Introduction
On the far south-coast of New South Wales lies Quarantine Bay — a sheltered cove on Twofold Bay, near the town of Eden. Quiet now. But beneath the turquoise shallows and the eucalyptus ridge lies a rich and stirring history of ships, whalers, timber and tides.
We have created a live-style folk ballad for this place — let the music carry the story.
The Song
Below is the official video for the ballad “Quarantine Bay (Ballad of Twofold Bay)”.
The lyrics trace the bay’s journey: from early sailing ships of 120 feet of oak, to 130-foot whalers hunting giants, to the steamships, bulk timber carriers, fishing boats and modern cruise vessels. And at the heart of the story: a sweeping name-giving legend of a ship afflicted with small-pox whose arrival gave the bay its title.
Historical Threads
Indigenous Roots
The land and sea around Twofold Bay are part of the traditional country of the Thaua people of the Yuin Nation. Long before European arrival, people walked the coast, fished the waters and cared for Country.
Early European History & Whaling
In 1798, explorers such as George Bass took shelter in the bay during stormy weather.
The whaling station era began in 1828 when shore-based whalers set up operations in Twofold Bay.
A remarkable dimension: the local orcas (killer whales) formed a cooperative hunting relationship with whalers in this area.
The Naming Legend: “Quarantine Bay”
The bay’s name is reputed to stem from a sailing ship arriving with a small-pox epidemic on board. Those afflicted took refuge in this isolated bay and many died and were buried ashore.
Although the specific ship and date are not fully documented in public records, the legend remains vivid in local memory.
Transition Through Industry to Recreation
Over time the bay scaled with industry: from small wooden sailing vessels, to iron steamships, to 770-foot timber carriers, to fishing fleets and cruise liners entering Twofold Bay.
Today Quarantine Bay offers a four-lane boat ramp, floating jetty, breakwall and access to bush walks — a mix of heritage and leisure. NSW Government
The 1.8 km Bundian Way Story Trail runs from Cocora Beach to Quarantine Bay, linking culture, nature and story.
Why This Song and Why Now
As we created the ballad we asked ourselves: how does a place hold the passage of time? How do ships of wood, steam and steel depart and yet the bay remains?
Music gives us a way to listen to the whisper of history — to feel the pull of tides and the weight of past voyages. We hope this song honours the many layers of Quarantine Bay: Indigenous custodianship, maritime adventure, industry, community and nature’s resilience.
Call to Explore
When you visit Eden and Quarantine Bay:
- Pause at the shoreline and look across Twofold Bay.
- Walk the Bundian Way Story Trail.
- Consider the old-ship silhouettes, timber anchors, whaling harpoons and modern boats you pass.
- Let the ballad play as you watch the sun drop behind the ridge.
Final Note
Quarantine Bay remains an unfolding story. From 120-foot wooden hulls to modern cruisers; from epidemic shadow to recreational calm; from Indigenous pathways to tourist tracks.
May this place continue to inspire, and may our song carry a few of its tales into your journey.
