Kiah: River and Whaling History on the Towamba River

Kiah brings together river experiences on the Towamba River and the area’s whaling history. Nearby is the historic Davidson Whaling Station; river activities include half-day tours and small-group kayak tours. When looking for holiday accommodation in Kiah, this distinction can help focus your trip planning: would you like your stay to centre on the river, or would you also like to include historic sites around Eden?

Tours and camping on the Towamba River

Kiah Wilderness Tours offers half-day tours on the Towamba River, which can travel either upstream or downstream. Small-group kayak tours are also offered on the same river. The half-day tours provide a set timeframe for an outing on the water; the direction can be upstream or downstream. The kayak tours focus on a small-group format. Confirm tour availability before your trip. Timeframe and group size are useful points of comparison.

Kiah Wilderness Camp has two private campsites right on the Towamba River. Each site has a ground-level fire pit. For those considering camping as an alternative to holiday accommodation, this provides a specific overnight option by the river. As facilities may change, check the current status of the fire pits before your stay.

Davidson Whaling Station and the Killer Whale Trail

Davidson Whaling Station is on the southern shore of Twofold Bay, 35 road kilometres south of Eden, at Kiah Inlet where the Towamba River meets the sea. Its location can therefore be understood in terms of both the coast and the river mouth. Tours of the historic station are offered during school holidays; groups and school classes can visit on request, with a minimum of 14 people. Confirm dates and booking conditions before your trip, especially if you are planning as a group or school class.

The Killer Whale Trail adds a broader historical perspective to your visit: this self-guided day tour takes in five historic sites around Eden on the Sapphire Coast. One of the stops is a picnic break at the mouth of the Kiah River by Davidson Whaling Station. This gives you a choice between a visit focused on whaling history and a tour of several historic places.

The difference also matters when planning your day: the river tours are half-day tours, while the Killer Whale Trail is a day tour. For families who want to spread their outings over several days, these offer two different timeframes. If you are looking for holiday accommodation in Kiah, match the specific location of your accommodation to your own plans for the river and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Mirador, Bega, Tathra, Cobargo, Barragga Bay, Eden, Bermagui, Tanja.

For the broader travel overview: Bega Valley Shire Council.