The Eyre Peninsula

Surfing is just the tip of the iceberg these days as far as boarding adventures are concerned. That’s where kitesurfing, SUP’s and the crowd at Xtreme Kites and Paddle come in handy. They can tailor their lessons to suit any skill level. Lessons are longer the less you know and the more you want to try it out. For the experienced, you can also learn the next level stuff like 180 degree spins, toe side riding and surf riding. You will be the envy of all your mates as you learn to flip and bounce on the water surface using the elements of wind and waves to power your ride. And if surfing is not your bag, they offer sumo wrestling, electric skateboarding and bubble soccer/zorbing as well. They can teach at several Eyre Peninsula beaches and will determine the best location based on weather, tides and your comfort level.

A superb option if you would like to spend some time exploring is the Investigator Trail which is a long but easy walking trail comprised of a series of shorter connected trails through mallee, along beaches and coastal heath. You can in fact do the entire trail as day walks (getting to and from by car), or you can hike the trail in 4-5 days, camp along the way. The Investigator Trail incorporates beautiful coastal scenery with delightful bays, secluded beaches, sand dunes and offshore islands and the trail is careful marked so you wont get lost.

Please remember to take lots of water with you in summer as the water supply is not guaranteed.

You can start at the park entrance, or if only doing day chunks you can begin at any of the campsites or access roads along the way.

Pick up a vehicle permit from the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre before heading out to this remote nature reserve. Whales Way is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the Eyre Peninsula and has thriving populations of kangaroos and emus.

You'll soon understand why this wild spot was chosen as the filming location for the Australian version of Survivor as the rugged coastline is dotted with a series of natural crevasses and giant fissures in which deep bays and chasms have been created. The sea surges back and forth into these chasms with great dramatic effect.

A great example of this is Cape Wiles, an 100 metre high cliff that looks out on an island that has been worn away by the sea over centuries and now resembles two pyramids sitting side by side. It's even more picturesque as fur seals lounge on the base of these rocks or frolic in the surrounding surf.

Then head to Red Banks, capture a great photo of D’Anville Bayand then lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset. You can stay overnight in the bushcamp at Red Banks - it's basic but perfectly sited.

Travelling in the outback without seizing the opportunity to feed a kangaroo is simply not an option if you are travelling with kids. Thankfully you can stop in at Glen Forest vineyard and petting zoo. It’s very kid friendly with plenty of interaction with the animals, from kangaroos to water buffalo. You can also enjoy a round of mini golf on their 18 hole facility or try out the Segways fitted with off road wheels to maximise your tour of the facilities. The neighbouring Lincoln Estate vineyard does a tasty Sauvignon Blanc and offer tours for those who have booked in advance.

Whilst in Coffin Bay, you must sample the fare they are world famous for - oysters. And as far as seafood restaurants go Coffin Bay’s 1802 Oyster Bar and Bistro is pretty great. With over 12 ways of preparing oysters, 1802 will have you relaxed and nourished in their cool ‘surf and turf’ setting. Their extensive menu also offers the best of local seafood and a great selection of wines. The view from your chair into Kellidie Bay and the inlet is equally satisfying and outdoor seating offers full coverage from the sun so while your meal is cooking, you don’t. Whilst this is fabulous for any seafood connoisseur (70% of dishes on offer are seafood) there are also plenty of tasty land-based dishes to satisfy all foodies.

Described as one of the “most reliable” places to catch Australian salmon, Locks Well Beach is your best bet if you’re wanting to hook a mighty big fish on your road trip. This popular fisherman’s bay is only accessible by a steep 288- step staircase which can be a little challenging on the walk back to the car especially if you’ve managed to catch an 8 kg salmon!

This beach is also a great lookout point across the rugged Eyre Peninsula coastline and a prime spot to watch the sunset. The surf here is rough so don’t come if you’re wanting to swim or surf.

Is there anything more magical than being able to play with our mammalian friends at sea? And when you come to Baird Bay, you get the opportunity to do exactly that with Eco Certified Nature Tourism Operators - Ocean Eco Experience in Baird Bay. Their tour enables you to swim for up to 4 hours with both sea lions and dolphins for the one price. Tours leave either 9:30 am or 1 pm, depending on your schedule, and take you to two scenic destinations. The sea lion swim is in an environment close to their island home and with relatively shallow water it is perfect for younger humans or less confident swimmers. The open water swim with the dolphins is definitely for the more experienced, however, tour guides are in the water to assist at all times. There is no feeding to lure the dolphins and sea lions, just a relationship built over years between Alan and Trish and the resident sea lions and dolphins of Baird Bay.

Depending on the time of year you come to South Australia will impact on whether you join Rob and Simone Keogh for winter whale watching based in Fowlers Bay, or if you are adventuring in the spring, summer or autumnal months, don’t be too disappointed as you can relax in their capable hands, and join their Streaky Bay based fine dining degustation cruise. Delight in the likes of Venus Bay Prawns, Kinkawooka Mussels and Port Lincoln Bluefin Tuna, paired with delicious local wines, all whilst cruising the beautiful bays of the Eyre Peninsula. The trip takes about 4 hours and departs from Streaky Bay Jetty. Snorkels masks and towels are also provided.

Ceduna Arts Centre is the perfect place to appreciate Aboriginal art and artists as it has an impressive collection of works and artefacts, illustrating the influence of the landscape on indigenous artists. Their use of traditional Aboriginal painting techniques, colours and imagery are unique to Australia’s Outback and unique to the area. Purchasing some of the artwork here, whether it be a didgeridoo, ceramics or a canvas for your wall at home, helps fund not only the artists but enables the centre to continue as a place of learning and as a community meeting point for the Indigenous people of Ceduna.

Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris cover so many different options it will be hard to decide which one to choose. However, it’s absolutely worth the stop so that you can experience staying overnight in their Kangaluna glamping (glamourous-camping) or swagon site. Their luxury glamping is an experience in itself with mattress beds, wooden floor verandahs, private bathroom facilities and candlelit, outdoor dinners (with wine), beneath the stars. The Swagon is a renovated wagon where you can sleep in a swag bed directly underneath a sea of stars. You can opt for one of their varied tour options, or tailor your adventure by prior arrangement. This is a great way to see many of the listed Eyre Peninsula highlights with expert guides on hand. An Advanced Ecotourism Certified Business, Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris campsite is based in the open mallee woodland and is home to hundreds of bird species and to a range of native animals, who continue to pass through on their original trails through the campsite. What a magic way to live and breath the Australian outback.

Step back in time through the mouth of a Giant Prehistoric Ripper Lizard! The region’s discovery of these, recently extinct, creatures has become an icon for the area and a great place to start the centre’s “tunnel of time” walk. You will be transported back to the creation of the Flinders Range and the Outback, follow the Dreamtime stories and hear about the settlers; from the outback pioneers, bullockies, to miners and modern day residents. Learn about the flying doctors and try your hand at an old switchboard. The walk is only 10 mins but the captivating stories will ensure you’re an expert by the end and you can easily spend hours here. Finish this tour with a sit-down and a taste of the native quandong (wild peach) cheesecake at the Outback Tuckerbox Cafe.