Taking a road trip this summer? We recommend checking out Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Well off the beaten path and a significant distance from any major city, you'll hug the southern coast of the Great Australian Bight and enjoy a plethora of endless beachy enclaves – not to mention Australia’s seafood frontier. Take a look at our suggestions for drives, hikes, and hangs in Eyre Peninsula.
Drives
Head of Bight, Fowlers Bay, Cactus BeachOn the northwest corner of Eyre Peninsula and a 7+ hour drive from Port Lincoln sits the Head of Bight. Road-trip down Australia’s longest straight road (146.6km), and enjoy the abundant wildlife including whales, dolphins, sea lions, turtles and sharks. Best known for successful whale watching and the famous Bunda Cliffs, journey across the southern coast to enjoy remote shoreline experiences.
*About an hour south of Head of Bight, stop off in the small town of Fowlers Bay (only a 6-hour drive from Port Lincoln). Travellers have access to accommodation, excellent fishing, and marine animal watching. If you are one for outdoor living, drive about 1-1.5 hours south to Cactus Beach/Port Sinclair for campgrounds and picturesque views.
Ceduna
About 4-hour drive from Port Lincoln, Ceduna is one of the last major towns and one of the best seafood havens on the northwest coast of the Great Australian Bight. Alexander’s Beach and Spotter’s Memorial, Ceduna Coastal Walking Trail (4km to Pinky Point), and Nuyts Archipelago Conservation Park are spots to explore while in Ceduna. Venture to Denial Bay to purchase fresh oysters from the growers themselves and be sure to visit the Aboriginal Arts & Culture Centre to explore this town’s history. Maralinga Day Tours are also available.
Streaky Bay
Rent a car and stop over in Streaky Bay, 3 hours northwest of Port Lincoln. Catch a fish, enjoy your food fresh from the local shop, or indulge in the various pop up food vans around the Bay Area. Streaky Bay is known for its calm waters and beaches, perfect for relaxation. Take mother nature up on a generous offer: walk the length of Streaky Bay’s beaches for 3.6km to appreciate its unspoiled ocean ambiance.
*For an experience inland, drive 2.5 hours to the historic Gawler Ranges for an adventure of outback proportions.
Baird Bay
Dolphins, sea lions, and bird watching, oh my! 3.5 hours from Port Lincoln, this tucked away destination is prime for bushwalking and eco-adventures. Forming part of the larger Anxious Bay, Baird Bay is in the heart of 3800 hectares of undisturbed waters. Swim with colonies of animals in their natural habitat or head out for a panoramic bushwalk. Home to luxury villas and campsites alike, this diverse location will satisfy any type of traveller.
*In between Baird Bay and Coffin Bay (3 hours south), stop off in seaside towns of Elliston or Venus Bay for cliff sculptures and costal walks.
Coffin Bay
Just a hop, skip, and jump (35-minute drive) from Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay is a must see within the Eyre Peninsula. Surrounded by national parks and untouched ocean, Coffin Bay is home to Oyster Farm tours, top tier fishing, and the best estuaries in Australia. Partake in sailing, swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and plenty more. Other destinations to investigate include Coffin Bay National Park, Point Avoid, and Almonta Beach. If you’re the ‘roughing it’ type, be sure to consider Yangie Bay campground or Mikkira Station. For off-roaders, take your 4WD vehicle across the dunes to Gunyah Beach or Point Sir Isaac at the top of Coffin Bay Peninsula. In the nearby countryside, quench your thirst at Glen Forest Tourist Park and Vineyard or Lincoln Estate wines. Long story short, Coffin Bay surpasses any traveller’s holiday desires.
Port Lincoln
Welcome to the main hub of the Eyre Peninsula. The most popular destination along the coastline offers activities from fishing, sailing, camping, and hiking (the lookout from Winter Hill is celestial), to wine tastings, art exhibitions, and unbeatable cuisine. Go cage diving with sharks (and not just any sharks, offshore of Port Lincoln is one of the world's favourite hang-outs for The Great White) and swim with sea lions to satiate your adrenaline needs, especially if you meet a Great White while not in a cage. As the seafood capital of Australia, catch and/or eat the famous southern Bluefin Tuna, a King George Whiting or southern Rock Lobster to experience the taste of SA. Port Lincoln is ideal for families, couples, solo travellers, and backpackers of all ages.
*A few destinations on the northeast side of Eyre Peninsula include Port Augusta, Whyalla, and Tumby Bay. Equally renowned for their family coastal atmosphere, these stops are within a 3-7-hour drive from Adelaide on the way to Port Lincoln.
Port Augusta: Adventure through the Australia Arid Lands Botanical Gardens and take in the old town feel (this town was an old port city). It’s a perfect spot for serene views and to refuel before delving deeper into the Eyre Peninsula. Port Augusta is situated exactly between Adelaide and Port Lincoln, a 3.5-hour drive from each town/city.
Whyalla: BBQs and beach volleyball galore. A great holiday destination spot, check out Point Lowly Lighthouse and Fitzgerald Bay. Whyalla is besieged with good eats and cosy pubs. Don’t miss out on watching an epic sunset from Hummock Hill, or Freycinet and Wild Dog Hill. Whyalla is a little over 4 hours from Adelaide, and just under a 3-hour drive from Port Lincoln.
Tumby Bay: This spot is one of the best swimming beaches on the entire Eyre Peninsula. Discover sea dragons in the depths of the seaweed beds off of Tumby Bay. To appease your artsy side, check out the Koppio Smithy Museum in the scenic Koppio hills, and wander to the Port Neill town lookout at the intersection of Port Neill, Mottled Cove, and Byrne Bay townships. Tumby Bay is a 6.5-hour drive from Adelaide and only a 40-minute drive north from Port Lincoln.
Hikes
Yangie Lookout Trail Near Coffin Bay National Park, this 2.5km circuit is an easy, breezy 45-minute hike. It’s just a short walk and climb to reach the views cascading across Yangie Bay. Starting from Yangie Bay camping area, this trail could also be the starting point of the longer Yangie Island Hike and Long Beach Hike for travellers seeking a challenge. The shorter circuit has a picnic area on the campsite for a relaxing breakfast, lunch, or dinner with companions. Make it a learning experience and read the information boards. Each board features Heath the Goanna, who will guide you through the history of the circuit and the lifestyle of goanna lizard species.
Black Springs Well Hike
Also near Coffin Bay National Park is a short 1 hour, 3km return hike. This relatively flat, peaceful hike (with a couple rocky points) runs through dry terrain, following the coast overlooking Port Douglas (not the one in North Queensland unless you have exceptional eyesight). The beginning of the trail may look a bit unobvious at first, but quickly flows into a well-trodden path. The trail starts from Black Springs Camping Area between campsites 2 and 3. This tranquil hike concludes at the Black Springs well – an old hand pump that still works today.
Black Rocks Hike
Sandy, rocky, but worth it. This 4.5 hour, 12.2km return journey will take you on a undulating trail through Coffin Bay National Park to the coastline of Avoid Bay. Views will pop up intermittently along the way, most commonly visible from the top of flowing sand dunes. This hike can seem unmarked and indistinct. Remember to follow the cliffs, or reach the first lookout over the bay and return if you seem to have lost your way. The beginning of this hike is also difficult to discern. The best method for finding the first trail sign is to walk into the grassy area for about 100m, then you should stumble across the first trail indicator.
Parnkalla Trail by Port Lincoln
This trail could be a short walk or a day-long hike. The total length of this trail is 35km one way, following the coastline around Boston Bay. It’s a relatively flat hike for short family walks or a longer coastal excursion. The most accessible part of the hike is the central section. The 11.2km from Axel Stenross Maritime Museum to Billy Lights Point is well maintained. We recommend hiking somewhere along this mid-section to enjoy the ocean views and various city inlets.
Hangs
Gawler Ranges Wilderness SafarisA 2.5-hour drive east of Streaky Bay, have an outback experience in style. Go ‘glamping’ at Kangaluna campsite, home to boutique tented accommodation in the wild. Holding only up to 14 people at at time, take daytrips to land or sea to experience the nature and wildlife the Australian Outback has to offer.
Ceduna Oyster Bar
Ceduna’s Oyster Bar is an opportunity to purchase fresh oysters straight from the growers. Collect your share of fresh molluscs and chill at the beach or the bar’s own rooftop. Just 2km north from the town’s roundabout, there’s accessible off-road parking and packaging available for all orders.
Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park Camping
Both of these national parks are worth exploring with your tent and backpack. Lincoln National Park is home to offshore islands, sand dunes, secluded beaches, and 40+ great short walks. Coffin Bay National Park also hosts coastal views, dunes, and isolated beaches including Almonta Beach and Golden Island. Don’t miss the crystal clear waters and white, silky sands.
Bay Funktion, Streaky Bay
Bay Funktion is a trendy café located in the heart of Streaky Bay. This brick and stone shopfront on the main street is part café, part gift shop, and part wedding planning business. Recipes feature funky street food dishes with the highest quality local produce. Stop in and have a bite!
Del Giorno’s Café Restaurant, Port Lincoln
On the shores of Port Lincoln overlooking Boston Bay perches Del Giorno’s Café and Restaurant. Savour the taste of modern Australian cuisine and local fresh seafood, alfresco! Top rated by travellers, Del Giorno’s is open 7 days per week – spoil your tastebuds with seafood anytime.
Archer’s Table, Port Augusta
This quirky little shop in Port Augusta offers breakfast, light lunches, tapas on Friday evenings, and brunch on Sundays. Think great coffee and unique eats with small-town prices. Travellers and locals both love Archer’s Table for its atmosphere and charm. Don’t forget to stop by.
1802 Oyster Bar, Coffin Bay
A stylish eatery with a down to earth vibe. Relax on the deck overlooking the bay and treat yourself to local oysters and fresh cuisine from the sea. 1802 was the year Matthew Flinders sailed into Coffin Bay and named it after his friend Sir Isaac Coffin. Drink in the views (and the vino).
