With its vast landscapes, the beaches, cliffs, and deserts of the Eyre Peninsula will leave you hungry for more.

 

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

 

Lying at the edge of the Nullarbor Plain, it’s easy to become intimidated by the long dirt roads of the Eyre Peninsula. But despite its well-known appeal for 4WDers, visitors can still get lost in the beauty of the Eyre in a 2WD.

Even without a 4WD, the Eyre Peninsula is the perfect gateway to crystal clear water, entire beaches to yourself, and long, empty desert roads.

So pack your cozzies and grab some mates because this is somewhere you’ll be thinking about for a long time to come.

Read more: Your Epic Guide To A South Australia Road Trip

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1. Penong and Lake MacDonnell

If you’re tired of the same old blue lakes, Lake MacDonnell is for you.

Lake MacDonnell is a unique salt lake, which due to high amounts of algae, appears pink when the sun shines on it. The pink lake contrasts greatly with the lake on the other side of the road, which may appear blue or green at different times.

Located a 15-minute drive from the tiny town of Penong, the drive is on a well-managed dirt road and you can even cruise down the road between the vibrant pink and green lakes with views of sand dunes in front of you. Be aware that the vibrance of the lake may vary on different days due to changing sunlight and algae levels.

 

 

Whilst in Penong, don’t forget to check out the Windmill Museum. This small town with a population of less than 200 sits on the Eyre Highway and is proudly home to Australia’s largest windmill ‘Bruce’.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

2. Kimba and Halfway Across Australia

A stop at Kimba is a must if you’re headed toward Penong or Port Augusta, more inland via the Eyre Highway. The town, named after the local Barngarla word for ‘bushfire’, marks the halfway point across Australia.

Pass by the marker sign, marvel at how huge the country is, and revel in the distance you’ve driven. As you pass through, make sure you check out the eight-metre-tall Big Galah and the famous painted silos.

 

3. Streaky Bay

You could spend days exploring the beaches and many secluded spots Streaky Bay offers, but the easiest way to see the bay is through its scenic drive loops. These dirt roads are well maintained and smooth enough to cruise in a 2WD.

 

Westall Way Loop

The Westall Way Loop is a 32km scenic drive, that starts 9km south of the main town of Streaky Bay. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and is home to many attractions including a number of lookouts, Smooth Pool, and the Granites so leave plenty of time to explore.

Take time to lounge over the vibrant orange rocks at the Granites and take a dip in the huge rock pool there, before continuing on to Smooth Pool for a great snorkelling spot.

 

 

Once you’ve spent the day checking out lookouts and beaches, head over to Yanerbie to get lost in the sand dunes.

Keep an eye out for some of the beaches not signposted on the official trail, such as High Cliffs Beach. You can park on the side of the loop and make your way down a rocky and unmarked route to the beach.

If you’d prefer a route with stairs, park at the Granites, take the steps down, turn right and walk over the rocks to find the beach. The beach’s cliffs are reminiscent of the Meditteranean and there’s a high chance you’ll have miles of sand to yourself.

Cape Bauer Loop

Streaky Bay’s second loop, the 38km Cape Bauer Loop which boasts cliff views and blowholes, and takes between 1-2 hours to complete.

You can pull over anywhere along this scenic route for lunch and be guaranteed a view of clear blue waters, calm waves, and white cliffs!

This road is a bit rougher, and if you want to see Cape Bauer Lookout, you’ll have to leave the car at the top of the turnoff and walk approximately 200 metres down to the lookout.

4. Murphys Haystacks

Located 30 minutes from Streaky Bay just off the Flinders Highway, Murphys Haystacks can be included in a day trip or are a great stop-off on the way to your next road trip destination.

In the middle of empty fields, take the opportunity to walk between ancient granite rocks that come in all shapes and sizes. The wind has eroded the rocks into funky formations which make for very interesting photo opportunities.

Murphys Haystacks are located on private property, and a gold coin donation is appreciated upon visit to maintain the toilet and picnic facilities.

 

5. The Woolshed at Talia Caves

If you’re looking for a perfect frame for your view of the ocean, then you can’t go past The Woolshed at Talia Caves. This granite cave is amazing to look at from both inside and out.

With its intricate granite patterns and depth, The Woolshed looks like it should be home to a mythical creature. Listen and watch as the waves crash into the rocks and echo throughout the cavern. The surrounding views of rock pools and mini blowholes only add to the attraction.

Located 8km off the Flinders Highway on an unsealed road, Talia Caves makes for a convenient detour on a day of driving.

6. Greenly Beach

If you’re following the coast down from Talia to Port Lincoln, Greenly Beach is well worth a stop. Despite being a well known destination on the Eyre Peninsula, its vibrant blue waters and minimal crowds make it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret paradise.

 

 

Explore the many rock pools and sheltered beaches that the coastline has to offer. The well-known Greenly Beach Rock Pool is probably the busiest spot you’ll find on the Eyre Peninsula, but it only feels busy because of its size.

Despite the rock pool’s beauty, unless you want to ditch the car and walk down to the pool, I suggest heading to Coles Point instead.

When travelling off the Flinders Highway, follow Coles Point Road to the end and turn right, then follow the dirt road to the top of the hill. Here you can enjoy lunch with a view of Greenly Beach from above.

7. Lincoln National Park

Just half an hour from Port Lincoln, Lincoln National Park is a sanctuary of sheltered beaches, wildlife, and sunsets that make the sky look like it’s been painted red.

Read more: The Investigator Trail – 5 Days Hiking Through Lincoln National Park

 

 

The national park, which sits overlooking Boston Bay, Australia’s largest natural harbour, offers a range of beaches, boating, camping, fishing, and hiking. On calm days, beaches like September Beach and Surfleet Cove boast still and clear waters.

With plenty of rocky coastline, September Beach is great to explore whilst snorkelling. One of the best parts about the park is being able to pull over at one of the many sheltered coves for lunch.

Lincoln National Park is Coffin Bay National Park’s 2WD friendly neighbour. The park is split by 2WD and 4WD access, making it easy to understand where you can go. The northern part of the park is 2WD friendly, with sealed roads and plenty of beaches to access.

Entrance to Lincoln National Park costs $12 per car.

Where to stay on the Eyre Peninsula

Penong Caravan Park

When in need of a shower, electricity and a friendly face after a long day on the road, this dusty caravan park is the perfect quiet spot. Penong Caravan Park offers both sites and cabins, as well as amenities such as laundry facilities.

Powered sites start from $26 a night.

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Streaky Bay Foreshore Caravan Park

Located within the town, Streaky Bay Foreshore Caravan Park spoils you with waterfront views and easy access to everything.

Offering both cabins, waterfront tent and caravan sites, this caravan park provides a perfect place to relax after a busy day of exploring.  Drop into the onsite Streaky Bay Park Kiosk for some freshly caught fish and chips during your stay.  

Sites start from $23 a night.

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Surfleet Cove Campground, Lincoln National Park

Enjoy your time in Lincolon National Park by staying overnight and booking a site in one of the park’s many campgrounds. Surfleet Cove Campground provides views of Boston Bay from your site and has beach access. With sealed roads through the whole campsite, Surfleet Cove is perfect for a 2WD.

Sites cost $20 a night.

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Eyre Peninsula FAQs

Is Lake MacDonnell always pink?

Unfortunately, the pink lake’s vibrancy and brightness varies based on water levels. When there’s more water in the lake, there are higher algae levels, making the pink brighter. Visit just after rainfall to see it at its best.

When is the best time of year to visit the Eyre Peninsula?

Head to the Eyre Peninsula in summer to make the most of the stunning beaches and swimming spots. The coast generally stays relatively mild so it’s not too hot to explore and enjoy all your planned activities.

So are you ready to leave the city behind to enjoy the beauty of the Eyre Peninsula yet?

With plenty of spots to see from your humble vehicle, it’s time to pack the 2WD and hit the road. Enjoy the endless roads of the Eyre and Flinders Highways, the quiet town of Penong, and the empty beaches of Streaky Bay, and find some secret paradises of your own.

If you still can’t get enough of the Eyre? Check out Lincoln National Park’s five-day Investigator Trail to see this incredible location in a whole new way.