helped inject tens of millions of dollars into the local economy and create a number of new jobs across the Sapphire Coast.

In addition to bolstering the local economy, the influx of visitors has also brought attention to the natural beauty and coastal charm of the region. Tourists visiting Eden are drawn to its stunning whale-watching opportunities, the expansive Ben Boyd National Park, and its rich maritime history. Eden’s location on the Sapphire Coast provides access to some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, further enticing travelers to explore the region.

Eden’s Unique Appeal and Strategic Location

Situated about 478 kilometers south of Sydney (roughly a six-hour drive) and 555 kilometers east of Melbourne (around a six-and-a-half-hour drive), Eden may be located far from the two major cities, but it enjoys the advantage of proximity to Merimbula Airport, located just 20 minutes away. This makes Eden relatively accessible to both domestic and international travelers, helping fuel the growth of its cruise tourism sector.

Despite the distance from larger urban centers, Eden’s development into a major cruise destination was significantly bolstered by key infrastructure upgrades. The $44 million extension of the Eden Cruise Wharf in September 2019 was a pivotal moment in the town’s tourism growth. This expansion allowed large cruise ships to dock directly at Snug Cove Wharf, eliminating the need for passengers to be tendered ashore by boat from vessels anchored in Twofold Bay.

Key Developments That Sparked Growth

In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, a series of regulatory changes have also contributed to Eden’s rise as a preferred cruise port. Prior to these changes, strict limits were imposed on vessel size, and there were restrictions on the number of ships that could dock at Eden each season. However, with the lifting of these restrictions, including the introduction of 24-hour berthing in July 2024, Eden’s port facilities were significantly improved. The 60-visit seasonal cap was also removed, allowing for an increase in the number of ships that could visit the port.

This combination of strategic investments and regulatory changes laid the foundation for a thriving cruise tourism industry. The arrival of Ovation of the Seas in February 2025 was a monumental moment for Eden. With a record-breaking 4,862 passengers and crew, it marked the largest number of visitors ever to arrive at the port in one single visit, showcasing the growing appeal of Eden as a destination.

Eden’s Transformation into a Cruise Hub

The transformation of Eden into a cruise hub has not been solely due to infrastructure improvements; it has also been driven by the passion and dedication of the local community. According to Russel Fitzpatrick, the Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council, the town’s cruise tourism success story is a testament to the efforts of volunteers and residents who have worked tirelessly to welcome visitors to the region. His words emphasized that every community member, from those who have worn red shirts to greet passengers to local businesses, has contributed to this achievement.

The pandemic had a significant impact on the cruise industry, causing a sharp decline in visitor numbers. However, Eden’s recovery has been strong, with cruise tourism playing a vital role in revitalizing the region’s economy. Fitzpatrick expressed his excitement about the future, stating that Eden is now poised to welcome even more cruise ships in the coming years, continuing the momentum built over the past two decades.

What’s Ahead for Eden’s Cruise Industry?

Eden’s cruise tourism sector is set to continue its growth in the 2025-2026 season, with 34 cruise ships expected to dock at the port. A key highlight of this upcoming season is the arrival of the Celebrity Edge on November 14, 2025, which marked the 200th cruise ship visit to Eden. This significant milestone reflects the town’s growing reputation and success as a cruise destination.

Several popular cruise ships are slated to visit Eden during the 2025-2026 season, including Anthem of the Seas on November 30, 2025, Norwegian Spirit on December 20 and 22, 2025, and Disney Wonder on January 2, 2026. Other notable vessels like Grand Princess will also be making appearances in January 2026, ensuring that the town will continue to draw international tourists throughout the upcoming cruise season.

Eden’s Growing Popularity in the Cruise Industry

The success of Eden as a cruise destination is a reflection of the broader growth of the cruise industry in Australia, particularly in the Sapphire Coast region. The continued investment in infrastructure, the removal of restrictive regulations, and the town’s strategic location have all played crucial roles in positioning Eden as a key player in the nation’s cruise tourism market.

As Eden continues to grow as a cruise destination, it is expected that the economic impact on the region will only increase. The local economy will continue to benefit from the influx of tourists and crew members, and the number of jobs created by the cruise industry will rise. Beyond the economic advantages, the tourism sector also stands to benefit from the increased global visibility that Eden is receiving as a top-tier cruise port.

Conclusion: Celebrating Two Decades of Success

Eden’s two-decade-long journey as a cruise destination has been a success story for both the town and the surrounding Sapphire Coast. The town’s remarkable growth from its first cruise ship visit to becoming a prominent player in the Australian cruise tourism industry is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of both the local community and the tourism sector. As Eden prepares to celebrate this milestone and look ahead to the next 20 years, its future as a major cruise hub looks brighter than ever.