posted on June 25, 2024
From epic coastal scenery to sprawling national parks complete with native wildlife, hiking trails, and rich Indigenous history, the Eyre Peninsula road trip delivers unbeatable views and countless attractions. There’s plenty to explore along this 700-kilometre stretch of road, from cage diving with Great White sharks to savouring fresh local seafood.
Not surprisingly, the Eyre Peninsula has become a must-visit destination for anyone venturing to South Australia and beyond. Whether you’re a nature lover looking to explore the hiking trails of national parks or want to relax along some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, the Eyre Peninsula delivers a trip of a lifetime!
In this complete guide, we’ll be covering:
- An overview of the Eyre Peninsula road trip
- Your road trip map of the Eyre Peninsula
- Tips for driving the Eyre Peninsula
- The top driving itineraries for tackling the Eyre Peninsula
- The top places to stop along the Eyre Peninsula
- Best things to do in South Australia
- Frequently asked questions about the Eyre Peninsula road trip
Plan your drive: An overview of the Eyre Peninsula road trip
Before you hit the road, here are all the quick-fire stats you need to know about taking on the Eyre Peninsula road trip.
- Route options:
- The ultimate Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula road trip (14 days): 1,849 kilometres, 19 hours 54 minutes total driving time
- Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula Express (8 days): 1,657 kilometres, 18 hours 32 minutes
- Top stops: Port Augusta, Golden Island Lookout, Coffin Bay National Park, Streaky Bay, Boston Bay, Greenly Beach, Gawler Ranges National Park, Whalers Way Conservation Park, Lincoln National Park, Tumby Bay, and Shark Cage Diving at Port Lincoln.
- Best time to drive the Eyre Peninsula: You can expect peak tourist season during the summer months. Generally, the best time to drive the Eyre Peninsula is spring, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds between September and November. However, if you’re looking to spot wildlife like Southern Right Whales, these are typically seen off the coast between May and October during their migration season.
The Eyre Peninsula drive time
To complete the length of the Eyre Peninsula takes approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes. However, this does not include any detours or stops made along the way.
The Eyre Peninsula road trip distance
The complete stretch of the Eyre Peninsula begins in Port Augusta and ends in Ceduna. Along the quickest route, the main highway (National Highway A1), it’s a distance of approximately 636 kilometres.
Road trip from Adelaide to the Eyre Peninsula map
What to know before you go: Top tips for the Eyre Peninsula drive
You can expect well-maintained and sealed roads for most of the drive along the Eyre Peninsula. To help maximise your road trip, here are a few expert tips to streamline your trip.
Driving conditions and staying safe on the roads
The roads along the Eyre Peninsula are generally well-maintained and smooth, however, weather conditions can lead parts of the road to close or become damaged. If you’re looking to explore more remote areas, know that the road conditions are subject to change, with gravel and dirt being common when accessing national parks like Coffin Bay National Park and Lincoln National Park, while Gawler Ranges will have sections of dirt road.
Coastal tracks near Venus Bay, Elliston, and Coffin Bay will also have sections of gravel and dirt roads. Slow down and maintain a safe speed in these areas, particularly in adverse weather conditions. With sizeable distances to cover, be sure to:
- Start early: Begin your journey with the sun by setting off early in the day. Not only does this offer the chance to witness breathtaking sunrise views, but it also helps you beat the rush hour traffic, allowing for a smoother, stress-free drive.
- Share the drive: It’s important to stay alert behind the wheel, and while a day trip may not involve too much driving, with all the adventures thrown in the middle, it’s helpful to have a second driver to split the trip with.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
You’ll find petrol stations located along the Eyre Peninsula at popular spots like Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, and Ceduna. The same can be said for EV chargers, however, stretches between fuelling stops can be considerably large as you enter more remote parts of South Australia. Our tip? Use an interactive online map like Plugshare to easily locate the nearest place to top up or recharge.
What kind of vehicle is best for this epic road trip
The best vehicle for your road trip depends on what you feel comfortable driving and where you want to visit. With sealed roads throughout the drive, a small car or compact SUV like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is more than capable of seeing you through the journey. On Turo, you can browse a wide selection of vehicles to suit your travel needs and itinerary.
Choose your Eyre Peninsula road trip itinerary
On this epic road trip, explore the iconic attractions of South Australia and Australia’s south coast. From picturesque vineyards to sprawling national parks and secluded beaches, no matter what itinerary you choose, you’ll have an unforgettable journey.
Option 1: The Ultimate Eyre Peninsula journey (14-day return road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 19 hours 54 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 1,848 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Adelaide to Whyalla (385 kilometres, 4 hours 18 minutes)
- Day 2: Whyalla to Port Lincoln (267 kilometres, 2 hours 50 minutes)
- Day 3 and 4: Explore Port Lincoln
- Day 5: Port Lincoln to Coffin Bay (43.8 kilometres, 36 minutes)
- Day 6 and 7: Explore Coffin Bay
- Day 8: Coffin Bay to Port Kenny (204 kilometres, 2 hours 9 minutes)
- Day 9: Explore Crocodile Park at Port Kenny
- Day 10: Port Kenny to Streaky Bay (61.9 kilometres, 39 minutes)
- Day 11: Explore Streaky Bay
- Day 12: Streaky Bay to Ceduna (110 kilometres, 1 hour 10 minutes)
- Day 13: Ceduna to Kimba (313 kilometres, 3 hours 14 minutes)
- Day 14: Kimba to Adelaide (465 kilometres, 5 hours 8 minutes)
- Best for: Tick off all the key attractions, national parks, and foodie stops along the Eyre Peninsula with this epic road trip. From hikes, diving, wildlife spotting, and wine tasting, this itinerary has it all.
After departing Adelaide, consider making a detour to learn about the history of the old seaport, Port Augusta. You can also explore the Wadlata Outback Centre to learn more about the rich Indigenous heritage of the area, and visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. Then, head to Whyalla where you can take in the unique Stranded Shingle Beach Ridges.
From Whyalla, consider stopping at Tumby Bay, where you can venture to the Sir Joseph Banks Group Marine Park and spot sea lions and octopuses. At Port Lincoln, enjoy a swim in the ocean or look out for bottlenose dolphins and sea lions. The adventurous can even go cage diving with sharks! At Coffin Bay, enjoy oysters and scenic ocean views before exploring its golden beaches, blowholes, and limestone cliffs.
Next, you’ll drive to Port Kenny, where you can visit the Crocodile Park Eco Retreat, which is located between Mt Camel Beach and the Talia Caves. This wilderness experience allows you to view Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, bird life, emus, and wombats, and guests are even treated to a private beach and clifftop walk. From Port Kenny, you’ll visit Streaky Bay, where you can also explore Murphy’s Haystacks. Be sure to check out hidden gems that include Hallys Beach, Whistling Rocks, and the Blowholes, too.
In Ceduna, visit the Arts & Cultural Centre to learn more about the Aboriginal history of the area and take in traditional art. Then, begin the drive back to Adelaide with a stop in Kimba before arriving back in the bustling South Australian capital.
Option 2: Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula (8-day return road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 18 hours 32 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 1,657 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Adelaide to Glenelg (11.1 kilometres, 22 minutes)
- Day 2: Glenelg to Port Adelaide (16.3 kilometres, 25 minutes)
- Day 3: Port Adelaide to Port Augusta (300 kilometres, 3 hours 16 minutes)
- Day 4: Port Augusta to Port Lincoln (342 kilometres, 3 hours 43 minutes)
- Day 5: Explore Port Lincoln
- Day 6: Port Lincoln to Baird Bay (280 kilometres, 3 hours 7 minutes)
- Day 7: Baird Bay to Port Pirie (476 kilometres, 5 hours 13 minutes)
- Day 8: Port Pirie to Adelaide (231 kilometres, 2 hours 41 minutes)
- Best for: Nature lovers will have beaches to roam and national parks to explore, while you’ll also soak up plenty of culture, history, and tasty treats along the way!
Before departing Adelaide, soak up the city’s top attractions, including the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Central Market, and Art Gallery of South Australia. Then, visit the iconic Glenelg Beach, where you can enjoy a stroll on the jetty and leisurely swim in its waters. From there, you’ll head to Port Adelaide, where you can climb to the top of Port Adelaide Lighthouse for panoramic views, take a walking tour of its historic precincts, or go dolphin spotting with a cruise along the Port River.
In Port Augusta, visit the Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout for incredible views over the red sandstone cliffs into the Spencer Gulf. You can stroll through the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden or take a day trip to the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary with its rugged landscapes and unique flora. In Port Lincoln, you’ll find plenty to explore. We recommend Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park for bushwalking, scenic drivers, and beautiful beaches.
Then, you’ll journey to Baird Bay, which is famous for its sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and wildlife encounters. Join a guided tour where you can snorkel with these marine mammals before venturing to Port Pirie, where you can relax on Solomontown Beach or head to Port Pirie Lookout for incredible views. Then, you’ll be headed back to Adelaide – but not before grabbing some fish and chips for the road!
Top places to stop along the Eyre Peninsula drive
Best national parks along the Eyre Peninsula
Fancy a hike? Check out these picturesque national parks teeming with wildlife and native flora on your Eyre Peninsula drive.
- Venus Bay Conservation Park: Located along the western coastline of the Eyre Peninsula, you’ll find beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the coastline.
- Coffin Bay National Park: South of Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay National Park boasts clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Snorkel, swim, kayak, or bushwalk, but if you’re a nature lover be sure to do the stunning Yangie Bay Hike.
- Lincoln National Park: For those visiting Port Lincoln, be sure to stop off at Port Lincoln National Park where you’ll find secluded bays, beaches, and plenty of bushwalking trails.
- Gawler Ranges National Park: For a true wilderness adventure, journey to Gawler Ranges National Park, where you’ll see unique rock formations, salt lakes, and the granite monolith of Mount Wudinna.
- Flinders Ranges National Park: Just 400 kilometres north of Adelaide, you’ll find Flinders Ranges National Park. Take in the iconic mountain ranges, deep gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and the famous Wilpena Pound.
Best beaches along the Eyre Peninsula
Cool off and take a dip at these secluded bays, hidden gems, and sparking swimming spots.
- Coffin Bay: Located in Coffin Bay National Park, this beach boasts white sand and turquoise waters.
- Venus Bay: This coastal town is the perfect stop for those wanting to soak up optimal surfing conditions, friendly locals, and a relaxed atmosphere. North Venus Bay has quieter waters, which makes it ideal for snorkelling or swimming.
- Town Beach: Located close to the town centre of Port Lincoln, Town Beach has BBQ areas, playgrounds for the kids, and family-friendly facilities.
- Tumby Bay: Home to several beaches, Tumby Bay is a must-stop destination for beachgoers. From Lipson Cove, with its native birdlife and calm waters for kayaking, to Butler’s Beach, which is perfect for those who want to fish, you’ll find walking trails and ocean views.
- Perlubie Beach: When visiting Streaky Bay, venture to Perlubie Beach. This hidden gem boasts calm waters and sand dunes and makes for the perfect camping spot!
Best foodie destinations along the Eyre Peninsula road trip
From waterfront dining to laidback eateries and charming cafes, we’ve rounded up a handful of the top dining destinations to add to your radar when tackling the Eyre Peninsula road trip.
- Coffin Bay Oyster Farm & Tasting Tours: For an authentic ocean experience, wade into the water of this commercial Oysterm farm, where you’ll get a hands-on shucking lesson and get to taste the freshest Oysters right out of the water.
- The Fresh Fish Place: Located in Port Lincoln, this award-winning marketplace excels in fresh seafood. From incredible fish and chips to recipes that make fresh ingredients the star, it’s a delight for the tastebuds.
- L’Anse French Cafe: This French restaurant serves up delicious meals and coffee, including a variety of freshly baked croissants and pastries. It is an excellent stop before a day of driving!
- Peter Teakle Wines: Experience an incredible cellar door journey as you take in the beautiful vineyards while dining on delicious food and savouring great wine.
- Boston Bean Coffee Company: Located at Mortlock Terrace in Port Lincoln, there’s a reason this joint has become a favourite amongst locals seeking good coffee. Expect great beverages, including a wet Chai and specialty chocolate, that will make you want to come back immediately!
Want to secure the perfect ride for your South Australian road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Rent a car in Adelaide on Turo.
South Australia road trip guide: keep the drive going
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car? Keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries from Adelaide.
The best getaways and interstate drives from Adelaide
- Adelaide to Perth
- Adelaide to Sydney
- Adelaide to Melbourne
- Adelaide to Darwin
- Best day trips from Adelaide
Still can’t decide? Discover our complete guide to the best road trips from South Australia.
The Eyre Peninsula drive: Frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Eyre Peninsula drive in reverse?
Absolutely! Simply reverse the itinerary steps we’ve outlined above.
How many days does it take to complete the Eyre Peninsula drive?
With a distance of less than 700 kilometres from Adelaide, you can typically complete the Eyre Peninsula drive in three days. However, with so much to explore, we recommend at least five days to ensure you see all the key sights!
Are there flights to the Eyre Peninsula?
The Eyre Peninsula has three main airports: Whyalla (WYA), Port Lincoln (PLO), and Ceduna. Direct flights are available from Adelaide Airport, and the typical flight duration is 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Is it worth driving the Eyre Peninsula?
Absolutely! From charming coastal towns to dramatic cliffs and rugged national parks, there’s plenty to explore along the Eyre Peninsula and driving allows you to do so at your own pace.
Final advice for the Eyre Peninsula drive of a lifetime
Driving the Eyre Peninsula isn’t about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. Rather, it’s about soaking up the incredibly vast landscapes of stunning coastlines and sprawling national parks and delighting in delicious food.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
