Photo: Ben Cordia / CC BY-SA 4.0
Stretching along the rugged coast of South Australia, the Eyre Peninsula Wine Region is a hidden gem that combines cool-climate wines with some of the country’s most dramatic coastal scenery. This is a place where vineyards perch on cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean, and cellar doors offer tastings of exceptional riesling, shiraz, and cabernet sauvignon. Beyond the vines, the peninsula is a paradise for seafood lovers and outdoor adventurers, with pristine beaches, national parks, and abundant marine life. For international travellers, it’s a fantastic detour on a self-drive itinerary between Adelaide and the Nullarbor, offering a taste of authentic Australian wine country without the crowds.
Highlights & What to See
- Boston Bay Wines – One of the region’s most scenic cellar doors, overlooking Boston Bay. Try their award-winning riesling and shiraz while soaking up the views.
- Bunker Bay – A stunning coastal walk that takes you past wildflowers and granite cliffs, with opportunities to spot southern right whales in season.
- Port Lincoln – The seafood capital of Australia, where you can feast on fresh oysters, kingfish, and tuna. Don’t miss the weekend farmers’ market at the marina.
- Coffin Bay National Park – Pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and walking trails that lead to secluded coves. Perfect for a day of exploration.
- Kellidie Bay Conservation Park – A haven for birdwatchers and kayakers, with calm waters and abundant birdlife.
- Local cellar doors – Visit small-boutique producers like Mount Dutton Bay Wines and Glen Forest Vineyard for intimate tastings and vineyard walks.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least two full days to explore the wine region and its coastal highlights. Spend your first day driving the wine trail, stopping at cellar doors and enjoying a seafood lunch in Port Lincoln. Dedicate the second day to outdoor activities: a morning walk in Coffin Bay National Park and an afternoon kayaking or fishing in Kellidie Bay. If you have a third day, consider a boat tour to swim with sea lions or dolphins at Hopkins Island. The pace here is relaxed, so allow plenty of time to linger over tastings and coastal views.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Lincoln – The region’s main town, with excellent dining, shark cage diving, and the Port Lincoln National Park.
- Coffin Bay – Famous for its oysters and the stunning Coffin Bay National Park.
- Streaky Bay – A laid-back coastal town with beautiful beaches and a historic jetty.
- Gawler Ranges National Park – Inland from the peninsula, offering rugged gorges, wildlife, and Aboriginal rock art.
- Eyre Peninsula’s seafood trail – A self-drive route linking fishing towns like Whyalla, Cowell, and Tumby Bay.
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
- Coffin Bay — Jack Stradling / CC BY 3.0
- Streaky Bay — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Gawler Ranges National Park — Ghoongta / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Whyalla — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nullarbor Plain — No machine-readable author provided. 17177 assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0