When the restrictions started easing off during the pandemic in 2020, I made the bold decision to go on a solo road trip to Eyre Peninsula. This is the first real adventure I have ever been on and to say that it’s been the most amazing experience is an understatement.

There’s so much to see in this part of SA, so let me share the must-see stops and camping locations from my 10-day itinerary to give you ideas for your next epic Aussie road trip!

DAY 1: KIMBA & MINNIPA - SEE THE SILO ART AND CAMP AT PILDAPPA ROCK

Kimba is home to one of the silo arts found around the state, and if you’re doing the Lap of Australia, this is an important landmark to say that you’ve made it halfway through!

I drove to Pildappa Rock with enough time to watch the sunset from the top of the impressive granite formation known for its wave-like structure. This is such a memorable place for me as it’s where I had my first night camping solo. Campsites are free here so it’s first in best dressed. Also, please maintain the cleanliness and take your rubbish with you.

DAY 2: VISIT THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT MARINE PARK AND CAMP AT FOWLERS BAY CARAVAN PARK

The Bight is well known for its rugged cliffs and the 90-mile straight. Aside from that, it’s an important habitat for various marine animals such as the Southern right whales and Australian sea lions. The photos don’t justify the grandiosity of the cliffs, but to give you an idea look for my tiny car on the upper left side of the photo below!

The Great Australian Bight, Eyre Peninsula (©nesadventurer)

DAY 3: FOWLERS BAY - EXPLORE THE DUNES

I camped at Fowlers Bay Caravan Park, which is conveniently located next to the beach, jetty, and most especially the dunes. They’re all at a walking distance from each other.

The sand dunes in Fowlers Bay Conservation Park are vast enough to think it’s a desert (almost 10km²!). You can do various activities here such as 4WD-ing, sand boarding, and even camping (fees apply - visit Parks SA).

DAY 4: PENONG - VISIT THE OUTDOOR WINDMILL MUSEUM, ADMIRE LAKE MACDONNELL’S PINK LAKE, AND CAMP AT CACTUS BEACH

My first stop in Penong was the Windmill Museum, which houses one of the biggest comet windmills in Australia.

The highlight of this day was Lake Macdonnell’s Pink Lake. I was lucky enough to see its vibrant colours as the weather was hot and sunny!

Pink Lake aka ‘Watermelon Avenue’, Lake Macdonnell

My campsite for the night was at Cactus Beach, a well-known surf destination and a fantastic spot for camping and stargazing. No doubt why it can get fully booked during the summer months. Note that some sites may be shared with two other campers, especially if your setup is quite small like mine.

DAY 5: CALCA & MORTANA - VISIT MURPHY’S HAYSTACKS AND STAY AT COODLIE PARK FARM RETREAT

Murphy’s Haystacks is another natural wonder of Eyre. These rock formations known as inselbergs are about 100,000 years old!

This time I booked my accommodation at Coodlie Park Farm Retreat. They both have cabins and campsites to cater for everyone. While staying here, don’t forget to explore Mount Camel Beach which can be accessed either by 4WD, foot, or in my case - bicycle.

DAY 6: TALIA - VISIT THE CAVES AND CAMP AT WALKERS ROCKS CAMPGROUND

Talia Caves has two sites: The Woolshed Cave and The Tub. The former is what Talia Caves is most known for due to its accessibility and Insta-worthy structure. At low tide, the shores have plenty of rockpools to explore, but proceed with caution and know when the tides roll back in.

After a long day of exploring, I drove to Walkers Rocks Campground to camp for the night. Bookings can be made here.

Woolshed Cave, Talia

DAY 7: ELLISTON - STOP BY LOCHS WELL BEACH, VISIT THE MARA SCULPTURES, AND ADMIRE THE TOWN CENTRE’S AGRICULTURAL HALL BUILDING

Elliston is a charming town located near Waterloo Bay. Its beautiful coastline is perfect for fishing, swimming, surfing, and hiking.

My first stop was Lochs Well. It’s the most scenic coastal drive in the Eyre Peninsula- well at least during my trip! It’s also a favourite spot to catch the Australian salmon. Next up was the Elliston Mara sculptures, another coastal drive that is part of the Elliston Coastal Trail. Lastly, getting into the town centre means not missing out on visiting the Agricultural Hall. This building is covered in murals and illustrates the town as Eye Peninsula’s hub for agriculture and fishing.

Lochs Well, Elliston

Elliston Mara Sculptures By The Bay

Elliston Agricultural Hall

DAY 8: COFFIN BAY - BOOK AN OYSTER FARM TOUR AND VISIT COFFIN BAY NATIONAL PARK

I highly recommend going on an Oyster Farm Tour if you want to have the freshest oyster possible! I booked through Oyster HQ where you’ll have to put on waterproof waders before walking towards the semi-submerged tour deck called “The Saltwater Pavilion”. From here, you will be introduced to their farming practices and be taught how to shuck an oyster. Truly an unforgettable experience.

After indulging in oysters and Riesling, I headed to Coffin Bay National Park and was mesmerised by the pristine Almonta Beach. Coffin Bay NP also has campsites. Check out Parks SA for more information.

Ben from Oyster HQ

Freshest oyster paired with Riesling

Almonta Beach, Coffin Bay National Park

DAY 9: PORT LINCOLN - EXPERIENCE SHARK CAGE DIVING

The best highlight of this trip was the Shark Cage Diving through Calypso Star Charters. This is not for the faint-hearted! Also, sailing to the Neptune Islands to see the wildlife can make you seasick. Despite these, it’s definitely a bucket list item when in Port Lincoln.

DAY 10: TUMBY BAY - DRIVE AROUND TOWN, APPRECIATE THE STREET ART, AND CAMP AT PORT GIBBON

I visited Tumby Bay as it’s well-known for the Colour Tumby Street Art Festival. There are so many murals that make this town lively.

Last but not the least, I set up my final camp at Port Gibbon, watched the mesmerising sunset, and reflected on the incredible experience of this solo trip. And for only $10, I get this spectacular view! Not bad, hey?

WHEN TO VISIT:

Eyre Peninsula is beautiful all year round, but to get the most of the day, it’s best to plan your trip around October-mid December (late Spring to early Summer) as the days are longer and it’s not too cold or hot (21C/70F on average) to do some outdoor activities.

If you would like to see more wildlife, especially the Southern Right Whales, July-September are the ideal times. You can either stop at Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre and look out for the majestic giants from the observatory, or book a whale watching charter through a number of companies such as EP Cruises.

I went at the end of November to early December, and it’s the perfect time when you’re like me who wants to avoid the school holidays, which starts Mid December.

To see more of my trip, check out my video below. This is day 1 vlog, the rest are on my YouTube channel. :)

Eyre Peninsula solo Road Trip: Coastal Beauty and Camping Adventures

Australia's Top Shark Cage Diving Experience in Port Lincoln, SA