If you’re hungry for a road trip full of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure, and the freshest seafood around, the Eyre Peninsula is your ticket. This South Australia gem is framed by the Southern Ocean and boasts incredible scenery in every direction.
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The pristine waters offer world-renowned seafood that pairs perfectly with a side of adventure. The Eyre Peninsula is the only place in Australia where you can cage dive with great white sharks in the morning and feast on oysters by the coast in the evening.
On our half-lap around Australia, we’ve made our way around the rugged coastline and indulged in all that the Eyre Peninsula has to offer. Below, you’ll find our must-see stops for a dreamy adventure on this underrated road trip. With endless postcard-worthy views, a journey around the Eyre Peninsula can’t be missed.
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What Is Eyre Peninsula Known For?
Coined Australia’s seafood frontier, the Eyre Peninsula is known for abundant wildlife, incredible beaches and top-notch seafood. It’s also home to Port Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park, peaceful sheltered bays, and plenty of luxury accommodation options. The Eyre Peninsula hosts exciting wildlife opportunities like whale watching and shark cage diving. Seafood restaurants and holiday houses are never far away.
What Towns Are In The Eyre Peninsula?
The main towns on the Eyre Peninsula are Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay, Ceduna, and Whyalla. While these might be the most popular, there are lots of charming small towns scattered around the region that are well worth a visit.
How Far Is The Eyre Peninsula From Adelaide?
To reach the Eastern Eyre, it’s a 3.5 hour (300 km) drive from Adelaide to Port Augusta. But, the trip south to the Lower Eyre Peninsula is a bit of a longer journey. Prepare for a 7-8 hour drive from Adelaide to the city of Port Lincoln. It’s a long way to go in one go, so we definitely recommend breaking up the journey with a few great stops.
There are three regional airports on the Eyre Peninsula. If you don’t have wheels, you can always fly in and rent a vehicle for your Eyre Peninsula road trip.
What Is There To Do On The Eyre Peninsula?
Along with dining at fantastic seafood restaurants, the Eyre Peninsula hosts some of the most unique outdoor activities in South Australia. You can join a Sunset Sand Dunes Tour, Oyster Tasting, and plunge into a rockpool all in one day! Not to mention all of the amazing Eyre Peninsula camping, beaches, sunset strolls on the beach, and panoramic views to discover.
Our Suggested 2 Week Eyre Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
Follow this 2 week itinerary along the coastline from the Eastern Eyre in Whyalla to the Western Eyre in Fowlers Bay (or vice versa). There are a number of spots that deserve a longer stay; you’ll see these noted in the recommendations below.
Whyalla: 1-2 Nights
There’s no better way to start your Eyre Peninsula road trip than to swim with giant cuttlefish in Whyalla. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can do between the months of May and August. During this breeding season, hundreds of giant cuttlefish come to the bay around Whyalla and can be easily spotted right offshore. The waters are also teeming with other marine life, so if you happen to jump in, keep your eyes peeled for massive snapper and dolphins swimming in the sunshine.
Whyalla gets over 300 days of sun a year, so it’s a beautiful area to spend a few days.
Where to Stay in Whyalla: Camping by the foreshore at Point Lowly or Fitzgerald Bay is the best way to go if you are self-sufficient. The camping fee is $10 per night/vehicle and amenities include toilets, showers, water, and a small kids’ playground. Alternatively, you’ll find a couple of hotels in town.
Port Lincoln: 2-4 Nights
As you make your way down the peninsula via Eyre Highway past Cowell and Tumby Bay, you’ll travel toward the tourism capital of the Eyre Peninsula – Port Lincoln. The town of Port Lincoln has lots of restaurants, some great wildlife experiences, and accommodation to suit every budget.
Most famously known as the only place in Australia where you can cage dive with great white sharks, Port Lincoln is an adventure hub.
Where to Stay in Port Lincoln: Stay at the Port Lincoln Tourist Park, which offers campsites, cabins, and waterfront apartments. It’s close to all city amenities, so you can have lunch at The Fresh Fish Place or check out the lively local wineries and breweries.
For a more unique luxurious accommodation, check out Tanonga Luxury Lodge, located just 30 minutes out of town. It’s a beautiful, eco-friendly property that will get you out of the hustle and bustle of Port Lincoln and into peaceful nature.
READ NEXT: Things To Do In Port Lincoln
Lincoln National Park: 3-5 Nights
Lincoln National Park is home to some of the most beautiful secluded beaches in all of South Australia. Conveniently located near the city of Port Lincoln, the park has stunning views of the Neptune Islands and great hikes leading to sweeping Eyre Peninsula panoramas. The park is also a popular spot for 4WD adventures, especially in the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area.
We highly recommend spending at least 3 nights camping in the park at one of the many bush campgrounds near this seaside city of Port Lincoln. For us, camping at Memory Cove was a highlight, although the road to get there was definitely a very treacherous 4WD-only track. D
Don’t forget to make a stop at Fishery Bay on your way out! It’s a favourite in the region, with one of the nicest beaches on the Eyre Peninsula.
Where to Stay in Lincoln National Park: The only option for accommodation in the park is bush camping with limited facilities. You’ll need to bring your own water and all food supplies. Campgrounds at Surfleet Cove, September Beach and Memory Cove (4WD only) were our favourites.
Coffin Bay & Coffin Bay National Park: 3-5 Nights
The Southern Eyre Peninsula didn’t earn its reputation as the Seafood Frontier for nothing! If you’re in search of fresh oysters, look no further than Coffin Bay. The town hosts fantastic seafood & nature tours and shells out some of the tastiest oysters in the country. Once you’ve sampled a dozen (or two), head to Coffin Bay National Park to experience the stunning coastal wilderness.
Don’t miss a chance to go swimming or fishing at Almonta Beach and admire the spectacular ocean views from Point Avoid.
Between the town and the National Park, you can easily spend 5 or more days in this seaside city of Port Lincoln. 3 nights is the minimum you would need to explore the beaches and camp in the park.
Where to Stay in Coffin Bay: There are a number of bush campgrounds scattered throughout the park. Yangie Bay campground is the only spot suitable for 2WD vehicles or caravans, but there are several great spots for 4WD campers. We especially liked Black Springs, which has limited facilities and feels perfectly remote.
Alternatively, you could stay in town and drive into the park for daily adventures. The town is only 20 minutes away and has a few caravan parks and hotels.
READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting Coffin Bay National Park
Cummings Monument: Day Stop
Make a day stop in Kiana for a rocky coastline that rivals the 12 Apostles of Great Ocean Road. The Cummings Monument has a gorgeous lookout offering views of the ocean and stark cliffs beneath. This dramatic viewpoint is a must-see on the Eyre Peninsula that’s perfect for a mid-morning picnic or to search for whales and dolphins.
Greenly Beach & Rockpools: 1-2 Days
Bring your camera along as you explore picturesque Greenly Beach and its famous rock pools. The Eyre Peninsula has lots of lovely beaches, but Greenly Beach is always a crowd favourite. You can spend an afternoon swimming or surfing on the beach and end the day with a soak in the natural rock pools.
Where to Stay at Greenly Beach: This spot is for self-sufficient campers and caravans only, as there are no facilities at this beautiful wild campground.
Locks Well Beach: Day Stop
Make a pit stop at Locks Well Beach to marvel at the gorgeous coastline from the lookout. Head down the wooden steps to walk along the peaceful sandy beach that’s known to be a fishing hotspot. Drop a line and have a go at fishing for Australian salmon!
Clifftop Drive Near Elliston: Day Stop
A scenic drive in the glow of the evening sunset is an Eyre Peninsula staple. There are two clifftop drives in Elliston that offer stunning views of the sea – Anxious Bay and Little Bay. Don’t forget your camera to capture shots of the unique sculptures like giant thongs and Easter Island heads that dot the coastline. And of course, look out for surfers or hop on a board yourself at the Black Fellows.
Sheringa Beach: 1 Day
Sheringa Beach is an awesome place to spend the night parked up beside massive sand dunes and crashing waves. It’s a self-sufficient site with drop toilets and waste bins, so it’s great for tents and camper vans. Spend the day fishing for salmon or surfing the waves before settling into camp under the stars.
Where to Stay at Shering Beach: Camping at Sheringa Beach is $10 per night, and facilities include flush toilets and a limited water source.
Talia & Woolshed Caves: Spend 1 Night Or Day Stop
The massive waves that hit this stunning coastline have carved out granite caverns right on the shore. The Woolshed Cave is known for its intricate honeycomb ceiling, while The Tub makes for a hidden adventure to the sea. You’ll want to visit the caves at low tide, so it’s a good excuse to spend the night.
Where to Stay at Talia Caves: Talia Caves offers self-sufficient bush camping just across the road from the day car park. It’s a free camp with no facilities and no mobile reception, so come prepared if you plan on spending the night.
Mount Camel Beach: Day Stop Or 1-2 Nights
If you’re yet to squeeze in some Eyre Peninsula fishing, Mount Camel Beach will be calling your name. Known for excellent year-round surf fishing, the beach sees huge waves and unspoiled golden sands. Look out for sea lions and explore this wildlife-rich region on a day stop.
Where to Stay at Mount Camel Beach: This area is home to a beautiful remote eco-luxury lodge called the Camel Beach House. The lodge consists of xx self-sufficient cabins that offer stunning views of the coastline. Rates start at $xx
Venus Bay – Needle Eye Lookout: Spend 1 Night Or Day Stop
Visitors come to Venus Bay in search of peaceful waters and gorgeous sunsets, and don’t leave disappointed. Islands and rugged cliffs paint a magical view of the Eyre Peninsula. Spend the night at a powered beachfront campsite at the caravan park, or make a day stop to look out at the Needle Eye. It’s a unique rock formation with a hole running through it that you can’t miss.
Murphy’s Haystacks: Day Stop
Make a day stop at Murphy’s Haystacks to walk among huge rock pillars and boulders dating back millions of years! These unique wind-worn rocks are some of the oldest in Australia and make for a quintessential Eyre Peninsula photo. The giant pink granite boulders are a great backdrop for a picnic lunch.
Baird Bay: Day Stop
Baird Bay is one of the premier destinations in South Australia to swim with sea lions and dolphins. Join a tour to frolic in the water with the friendliest of sea lions and Southern Right Whales (if you’re here from May to October). It’s a fun and unique experience worth doing!
After your tour, head to Point Labatt and walk along the viewing platform that overlooks the Point Labatt Sea Lion Colony. Here, you’ll catch a glimpse of the only native sea lions that live permanently on the Australian mainland.
Westall Way Loop: Day Stop
This 32 km scenic coastal drive hugs the rocky shores of the western Eyre Peninsula and delivers stunning ocean views. Follow the Westall Way Loop to Smooth Pool, where you can swim or snorkel in an ancient rock pool. The drive takes 2-3 hours, with stops at Smooth Pool and Granites surf beach.
Whistling Rocks – Cape Wondoma: Day Stop
Close your eyes and listen to the gentle whistle of wind whipping through holes in the eroded cliffs. Whistling Rocks are an interesting phenomenon on Cape Wondoma that creates an almost eerie sensory experience. Head down the wooden boardwalk to the Blowhole and listen to the rocks whistle while seawater mists your face.
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Streaky Bay: Spend 1 Night Or Day Stop
Yet another oyster-worthy stop on the Seafood Frontier, Streaky Bay, boasts fabulous beaches and mouth-watering seafood. There is not much to do in Streaky Bay itself but eat and enjoy the nearby beaches, but the town makes for a nice overnight stop if you are not self-sufficient in your camping/touring set-up.
Where to Stay in Streaky Bay: We recommend spending a night if you can and waking up to the sparking Eyre Peninsula waters from Tractor Beach. You’ll have to be self-sufficient, but there are toilets and striking views from every site.
Alternatively, there is a caravan park in town and a couple of hotels as well.
Perlubie Beach: 2-3 Nights
Eyre Peninsula beaches are known to be spectacular, and Perlubie is no exception. The white sandy beach is hard-packed, so it’s suitable for 2WD vehicles, but those with 4WD can explore even further.
Perlubie is quite unassuming, but it’s the kind of place that you fall in love with as soon as you arrive here. Sunsets are magical, the beach is spectacular, and little shaded cabanas on the beach make it a favourite spot for a few days or more of swimming, paddling, fishing, or just relaxing.
Where to Stay in Perlubie Beach: The low-cost campground right on the beach was our favourite campsite on the peninsula! We recommend spending 2 or 3 nights at one of the self-sufficient sites. It’s a pretty popular spot for visitors and locals and has toilets, showers, and water. The campground has an honesty box where a $10 donation per night is suggested.
Smoky Bay: Day Stop
Make a day stop in Smoky Bay and stretch your legs while looking out over crashing surf waves at St Mary’s Beach. You can head down to the jetty and buy some fresh oysters for lunch or spend the day walking the trails at Laura Bay Conservation Park. The peaceful, sheltered bays offer excellent fishing and gorgeous scenery.
Ceduna: Day Stop
As you make your way up the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula, make a day stop in the rugged beach town of Ceduna. Home to Oysterfest, the pristine waters are bursting with marine life. Eat oysters, go fishing, or just admire the beautiful Aboriginal art. Stop by the Ceduna Aboriginal Arts & Culture Centre to see vibrant local artwork and get a handmade souvenir to remember your visit.
Fowlers Bay: Day Stop
What better way to end a road trip than with a whale-watching tour in beautiful Fowlers Bay! Located on the northwest edge of the Eyre Peninsula, Fowlers Bay is a hotspot for whales migrating in the winter. You can book a tour or see them right from land as you’re fishing off the jetty or rolling around on the huge sand dunes.
No matter how many stops you can include in your Eyre Peninsula road trip or how many nights/weeks you can dedicate to this adventure, we hope that you’ll fall in love with the region as quickly as we did!
Great article, thanks for the detail! We’ll be heading for a 2 week road trip from Adelaide to the Eyre Peninsula travelling with a toddler and baby very soon.
Wow! Thank you! This is the best guide I have seen for the area. I will use a lot of your information in planning our trip. So appreciative of the info you have given.