Photo: Jack Stradling / CC BY 3.0
On the western edge of the Eyre Peninsula, Coffin Bay is a serene coastal haven where oyster farms, white-sand beaches and a national park of wild beauty converge. The name belies its lively personality — this is a place for kayaking through calm inlets, spotting emus on the beach and feasting on the freshest seafood in South Australia.
Highlights & What to See
- Coffin Bay National Park — explore rugged limestone cliffs, sheltered coves and the iconic Yangie Bay lookout; keep an eye out for kangaroos and ospreys.
- Oyster farm tours — wade into the pristine waters of the bay for a shucking masterclass and taste briny Pacific oysters straight from the source.
- Kellidie Bay Conservation Park — a tranquil spot for birdwatching, canoeing and fishing amid mangroves and samphire flats.
- Almonta Beach — a sweeping stretch of sand perfect for a long walk, with gentle waves for swimming and surf fishing.
- Mount Dutton Bay — visit the historic jetty and old stone buildings, now home to a quirky museum and accommodation.
Suggested Time to Spend
Two to three days allows you to explore the national park on a day trip, join an oyster tour, and still have time for a relaxed beach afternoon. If you’re short on time, a full day can cover the highlights — start with an early-morning kayak in the bay, then head into the park for a coastal hike and finish with a seafood dinner at one of the local shacks.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Lincoln — the seafood capital of Australia, with shark-cage diving and tuna farms, just 45 minutes east.
- Lincoln National Park — dramatic coastal scenery, sandy beaches and great camping, an easy extension from Coffin Bay.
- Streaky Bay — a laid-back fishing town with stunning granite boulders and the iconic Murphy’s Haystacks, about two hours north-west.
- Baird Bay — swim with sea lions and dolphins in a sheltered bay, less than two hours west.
- Gawler Ranges National Park — ancient volcanic domes and wildlife-rich wilderness, a rewarding detour inland.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Port Lincoln — Ghoongta / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Lincoln National Park — en:User:Ghoongta / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Streaky Bay — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Baird Bay — Diceman / Public domain
- Gawler Ranges National Park — Ghoongta / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Eyre Peninsula — Ben Cordia / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Coffin Bay National Park — The original uploader was Tirin at English Wikipedia . / CC BY-SA 3.0