Rotary Park and Eden Lookout are perched on top of the ragged rocks of the roughly 380-million-year-old headland called Middle Head. The natural landscape of the park itself and sweeping coastal views offer a stunning insight into the nature of Australia’s Sapphire Coast.
Take your time and enjoy the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) walk from the center of Eden to Rotary Park or get there in just a couple of minutes by driving up the headland. The views on the way up give you a taste of what’s to come. Soon you are greeted by ancient coastal pines, which means that you’ve reached the top.
Make your way over to a lookout point to see the coastline stretch out in the distance. From your vantage point on the cliffs of the headland, you can easily see how Middle Head sits in the center of Twofold Bay and how it gave the bay its name. See how the rugged coastline around this small spit of land is topped with vibrant hinterland. The conical peak of Mount Imlay (Balawan) rising in the distance is a place of great spiritual significance to the local Yuin people.
Watch patiently for signs of wildlife around you. This is one of the nation’s deepest natural harbors and marine animals come close to shore. Dolphins can occasionally be seen in the water along the cliff base and the park is an excellent vantage point for spotting humpback whales as they make their way up and down the coast during their seasonal migration between September and late November. Look up and around to spot seabirds drifting on the coastal updrafts.
Make use of the children’s playground, shaded picnic benches and barbecues provided in Rotary Park. Enjoy a walk along the path that leads through melaleuca and pine trees. This trail brings you to another viewing point with more extensive views to the north. A small formal garden with the Seaman’s Memorial is a pleasant spot to catch your breath.
Rotary Park is easily reached on foot or by car from Eden and parking is free of charge. There are toilets facilities in the park.
