Killer Whale Museum - Eden NSW

Killer Whale Museum - Eden NSW, is famous for telling the story of Old Tom, whose skeleton has pride of place in the first hall of the museum. Driving up from the port of Eden towards the town is the purpose built museum for Old Tom.

The skeleton of Old Tom was found on September 17, 1930 by Allie Greig. This prompted the construction of the Eden Museum, a place to showcase not only the story of Old Tom, but also the whaling industry and the history of the area. Tom's body was processed at Davidson Whaling Station and local businessman, John R Logan set the scene for the construction of the museum. A committee was formed and the building was completed in 1938 and Old Tom installed in 1939. Unfortunately Logan passed away late 1937 and never saw his vision complete. The outside walls now have beautiful murals on them depicting the local history.

There is a small car park at the top of the hill outside the entrance, and the view is spectacular, a great place to sit and enjoy, especially if one has walked up the hill.

Eden was the site of the first permanent shore-based whaling station, so it is relevant that a Whale Museum is located there. Old Tom was an Orca - Orcinus Orca (aka Killer Whale) - and preyed on Baleen Whales. The first hall is all about Old Tom and first whaling stations. It is the only full skeleton of a killer whale in the Southern Hemisphere.

There is also the original capstan from Davidson Whaling Station (we saw the replica there).

There are many halls dedicated to different aspects of whaling and the history of the area. The Katungal Aboriginal people had a unique bond with the killer whales and there is a small area dedicated to this part of the history. However, much of the Aboriginal history is written about in many of the different halls.

Killer Whales, or Orca's are one of 35 species of the oceanic dolphin family and are believed to be about 11millions years old.

After the introduction hall, with Old Tom and the history of whaling in the area, we went to the theatre hall and saw a very informative film of the history of whaling in the area.

Upstairs is mostly the history of whaling in the area.

 Downstairs is mainly the history of the area, the timber getting, the gold rush, and the farming and exploration.

There were two areas, one upstairs and one downstairs that were closed, getting ready for new exhibitions, and the lighthouse was closed.

There is a good gift shop and the volunteer staff were very knowledgeable. There is no cafe or food available, but a short walk down the street one will find places to eat and drink.

Cost was $15 per adult and it was well worth it, especially if one wants to know about the local area history. It is probably better suited to adults who like to read as there is so much information available. We spent just over two hours there, and saw a few children that were bored.