Coffin Bay

On the far western edge of the Eyre Peninsula, Coffin Bay is a sleepy fishing village that punches well above its weight for wild coastal beauty and world-class seafood. The name might sound morbid, but the vibe is pure laid-back Australian beachside – think squeaky white sand, turquoise lagoons and oyster farms that supply some of the country's best bivalves. This is a place to slow down, get your feet wet and feast on the ocean's bounty.

Highlights & What to See

• Coffin Bay National Park – a stunning playground of limestone cliffs, sheltered bays and rolling dunes. Drive the 4WD track to Sensation Beach or walk the Yangie Bay Lookout trail for knockout views.
• Oyster farm tours – Coffin Bay is synonymous with plump, briny Pacific oysters. Join a tour at Pure Coffin Bay or Coffin Bay Oyster Farm to shuck and slurp straight from the source.
• Mount Dutton Bay – a historic homestead and jetty offering kayak hire, a café and a chance to spot dolphins and pelicans.
• Coffin Bay Boat Hire or fishing charter – the bay is a haven for King George whiting, snapper and squid. Charters also run to the offshore islands for seal colonies.
• The Coffin Bay Walk – a 7 km coastal trail from the town to Yangie Bay, perfect for a morning leg-stretch with ocean panoramas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two full days is ideal – one to explore the national park and one to get out on the water and visit an oyster farm. If you're short on time, a single day can cover a morning walk and an oyster lunch, but you'll wish you'd stayed longer. The town is tiny, so you can see the main street in 15 minutes – the real draw is the surrounding nature.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Lincoln – 45 minutes east, with the Boston Bay wine region, shark cage diving and the Lincoln National Park.
• Elliston – 90 minutes north-west, famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs and the 'Great Ocean Road' of South Australia.
• Streaky Bay – 2 hours north-west, with the Baird Bay dolphin and sea lion swims.
• Flinders Ranges – a longer detour (5 hours north-east), but worth it for the red-rock landscapes of Wilpena Pound.

Please check official sources for current details.