Height
4 meters
Year Built
1985
Address
Imlay Street, Eden, NSW 2551
The Lowdown
The Big Anchor in Eden celebrates the town's rich maritime heritage as one of Australia's most historic ports. This enormous ship's anchor represents the vessels that have called at Eden for over two centuries, from early whalers to modern fishing boats and cruise ships. Eden's unique position on Twofold Bay made it a natural harbor, and the town became famous for its extraordinary relationship with orcas (killer whales) that would drive whales into the bay for the whalers. The Big Anchor invites visitors to explore this fascinating maritime history at the Eden Killer Whale Museum and to experience the stunning coastline of the Sapphire Coast where whales still migrate each year.
Did you know?
"This unique human-orca cooperation is the only documented case in the world"
History
The Big Anchor was installed in 1985 from a salvaged ship, commemorating Eden's extraordinary maritime history. Eden was one of Australia's major whaling ports from the 1840s to 1930, famous for the killer whales that assisted human whalers - a partnership unique in the world. The skeleton of the most famous orca, Old Tom, is displayed at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.
More Fun Facts
- •Eden's killer whales (orcas) would drive whales into the bay for human whalers
- •This unique human-orca cooperation is the only documented case in the world
- •Old Tom the killer whale's skeleton is preserved in the local museum
- •Whales still migrate past Eden September-November
- •Eden was nearly chosen as Australia's capital city
Visiting Tips
- 💡Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum for the incredible Old Tom story
- 💡Take a whale watching cruise during migration season
- 💡Fresh seafood is excellent here - try the local oysters
- 💡Ben Boyd National Park offers spectacular coastal walks
- 💡The drive from Sydney to Eden is one of Australia's most scenic
Opening Hours
The Big Anchor can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
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A 12-meter tall fibreglass guitar monument celebrating Tamworth's status as Australia's Country Music Capital, opened by Slim Dusty in 1988.
Big Lizzie
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Big Potato
A 10-metre fibreglass potato built in 1977, modelled on a Sebago potato, sitting in a field in Robertson.