Stretching across the southwestern curve of South Australia, the awe-inspiring Eyre Peninsula awaits outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to this rugged coastal paradise. From the crystal clear waters of Coffin Bay to the soaring sand dunes of Port Lincoln National Park, read on for an in-depth look at how to make the most of your Eyre Peninsula adventure.

Getting There and Around

The drive from Adelaide to the entrance of the Eyre Peninsula at Whyalla is approximately 400km and takes 4-5 hours. Continuing on to Coffin Bay adds just over 300km, making it a solid 8 hour drive. While long, the sealed Princes Highway offers pleasant driving with plenty of stopping points along the way. 

About an hour and a half out of Adelaide along the Stuart Highway, be sure to stop at the unique and picturesque Lake Bumbunga. Nicknamed the "Pink Lake." This vast salt lake takes on an otherworldly bubblegum pink hue during the warmer months thanks to a natural phenomenon caused by algae that lives in the salt crust. The colourful lake makes for great photo opportunities. Stretch your legs along the walking track that loops around a portion of the lake. There are picnic tables and shelter on site as well.

Be sure to fuel up in Port Augusta, the "Crossroads of Australia", roughly halfway. Consider spending a night here to break up the drive. The Wadlata Outback Centre provides informative exhibits on the area's history. The iconic Sundial Square sculptures make for great photo ops.

About 4 hours into the drive from Adelaide (about an hour from Port Augusta), you'll reach the industrial town of Whyalla. This is one of the largest regional centers on the Eyre Peninsula and a great place to stretch your legs. Book ahead for a fascinating guided tour of the Whyalla steelworks to learn about the history and operations of this major manufacturing plant. Walk along the lookouts and see molten steel being poured!

Also worth a visit is the Whyalla Maritime Museum. Celebrating the local marine heritage, this museum houses artifacts from shipwrecks, a collection of rare maritime photographs, and information on fishing and oystering. Wonder through preserved buildings from the town's early days. Don't miss the WWII corvette HMAS Whyalla, the last surviving ship of her kind. Take a tour of this historic warship to see the engine room, galley, and on-deck guns while hearing stories of her wartime service patrolling Australian waters.

Once on the peninsula, the main highway continues on to Port Lincoln. If you decide to get onto any of the gravel roads high clearance 2WD vehicles can access most towns and attractions in dry conditions. However, a 4WD opens up more adventurous opportunities.

Where to Stay in Coffin Bay

Coffin Bay Cabin and Caravan Park - Conveniently located right in town, this pet-friendly park offers powered sites for RVs as well as budget-friendly cabins. Enjoy access to BBQs, playgrounds, and walking distance to shops. Sites from $30 per night (at the time of writing this post.)

Coffin Bay Hotel - For more amenities, the local pub has ensuite hotel rooms starting around $130 per night. Downstairs there's a lively bar and bistro serving up delicious local seafood.

Luxury Options - Secluded luxury awaits at Oysterbeds ($390 per night) or Coffin Bay Escapes ($260 per night). Expect gorgeous views, stylish furnishings, and added amenities. Book well in advance.

Apart from the few options mentioned, there are many bed and breakfast places available. A Google search will bring them all up.

Coffin Bay National Park

Occupying the narrow peninsula north of Coffin Bay town, this protected park features gorgeous stretches of snow-white sand, craggy coastal cliffs, and mountains of scenic sand dunes. A day entry permit ($13 per vehicle) can be purchased online or if you are planning to camp in the park there are plenty of options payment for which can also be done online via the National Parks website. Make sure to download the detailed park map. 

There are a number of sand dune tracks you can drive on. A 4x4 vehicle is essential. For a shorter dune drive to the beach take the Gunyah beach track which will take you to Gunyah Beach.  There are longer dune tracks takes which will take you through some incredible beach driving all the way to Point Sir Isaac at the far end of the park.  The northern access road provides epic coastal views, but make sure to properly time your visit. This track should only be driven 2 hours either side of low tide when the full route along the beach is passable. Watch for oyster lease markers and avoid sections marked off limits.

Be sure to bring along sandboards and toboggans to fully enjoy sliding down the towering dunes! Caution is advised, as many dunes end abruptly at cliff edges. Observe warning signs.

Rock Pools and Lookouts around Coffin Bay 

Plan to spend a full day exploring the various lookouts and rock pools. Escaping the crowds here is magical. Here are a few of our favourites:

• Greenly Beach Rock Pools - This secluded beach south of Coffin Bay is renowned for its crystal clear rock pools and incredible marine life. Spot starfish, anemones, and small fish in the tranquil waters. It makes for great snorkeling and photography.

 

• Point Avoid Lookout - Take the walking trail from Coffin Bay National Park campground to this lookout spotting gorgeous rock pools below. They're accessible by walking down a steep path. Exercise caution on the cliff sections.
• Yangie Bay - Along the coastal drive towards Port Lincoln, stop at Yangie Bay. At low tide, explore the shallow intertidal rock pools on the northern end of the beach.

Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tours

No visit to Coffin Bay is complete without learning first-hand how these famous oysters go from farm to table. Several operators offer 4WD tours deep into the local oyster farms where you'll don waders and pluck fresh oysters right from the source.

Oyster HQ Farm Tours gets top marks for their educational 1.5 hour tour with plenty of tastings. Pure Coffin Bay Oyster Farm offers a more hands-on 2 hour experience including oyster shucking. Prices range $50 - $85 per adult. Advance bookings strongly recommended.

The Seafood Bounty

Of course you can't leave Coffin Bay without indulging in the local catch. For fresh-as-it-gets fish and chips, head to the many restaurants and cafes available from take away food to fine dining.

The Coffin Bay Hotel offers classic pub fare like seafood chowder, garlic prawns, and locally harvested Pacific oysters. Or pick up the freshest seafood right at the dock to cook yourself.

Beyond Coffin Bay: Exploring Port Lincoln

The adventure continues 45km north in Port Lincoln National Park. Like Coffin Bay, permits are required for driving and camping within the park. This can be obtained online from the National Parks website. If you fancy a night out under the stars there are many campsites to select from. Not all locations within the park require a four wheel drive vehicle. Tackle the Sleaford Dune track for serious off-road challenges leading all the way to unspoiled Memory Cove.

Not up for sand driving? The scenic Whalers Way drive offers incredible coastal scenery without the need for a 4WD. Stop at lookouts for potential whale and dolphin sightings! Finish up exploring historic buildings at the Old Whaling Station site. 

Entrance to Whalers Way track is approximately 30 minutes from Port Lincoln and a little under one hour from Coffin Bay. 

Whalers Way track is on a private property so a permit has to be purchased. This can be done online or at the Port Lincoln information centre. It is more convenient to make the online purchase. If you were to go to the information centre you are given a key to access the property. This also requires a security deposit which is refunded to you upon returning the key. However, when you purchase the permit online you will be emailed a PIN which gives you access to open the gate lock. No need to drive all the way back to the information centre to return the key and get your security deposit back.

*Map curtsey RAA

During our trip we had an incredible time taking in all the views, visiting the many golden sandy beaches, rock pools, blow holes, caves and simply taking in the majestic cliff edges. If you are lucky you might see fur seals and possibly whales too. 

On a clear blue sky day you would want to spend an entire day. For those who love photography, this is a must!

Once you get on to the track all points of interest is clearly marked. If you decide to go by the information centre then you can get yourself a detailed map. Some of the points of interest on this track we enjoyed are :

Swimming Pool 

Accessing this takes a bit of walking. So come prepared.   

Cape Wiles

 Home to a colony of Fur Seals. Spotting them can at times be difficult due to the vastness of the area. So come prepared with a binoculars or a long camera lens. 

Cape Carnot

A number of blow holes to see. You can not get very close due to nature of their location. However, the view from the top of the cliff is just as breathtaking. 

Baleen Rockpool

This is another incredible view point offering a wide panoramic view of the area. Unfortunately for safety reasons accessing the rock-pool and the blow hole below is not permitted. During our visit here too we got to see some Fur Seals. 

The Caves and Old Whalemans Grotto

Whalemands grotto and the caves are carved to the side of the cliff face. Takes a bit of walking and climbing. But well worth it. The rock formations  are said to be around 2600 million years old.

Red Banks

Red Banks is the last point of interest on the track and we were told a four wheel drive vehicle is required to get there. Unfortunately as we had spent a lot of times along the way (for good reasons) it was late afternoon and we had to head back. Other travellers we met, who had done the drive to Red Banks said the views were even more breath taking.  

 

Also worth exploring in Port Lincoln:

• Port Lincoln Wharf - Walk out on the long wharf to see fishing boats unloading their catch. Great spot for fish and chips too.
• Tunarama Festival - This annual tuna-themed festival in January includes parades, live music, markets, and tuna tossing contests.
• Lincoln National Park - Beautiful coastal park with bushwalking trails and secluded beaches south of town. Whale watching vantage points.
• Port Lincoln Maritime Museum - Learn about the area's maritime history through artifacts, photographs, and displays.
• Lincoln Cove Marina - Browse the shops and restaurants overlooking the luxury yachts and boats moored in the marina.
• Kellidie Bay Conservation Park - Spot unique black-footed rock wallabies in this scenic coastal park 30 minutes from Port Lincoln towards Coffin Bay.
• Shark Cage Diving - Several operators like Calypso Star Charters offer shark cage diving tours in the waters off Port Lincoln. Get lowered in a protective cage for thrilling up-close views of great white sharks in their natural habitat. Tours typically take place from February through October during peak shark season. They include instruction, equipment, wetsuits, and pickup/drop-off from Port Lincoln. Keep in mind these full-day tours can be pricey, generally starting around $400 per person. Definitely a bucket-list level experience for adventurous travelers!

 

A road trip to the Eyre Peninsula promises stunning coastal scenery, fresh local seafood, and no shortage of outdoor adventure.

It is hoped this post will help plan your route, accommodations, must-see attractions, and more for an unforgettable South Australian getaway! Write to me if you need any other details for planning your Eyre Peninsula holiday.

 

Happy Travels

Duncan & Ajanie