Eden Welcome Centre opens

Port Authority of New South Wales has officially opened the Eden Welcome Centre — a new maritime, cruise and tourist facility that heralds the beginning of a new era for tourism in Eden and the Sapphire Coast. 

Located by the Eden Cruise Wharf, the landmark building is the new home of the Eden Visitor Information Centre and will showcase the region’s attractions, promote local businesses and offer local arts, crafts and produce to tens of thousands of tourists each year. The centre also provides the Port of Eden with a new maritime hub at the water’s edge for Port Authority, Maritime NSW and NSW Police. 

The Port of Eden is an increasingly popular cruise destination and gives cruise ships travelling between Sydney and Melbourne the perfect gateway to the Sapphire Coast, says Philip Holliday, Chief Executive Officer, Port Authority of NSW.  

“Together with the Eden Cruise Wharf, the Eden Welcome Centre strengthens the region’s place on the Australian cruise map and will further help bring the economic benefits of cruise tourism to its shores.” 

Officially opened by the NSW Minister for Transport and Member for Bega Andrew Constance and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres on 30 April, the Eden Welcome Centre will give a warm community welcome to the 2,000-plus passengers who arrive on each ship and show them what the region has to offer. 

Designed by Cox Architects and constructed by local company Rankin Builders, work on the two-story Eden Welcome Centre began in March 2020 and has provided over 10,000 hours of work to around 40 regional subcontractors.  

Built from native regional hardwoods and featuring artwork, stories and heritage interpretation throughout, the Eden Welcome Centre is a tribute to the region, celebrating Eden’s maritime history and Aboriginal history, wildlife, and the region’s key industries. 

With a stunning pitched roof, sustainable timbers, solar power and locally sourced materials, the building’s sustainable design aims to achieve a 4-star green energy rating. 

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