'Eyre Peninsula has over 2000kms of spectacular coastline, awesome national parks,amazing wildlife experiences, world class seafood and top local wines'. This was the blurb that was on a brochure. The Peninsula does have some beautiful beaches and coastline, we didn't see the national parks, we did endulge in world class seafood(best oysters ever, any fresher they would slap your face), didn't do the wildlife experiences, but did have one or two local wines. The weather wasn't on our side for such a lovely part of the world, for the majority it was overcast, cold, windy and wet. Talking to a lot of locals and this weather is not the norm for this time of year and had been like it for a few weeks.
After leaving Smoky Bay which was the one and only good weather day we stayed the night in Streaky Bay. Very cold and overcast day, managed to ride our bikes to a very good local restaurant right on the water known as Mocean.
Elliston was the next stop down the Peninsula.
It is situated on the shores of Waterloo Bay and has the most spectacular rugged coastline. This place is so different from any others down the coast it is well worth a visit.
The rugged coastline and crystal clear water of the Southern Ocean.
Mez is standing very close here to the edge which has a mighty big drop under the cliff.
Some spectacular rock formations. This little formation won't be here in a few years taking the brunt of massive swells day in day out.
A little bit chilli but of course you couldn't tell, not the best pic. Behind me the waves were rolling in and smashing the rocks, picked a lull in swell for this shot.
Mez retrieving an abalone she'll from the rocks below.
One last shot of windflowers growing in the rocks
We spent a fair bit of time exploring the coastal rock area and collecting shells etc. I also found what is locally know as a 'clog'. Clogs are 100,000 year-old fossil cocoons from weevils that still inhabit the area.
The jetty has been heritage listed because of its steel pylons screwed directly into the sea floor using a horse drawn winch.
The road to Coffin Bay.
The country roads were lined with wattle trees. Little old buildings dotted the landscape. The Lake Hamilton Eating House was constructed in 1852 and was used as a stopping place for coaches and travellers through the area.
Very rich agricultural area.
Next stop Coffin Bay. Matthew Flinders named the bay in honour of his good friend Sir Issac Coffin. For many years it was also known as Oyster Town as it is the place to get scrumptious oysters so first stop was the oyster shed at Pure Coffin Bay Oysters. You can buy them unopened or they will chuck them for you. So cheap at $12 a dozen chucked and sooooooo fresh, just delicious.
Oyster leases everywhere, weather not so good would be sparkling on a sunny day.
Explored the town on our bikes, interesting rock formations in the easily weathered limestone rocks.
Just outside the Coffin Bay Hotel where we caught the courtesy bus for dinner. These emus were so used to people apparently they are there all the time.
Head honcho emu was always looking around and checking out the scene. There would be a lot to do in Coffin Bay with national parks on the doorstep as well.
Last stop on the peninsula was Port Lincoln.
We stayed a couple of nights here.
We pulled up in town right next to Makbe Diva's statue. She was owned by a local tuna fisherman, Tony Santic. The city is renowned as a hub for the tuna industry.
We stayed at the caravan park nearest town and on a sunny day would have been wonderful. This is the view of the Southern Ocean from our site in the caravan park. The wind was blowing from the south, the direction we faced, Mez battling the washing. Port Lincoln is Australia's largest fishing port, producing a diverse range of seafood worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the state and local economies. Again there is a lot to do in Port Lincoln. The Eyre Peninsula is a wonderful place to visit, it would be good to spend weeks down here in the warmer weather to take full advantage of the pristine waters and beautiful coastline as well as picturesque national parks.
Next stop somewhere on the way to Broken Hill.
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