The Killer Whale Museum opened in Eden in 1931 to tell the story of Old Tom, a killer whale (Orcinus orca) who along with others in the pod co-operated with local whalers in the 1800s and early 1900s. Tom was more than 70 years old when he died in 1930.

The orcas chased migrating baleen whales into Twofold Bay and alerted the whalers of their presence. They also towed the whale boats out to the catch, and Tom’s teeth had rope marks worn into them from doing this. The orcas were rewarded with the tongue and lips of the large whales for helping in the hunt.

Old Tom’s skeleton is displayed in the Museum as well as other natural history exhibits including the skull of a sperm whale.

The Museum also has displays of maritime artefacts and local social history as well as a lending library.

The Museum is open daily (except 25 December). Admission fees apply.

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