Alice and Jen continue their leg of the Follow the Sun Relay. Read on to learn about their drive through the Eyre Peninsula and the Great Aussie Bight.
The bright bight and the Eyre Peninsula along the South Australian western coastline really is a breathtaking experience for any campervans and caravans – whether a single, a couple of any age or a family with children, this part of our divine country has been created for you!
If you’re passing through Port Augusta from Adelaide to get to the Eyre Peninsula or you have just travelled along the Nullarbor, this part of coastline comes with a disclaimer – be prepared to experience more beautiful expansive landscapes, bright blue coves, beaches and ports and gentle, welcoming towns.
We travelled east across the Nullarbor, through Ceduna and onto Streaky Bay where we were privileged to have a waterfront campervan site at the Discovery Park Foreshore (Thank you Wendy and Rod). The sunsets here had this stillness, calmness and colourfulness about them that we Queenslanders had not experienced before – the south of this country has a different energy to the northern counterparts.
When we arrived we spent a few days and nights here, enjoying our view over the light green hills, still water, village pier and spent time meeting other travellers in the caravan park – young families, elderly couples and people travelling solo. We also used Streaky Bay as a base to explore the South-East region that we would not get to when we packed up and made our way further east along the peninsular. We had heard the beauty of Streaky Bay’s neighbour, Smokey Bay and loved to hear that South Australia’s beauty is so encompassing, but grateful to have Streaky as a base to explore tourist drives such as Westall Tourist Loop Drive (which is the most non-touristy loop that you can imagine!). Again, this part of the country’s diversity and remoteness captured our hearts. With lookouts of red sand cliffs, quiet beaches as well as a famous surf point with a natural rock pool to swim in, paddocks and fields that overlook the deep blue ocean, this drive was spectacular!
Although we are about to share with you some amazing coastline spots to explore, our absolute highlight of this region was Australia’s answer to Stonehenge, Murphy’s Haystacks. These giant stones are 1500 million years old, in weird formations, on a hilltop on private farm land. To get to this magical place drive 35 minutes South- East of Streaky Bay and to enter the paddocks, a $2 donation is required. There is an undeniable sacred energy to these rocks and the paddocks, and it is especially felt as the sunset lights up the yellow grass and a glow comes over the giant stones. We had an amazing fun time coming here and spent two hours walking around the stones, sitting on the smaller ones, taking it all in and having fun pretending we were Clare in Outlander (please go watch Outlander if you haven’t already before coming here!)
Onwards east along the peninsular, ourselves and the Follow the Sun Relay Winnebago were not disappointed….
Venus Bay you surprised us with your charm and beauty! In the morning you can sit with a delicious coffee between your hands at the only cafe in town that is also the general store. With calm beaches and a beautiful jetty, you can spend the afternoon fishing whilst the kids frolic in the water. This small village that overlooks the beautiful bay and surrounding inlets was a bit windy and chilly even in early December so pack a windbreaker jacket just in case (even in the summertime!) There is a beautiful lookout only a short walk from the village centre that overlooks the village and out along the rugged, cliff lined coastline! A picnic here as the sun sets would be beautiful or just sit at any time of the day and admire the beauty of this hidden gem.
Pass through wheat fields and alongside a huge, beautiful salt lake to get to a car park that overlooks sandy cliffs and a clear blue ocean. This place is a dream and do not be put off by the roads that you travel to get here. You could easily spend all day here. Walk south along the beach to some rock pools that are hidden from view from the car park or if you have a 4WD you can drive down a trail to the rock pools that is just before you reach the car park for the beach.
A beautiful port city with all you need for a few days of fabulousness! With crystal clear and calm waters and surrounding National Parks such as Port Lincoln National Park or Coffin Bay National Park – you can go on tourist drives, birdwatching, walking, swimming, fishing activities or if you are brave, take a tour to dive with the Great White Sharks.
Coffin Bay only 45 minutes west of Port Lincoln offers amazing opportunities to learn about the oyster farming culture (as well as indulge in some oysters, YUM!)
We would totally recommend giving yourself a week minimum to explore this part of South Australia! Enjoy your travels and stay safe on the roads!
–Alice and Jen
Check out the rest of the Follow the Sun Relay posts on our website.
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