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The ferry at Lucky Bay
Whyalla Museum & Information Centre
Franklin Harbour Horel - Cowell
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THE EYRE PENINSULA
The Eyre Peninsula is an area to the west of the Spencer Gulf in South
Australia's west which is larger in area than the state of Tasmania. With
some 1600 km. of spectacular coastline, much of it part of the Great Australian
Bight and open to the Southern Ocean, it offers golden beaches, great fishing
and dramatic coastal features.
The area includes some dozen or so National and Conservation Parks and its
landscape varies from the harsher desert area of the north to the pretty seaside
towns of the coastline. Principal towns in the Eyre Peninsula tourist area are
Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay , Ceduna, Elliston and Tumby Bay.
The waters off Port Lincoln are the home and breeding grounds of the Great
White Shark and boat charters to Dangerous Reef can be arranged on your tour.
Port Lincoln is also the heart of Australia's Tuna Fishing industry and
several fleets are anchored there supplying the canning factories and providing
for the domestic and international market.
The Peninsula was named after explorer Edward John Eyre who, after several
expeditions into the interior of South Australia, became the first European
to travel across the Nullabor from South Australia to Albany in 1840.
The coastal regions of the Peninsula are probably of most interest to visitors
to the Eyre Peninsula. Beaches, fishing and watersports are the main attractions
but in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of Southern
Right Whales returning to the coast each June to October to give birth and cavort
with their young in the safe waters. Its preference for these waters was almost
its undoing last century when whaling stations were set up at many points from
Kangaroo Island to Perth to process the species which were an easy target for
whalers.
Along the coast you will also see many species of marine birds including
White-bellied Sea Eagles, 5 species of Cormorants, Rock Parrots and Ospreys.
Pied and Sooty Oyster Catchers and Silver and Pacific Gulls will also frequently
be seen. Other species include red-capped Dotterels and the enndangered Hooded
Plover.
Off shore the many islands have colonies of sea-lions, seals and penguins,
while the peninsula itself is home to kangaroos, emus, the Hairy nosed Wombat
and Euros. In the Gawler Ranges you can see the magnificent Wedge Tailed Eagle
soaring majestically around the volcanic peaks and the flora of the peninsula
includes colourful and attractive Sturt Desert Pea, which is the state floral
emblem.
The Eyre Peninsula has something for everyone. Museums, historic buildings
and exhibitions, exciting and refreshing scenery and comfortable accommodation
and facilities.
To get there by road you will need to go via Port Augusta around the top
of Spencer Gulf, but it is also possible to fly to Port Lincoln or Whyalla and
hire a car for a relaxing holiday in one of South Australia's best touring
areas.
INFORMATION:
Eyre Peninsula Tourism Association:
P.O. Box 1145. Port Lincoln S.A. 5606
Telephone: 08 8682 4688. Fax: 08 8682 6809
MAJOR AREA FEATURES:
NATIONAL TRUST MUSEUMS:
MAJOR TOWNS:
TOURING IDEAS
The Eyre Peninsula has one of Australia's most spectacular coastlines and offers great beaches, excellent fishing, stark coastline, and romantic seaside villages and towns.
Many museums and attractions can be seen and there is a wealth of accommodation options including B&Bs, motels, pub rooms and caravan parks.
It is wise to book well in advance, particularly at weekends, as it is a popular destination and Getaway area.
ACCOMMODATION
Motels, hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs, guest houses and farm stays will all be found on the Eyre Peninsula. Click the SEARCH button above right.