Eyre Peninsula Travel Guide: South Australia Roadtrip

If you are an ocean lover and have a taste for adventure, then the Eyre Peninsula is a perfect road trip destination for you. The Eyre Peninsula is an ideal place to escape the hustle of the city and relax on your own private beach surrounded by Australian wildlife. It boasts a dramatic coastline, full of free campsites, and is home to South Australia’s freshest seafood and renowned wines. 

The Eyre Peninsula is a triangular peninsula east of the Spencer Gulf and west of the Great Australian Bight. It is made up of multiple townships however the largest and most well-known town is Port Lincoln. Port Lincoln is also known as the “seafood capital” of Australia. It is just a 30-minute flight and a 6-hour drive from South Australia’s capital, Adelaide. The easiest way to travel to the Eyre Peninsula is to fly from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and hire a car when you arrive.

Who Am I?

My name is Belle, and I am a 26-year-old paramedic living in Adelaide, South Australia. My partner and I recently bought an old run-down 1974 Volkswagen Kombi which we named Velma. Velma needed a lot of love so we have renovated her to make her a fully functioning home on wheels. Due to Covid, we have unfortunately not been able to travel overseas, so therefore Velma became our 2020 project. We have loved camping in her and touring our amazing state. South Australia is not a well-known tourist destination but we believe it should be added to your bucket list as it is a destination like no other!  

My partner and I have a passion for taking photos. We love shooting ariel drone footage but also love shooting on our iPhone. We are certainly not professionals when it comes to photography but we really enjoy capturing life’s special moments. You can follow our pages here: 

Best Beaches and Campsites in the Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula’s free campsites are amazing. My favorite sites include:

Greenly Beach in Coulta

This campsite is free and is situated on clifftops overlooking beautiful blue rock pools and incredible clear seas. It is an ideal spot for surfers and swimming. You can get to Greenly beach via car or van, however, you can explore further with a 4WD as there are multiple 4WD dirt tracks in the area. Greenly Beach is just a one hour drive from Port Lincoln.

Speeds Point in Yanerbie

Speeds Point is located near the Yanerbie sand dunes just outside of the town, Streaky Bay. The campsite is $10 a night and is paid via an honesty box. Speeds Point is located on magnificent clifftops overlooking a secluded bay. It is worthwhile walking and exploring the area to discover multiple secret beaches, rock pools, and rocky outcrops. There is also a high chance of seeing sea life too as there are sea lion colonies in the area. 

Coffin Bay National Park

Coffin Bay National Park is certainly worth a visit even if you choose not to camp there. The park is filled with native wildlife, sea life, and some of the most spectacular beaches I have ever seen! There are six designated campgrounds within the national park. Some campgrounds have facilities whilst some don’t. The majority of the campgrounds require a 4WD to access.

Lincoln National Park

Much like Coffin Bay National Park, Lincoln National Park is a must-see. You are able to camp at various designated campsites within the park too. Some spots are accessible via van, however, some spots can only be accessed by 4WD. You will need to book a campsite online to stay in the national park and pay a small nightly fee. Some sites within the park have facilities whilst some do not.  

Lincoln National Park is also full of secluded pristine beaches, sand dunes, an abundance of wildlife, and walking trails. 

If you do choose to camp anywhere on the Eyre Peninsula, please note that the majority of campsites do not have facilities. Please also respect the natural environment and clean up after yourselves at the end of your stay to maintain the area’s natural beauty.  

Accommodation in the Eyre Peninsula

If you prefer a more luxurious stay, the Port Lincoln Hotel is beautiful and reasonably priced, or you can travel just outside of Streaky Bay to Perlubie Seas Eco Accommodation. These villas are secluded and overlook the picturesque Perlubie Beach.  My partner and I stayed here and loved it after a week of camping.

Best Places to Visit on the Eyre Peninsula

Dive with Great White Sharks and Sea Lions! 

There are two different companies that offer shark cage diving with great white sharks and sea lion encounters. Both experiences allow you to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures and are certainly ones to tick off the bucket list. The companies that offer these experiences are Adventure Bay Charters and Calypso Star Charters. 

Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tour 

If you love oysters or are fascinated by how they are farmed, you will love this experience. With Oyster Farm Tours- Coffin Bay you are able to wade out in the water, learn how to shuck fresh oysters, and enjoy them on their submerged deck with a glass of South Australian sparkling or wine. The oysters are famous for their size and flavor. They are also unbelievably fresh as they have just picked them straight out of the water for you to enjoy. 

After the tour, you can enjoy a seafood platter or many different flavored oysters on the deck whilst enjoying the stunning views of Coffin Bay.

Where to Eat/Drink in the Eyre Peninsula

1802 Oyster Bar

If you are traveling the Eyre Peninsula you must do yourself a favor and have lunch at 1802 Oyster Bar. This restaurant serves deliciously fresh seafood and cocktails that you can enjoy whilst admire the stunning waters of Coffin Bay. I personally loved their fish and chips as well as their soft-shell bao buns!

Boston Bean Coffee Co

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Boston Bean Coffee Company (@bostonbeancoffee)’in paylaştığı bir gönderi

If you are a coffee snob you must try Boston Bean Coffee Co in Port Lincoln. In my opinion, you cannot get a better coffee. They source their beans ethically and roast them in-store too. 

Rogue and Rascal

Rogue and Rascal is my favorite brunch spot on the Eyre Peninsula. If you love a good Aussie brunch you have to try this place in Port Lincoln. I am a huge fan of their smashed avocado.

Beer Garden Brewery

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Beer Garden Brewery is another local business in Port Lincoln. They make all their beers ethically and sustainably with ingredients sourced from the area. Grab yourself a beer paddle when you are there in order to try all ten of their brews made onsite. My personal favorite is the salty session ale.

Wineries

The Eyre Peninsula also has some amazing wineries to visit if wine interests you. I highly recommend Peter Teakle Wines and Boston Bay Wines for a tasting at their cellar door. 

But wait there is more…..

In all honestly this travel guide has barely scratched the surface of what the Eyre Peninsula has to offer. You could spend months exploring this beautiful coast! If you want to find out more about the sights of this area, head to the South Australia Tourism website and while you are there have a look at all the other amazing destinations you can explore in SA!