Eden Killer Whale Museum

Eden Killer Whale Museum is located in Eden, a picturesque town on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Nestled near stunning coastal landscapes, the museum overlooks Twofold Bay, a historically significant site for whaling activities in the region.

Opening Hours

The museum is open to visitors seven days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9:15 AM to 3:45 PM and on Sunday from 10:15 AM to 2:45 PM (as of May 2025). Hours may vary during public holidays or special events, so it is advisable to check their website or contact the museum for the most accurate schedule.

Entry Cost

The entry cost for the Eden Killer Whale Museum is reasonably priced, making it accessible to a wide audience. Adult tickets are $15, while concession tickets are available for $10. Children’s tickets (5-15 years of age) are $5. Admission is free for children under 5, and there are discounted rates for families and groups. These prices are from May 2025.

Local Whaling History

Eden has a deep-rooted connection to the whaling industry, which thrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Twofold Bay was the hub of whaling operations, with its sheltered waters providing an ideal location for hunting whales. The unique aspect of Eden’s whaling history lies in the collaboration between humans and killer whales, an extraordinary partnership that set the region apart from other whaling towns.

The killer whales famously assisted local whalers by herding baleen whales into the bay. The most remarkable of these killer whales was Old Tom, whose story has become legendary.

Old Tom – The Legendary Killer Whale

Old Tom, a killer whale who became an iconic figure in Australian maritime history, is remembered not for his ferocity or menace, but for his extraordinary and almost mythical relationship with humans. As the leader of a pod of killer whales that frequented the waters around Eden in the early 20th century, Old Tom played an instrumental role in what has come to be known as the “killer whale partnership.”

The Legend of Old Tom

The story of Old Tom is one of cooperation and mutual benefit between humans and wild animals, a rarity in the annals of history. Old Tom was an orca who lived in the waters off Eden, a small town in southeastern Australia renowned for its whaling industry. What made him unique was his interaction with the Davidson family, who were among the earliest whalers in the region. Instead of merely existing as part of nature, Old Tom actively participated in their hunts.

The Killer Whale Partnership

Old Tom and his pod of killer whales had a symbiotic relationship with the local whalers. When they spotted a humpback whale or another large baleen whale entering the bay, the orcas would alert the whalers by splashing, breaching, and swimming toward the shore. Old Tom was particularly notable for his behaviour, often leading the charge by circling the whaling boats and even grabbing ropes with his teeth to assist the whalers in towing dead whales back to shore. As a result, the teeth on the left side became worn down, the damage visible on his skeleton.

In return, the whalers would leave the tongues and lips of the whales for the orca. This mutual arrangement endured for decades and underscored the intelligence and adaptability of killer whales. Old Tom’s actions were not just a reflection of instinct but seemed to demonstrate a level of understanding and cooperation rarely seen between humans and wild animals.

Characteristics and Legacy

Old Tom was identifiable by his striking appearance, with a distinctive white patch near his dorsal fin. His physical traits made him easily recognizable among the pod, and he became somewhat of a local celebrity. Despite his wild nature, his trust and cooperation with humans were remarkable. Whalers often spoke of his keen intelligence and almost playful personality. After his death in 1930, Old Tom’s carcass was recovered, and his skeleton was preserved. Today, it can be viewed at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, serving as a reminder of the unique