Welcome to the Eyre Peninsula, home to jaw-dropping beaches, world-class seafood and awe-inspiring aquatic adventures.
The Eyre Peninsula is a land rich with succulent seafood, boasting abundant wildlife and blessed with natural beauty. From Adelaide, take to the sky with REX or Qantas and you’ll touch down in the seaside town of Port Lincoln within 50 minutes. Swim with sea lions and sharks, devour world-famous seafood and take-in jaw-dropping views with the help of our three-day Eyre Peninsula itinerary.
Where to stay
CAMEL BEACH HOUSE
Beach views? How about right on the beach! With the Southern Ocean as your front yard, Camel Beach House is the ultimate coastal escape. Tucked on the golden sands of Mount Camel Beach, here you’ll wake to the sounds waves gently lapping on the shore just beyond your window. This eco off-grid property is solar powered and rain-water reliant, while the design has embraced passive heating and cooling principals and incorporates energy efficient appliances. The design is inspired by a classic fisherman’s cottage, although we’re not sure a humble angler’s dwelling has ever been so luxurious! With two queen size beds and plenty of space to lounge around, it’s the perfect destination to get away with friends.
YAMBARA TINY CABIN
The story of this special oasis is in its name. Yambara means ‘away, out of sight’ in the Barngarla language of the traditional owners of the land we call the Eyre Peninsula, where this luxurious cabin sits. Wake up to the sound of silence inside your very own self-contained, off-grid and sustainable tiny home that overlooks Sleaford Bay and Port Lincoln National Park. Brew yourself a cuppa before starting your morning with a stroll along your very own private beach, just footsteps from Yambara. Sounds like the definition of paradise, hey? While this abode might be tiny, it packs a punch. Large double glazed windows bring the beauty of nature closer without having to weather the elements, while a king-sized bed, double shower and fully functioning kitchen will ensure all your creature comforts are cared for. Opening their second cabin in 2022 - Maldhi - owners Amanda and Tim Hogg have opened a door to previously inaccessible locations along the Eyre Peninsula, working with local farmers to source the perfect off-grid locations for their cabins, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience for every guest. Eyre Way cabins, including Yambara, are sustainably constructed and carbon zero and a small business – so you can support the environment and the local community!
TANONGA LUXURY ECO LODGES
Tucked on the pristine waters of the Eyre Peninsula just 20 minutes from Port Lincoln, Tanonga Luxury Eco Lodges are perfectly positioned for an eco-friendly escape. The architecturally and ecologically impressive villas are offer the perfect escape for city-slickers looking to shake up their 9-5 routine and embrace a slower-paced lifestyle. When you’re not making the most of the incredible surroundings, head in doors and soak in the Japanese style bath while soaking in the views, curl up by the woodfire or lay a little longer in bed and watch the sunrise from the huge north-facing windows. The only thing left to do is decide which of the two eco-friendly villas to settle down at; The Ridge perched hilltop with 360 degree views out to the see or The Valley surrounded by the bush.
DECO BEACH LUXURY APARTMENTS
Boasting majestic ocean views of Boston Bay and the township of Port Lincoln, Deco Beach Luxury Apartments are a perfect base for Eyre exploration. Both the sea view and garden view apartments have spacious rooms packed with Art Deco character and are complete with everything you need for a seaside escape including fully equipped kitchens and outdoor beach showers. Take a short stroll to the sandy shores of one of Port Lincoln's most popular family beaches, walk into town for a coffee then kick back with a glass of wine and watch as the sun sets over the ocean.
BAIRD BAY SEASIDE VILLAS
After making pals with the ‘puppies of the sea’ or swimming alongside wild dolphins on a guided tour, stroll back with sandy feet to your self-contained seaside villa to kick back and share tales of your underwater adventures. Set against the dramatic, rugged backdrop of Australia’s southern coast, you’ll find two villas—Selkie and Eko—perfectly paired like you and your beach buddies. They’re connected by a communal outdoor lounge, BBQ area and pool, making them ideal for all-inclusive buyouts with family or friends to celebrate special occasions. Think full access to the property, dedicated guides, a private chef and a tailored experience program—consider it your very own coastal lodge in a fishing village. Who says you can’t have it all?
Find more Eyre Peninsula accommodation here.
What to see
BEACHES
The Eyre Peninsula's seemingly-endless coast boasts crystal clear waters, snow-white sands and dense bush. From epic surfing swells to secluded coves, there are literally hundreds of spots to set-up beach tent and towel. Known for its #instafamous rock pools, Greenly Beach is a stunning swimming and surfing spot, just an hour's drive away from Port Lincoln. Chill out rockpool-side with a freshly shucked oyster in one hand and glass of famed local wine in the other. Other top spots include Almonta Beach, Fishery Bay, Memory Cove, Farm Beach and Coffin Bay National Park. Check out our guide to the best Eyre Peninsula beaches.
TALIA CAVES
Just an hour and a half's drive from Baird Bay lie the monumental Talia Caves. Peer out at the wild ocean from the Woolshed Cave: a huge cavern set deep in a granite cliff, formed by pounding waves over thousands of years. Just steps away lies The Tub: a large crater, connected to the sea by an underground tunnel. Venture further and you'll encounter dramatic cliffs that offer some seriously amazing views to the south along Talia Beach.
LAKE MACDONNELL
Mother Nature’s full palette is on show at the Eyre Peninsula’s Lake MacDonnell with a super-high salt concentration resulting in some seriously intense pink colours. Of course, there’s a logical explanation behind nature’s strawberry milkshake pink lake. It’s the lakes’ high salinity levels, combined with the presence of salt-loving algae and pink bacteria known as halobacteria that turn them bright pink. The less water in the lake, the more concentrated the salt and the brighter the colour. Afterwards, head down the road to Cactus Beach: an oceanic wonderland, drawing surfers from across the world to its powerful breaks and Southern Ocean swells. Check out our South Australian pink lake bucket list for more inspiration.
What to do
SHARK CAGE DIVING
Brave the vast deep blue ocean and face your fears while getting up close and personal with great white sharks. South Australia is one of the few places in the world, and the only place in Australia, where you can come face-to-face with great whites in their natural environment – all from the safety of a cage. Jump on board a guided tour in the Eyre Peninsula with Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions, or Calypso Star Charters shark cage diving tour, departing from Port Lincoln and get ready for an exciting day of adventure, education, and a whole lot of fun.
COFFIN BAY OYSTERS
Spend the day learning about the harvesting of world-famous Coffin Bay Oysters, or take an Oyster Farm Tour in Coffin Bay. See how oysters are grown, board the oyster boat, then taste the legends themselves plucked straight the sea with Experience Coffin Bay. Known as the Seafood Frontier, the Eyre Peninsula boasts some of the freshest and tastiest seafood in Australia and your seafood buffet continues on land. Buy seafood straight from the supplier at the Fresh Fish Place or continue your oyster feast at Fumo 28 Oyster Bar and Seafood or 1802 Oyster Bar.
SWIM WITH SEA LIONS
South Australia’s beautiful clear waters make it the perfect place to take an ocean dip with sea lions. Friendly, playful and undeniably cute, our aptly nicknamed 'puppies of the sea' are a hit with the whole family. Wild, but not shy, Eyre Peninsula sea lions will swim right up to you. Duck, dive, roll and race – just don’t expect to be the star of the show. Embark on a range of certified tours such as Calypso Star Charters or Baird Bay Experience—where you can swim with both bottlenose dolphins and Australian sea lions on a half-day adventure.
SWIM WITH GIANT CUTTLEFISH
The Eyre Peninsula is also home to one of the most weird and wonderful animal encounters. The annual migration of Giant Australian Cuttlefish is one of the most spectacular events under the water - and is unique to South Australia. Between May and August, cuttlefish gather in their thousands to mate and spawn. Weighing up to 10kg and known as the chameleons of the sea, cuttlefish change their colours and patterns wildly as they swim around, making for a kaleidoscopic spectacular that draws snorkelers and divers each year.
Where to eat and drink
PETER TEAKLE WINES AND LINE & LABEL
Set among sprawling vineyards and overlooking the pristine waters of Boston Bay, the brand new Peter Teakle Wines cellar door is one of the most idyllic spots in South Australia to sip a glass or two of wine. Designed by local architect Kym Clarke, more than 3km of woodwork was used to create the breathtaking curves of the cellar door, reminiscent of a wine barrel. The building is worth a visit in itself, but paired with wine grown and made right on site and a menu showcasing local Eyre Peninsula produce at the on site restaurant, Line & Label, it is one of Port Lincoln's premier dining destinations.
FRESH FISH PLACE
For seriously good fish and chips (and every other seafood you could dream of) pop into Port Lincoln's Fresh Fish Place. Pick-up some famously fresh seafood and cook-up a feast at home or settle in by the water at the cafe and feast on local oysters, scallops, crayfish, crab and fish.
From Salt & Soil
Streaky Bay has a local aquaman – Josiah Schmucker! The fifth generation Eyre Peninsula resident – who's a big wave surfer and Southern Ocean fisherman – lives and thrives (or in Josiah's case, in) the water. This local character now surfs around the area in his From Salt & Soil food truck with his partner, serving out scrumptious seafood and coffee to an eager crowd. Stop for a chat with Josiah about life in the water when you drop in for a visit.
Linger longer
Three days is just enough time to sink your teeth into in the Eyre Peninsula, but there's so much more to explore. Check out our guide to the top 10 things to do in the Eyre Peninsula and extend your stay.