The beautiful beaches, crystal clear rock pools, and breathtaking views will make you wonder why you haven’t visited sooner. So wax up those surfboards, pack the tent and grab a bottle of wine, because the Eyre Peninsula is a remote paradise well worth the trip.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Nawu Nation, the traditional Country of the Nawu people who have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Crystal clear rock pools of all shapes and sizes
  • More free clifftop, beachside camping than you can imagine 
  • National parks with secluded beaches at every turn and sand dunes to get lost in 
  • Hiking up Mt. Greenly
  • Surf spots from beginner to I’m-not-even-gonna-paddle-out-there

The Eyre Peninsula is the big pokey out part at the bottom of Australia and the last stop on a cross country road trip before you hit the dry, desolate Nullarbor Plains. It’s the perfect adventure within an adventure if you’re going cross country, or for the outdoor lover there’s more than enough to keep your legs moving and adrenaline pumping on a trip of its own. 

 

The Eyre Peninsula Will Let You Feel Like the Only Person on Earth - Jayden ONeil, Greenly Beach, Rockpools, Eyre Pennisula

Whalers Way and Tahlia Caves Rock Pools

Never have you seen water so clear and had it all to yourself than at Whalers Way and Tahlia Caves rock pools.

You’ll be in for a refreshing shock in the summer and the pools act as the perfect post-hike recovery in the winter, with their clarity being simply too hard to resist.

Make sure to visit both these locations at low tide and be wary of the ocean conditions. Even if the waves aren’t breaking into the rock pools, the water movement can still be quite strong, so only go in when they’re completely still.

Read more: Staying Safe on Coastal Rock Platforms

Hike Up Mt Greenly

This one isn’t an official hike as such, or a very tall mountain – but what it does offer is 360 degree views of the vast coastline and a salt lake for only an hour worth of effort.

You won’t find any sign posts or markers, just start at the car park at the end of the dirt road that leads to the base of the mountain. It’s best to just follow one of the animal tracks and aim for the top, climbing over granite boulders until you can’t go any higher.

Read more: How To Hike Off-Track

There’s even a trad climb up there if you happen to be travelling with your climbing gear.

Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay National Park

Two national parks within a 40 minute drive of each other? Tell him he’s dreamin’! But you’re not. Both parks deserve their own multi-week trip to fully appreciate their potential.

You can cram a lot in between the two; sand dunes to explore by foot, sandboard or 4WD, with an impressive vista of Sleaford Bay, surf breaks that you’ll need to speak to the locals to find, and rugged campsites sitting at the furthest stretches of the mainland that can afford you entire beaches and bays to yourself.

 

The Eyre Peninsula Will Let You Feel Like the Only Person on Earth - Jayden ONeil, Sand Dunes, Coffin Bay, Eyre Pennisula

World Class Surf Breaks

On a busy surf day on the Eyre Peninsula you might find yourself sharing waves with five other people. The distance from any major cities keeps these spots nice and remote, which has unfortunately left some of the locals with a sense of ownership over the waves.

Just speak to the right people and they’ll be happy to point you in the direction of everything from soft peeling lefts and rights to heavy slabs breaking over reef. If you’re respectful of the other surfers you won’t have any troubles.

Read more: Exploring The Eyre Peninsula – Surf Trip Anyone?

 

The Eyre Peninsula Will Let You Feel Like the Only Person on Earth - Jayden ONeil, Greenly beach, waves, Eyre Pennisula

Basecamp

You can get a little greedy when it comes to choosing the best spot to set up camp along the West Coast of the Peninsula. There’s million-dollar views for about $30 a night in Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay National Parks, or views so good that they didn’t put a price on it all at Greenly Beach.

 

The Eyre Peninsula Will Let You Feel Like the Only Person on Earth - Jayden ONeil, Greenly beach, waves, Eyre Pennisula

 

It’s really a beachside oasis where you can indulge in some wine while watching the best sunset on the Peninsula, paddle out for a wave, throw in a line, spot the migrating whales, or search for some of the coast’s exclusive rockpools.

It pays to stock up on groceries before leaving Port Lincoln, as supplies become limited as you head further west.

Essential Gear

  • Something to sleep in. Tent, swag van etc.
  • Sleeping bag
  • Surfboards
  • Warm clothes
  • Rain jacket for the winter
  • Toilet paper
  • Food and water for the amount of days you’ll be away
  • Cooking gear
  • Red wine
  • Headlamp – Night-time toilet visits can get dangerous on cliffs
  • Camera

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

How To Get There

Port Lincoln is seven hours west of Adelaide so it’s best to make a good trip out of it. The Eyre Peninsula begins near Whyalla, but the West Coast is where the real adventure begins and it takes around four hours to drive to. Port Lincoln also has an airport with multiple flights every day coming from Adelaide if you’re limited on time.

 

Feature photo by @jaydenoneiill and rest of the photos thanks to @straysulli