The Eyre Peninsula boasts a wide range of seafood, fishing, wildlife and landscape experiences.
Even locals might be pleasantly surprised as they venture out on a rediscovery tour.
Streaky Bay has two of only three scenic drives on the EP – Cape Bauer Loop and Westall Way Loop with two wheel drive access for all visitors from the grey tourer to the activity seekers and family focused.
Rugged Great Australian Bight cliffs, beach swimming and fishing, surfing, bird watching or just a casual drive, these scenic drives are considered two of the most spectacular in the state.
The pending Whistling Rocks and the Blowholes and Hally’s Beach boardwalk projects situated on Cape Bauer Loop are on schedule to be completed in time for the peak summer season. Council has been working in consultation with the Department for Environment and Heritage to ensure that these projects are implemented in late October or early November.
Two other attractions unique to the area are the Australian Sea Lions which can be viewed in large numbers of up to 50 or 60 at Point Labatt, or visit the spectacular Murphy’s Haystacks, one of EP’s most visited sites.
The townships of Wirrulla, “the town with a secret”; Poochera; home of the rare dinosaur ants; Haslam; a lovely scenic bay; Calca, the gateway to Baird Bay and the Point Labatt Sea Lions; and Sceale Bay, boasting a magnificent white sandy beach, offer the visitor a chance to get off the highway and see some beautiful country with amazing attractions. Make sure you don’t just take a peek … why don’t you stay a week?
For visitors wanting to do something a little more organised, Streaky Bay offers some unique tours such as the world renowned Baird Bay Ocean and Eco Tour. Swim with the sea lions and dolphins before heading back into the bay to try some of our succulent seafood served fresh at the Streaky Bay Hotel or Moceans Restaurant.
Clearwater Café, the Park Kiosk and Shell Roadhouse offer a great feed of fresh fish and chips and an extensive takeaway or dine-in menu.
Elliotts Bakery and Café, nominated for this year’s SA Great Awards, provides a large range of delicious breads, pastries, sandwiches and cakes, served with a selection of steaming coffees.
Streaky Bay offers a wide range of accommodation and the Streaky Bay Foreshore Caravan Park right on the beach is a favourite with many visitors.
A new tour on offer in recent months is Streaky Bay Day Tours. “Sea the Sights” is the motto of operator Peter Dean, who hosts the tours on a comfortable tour bus each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Departing from the Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park at 10am or the visitor centre at 10.05am, the tour takes in several attractions in the district, such as: Eyre’s Waterhole, Murphy’s Haystacks; Point Labatt Sea Lion Conservation Park; Sceale Bay and; Westall Way Loop. For more information on this fun and relaxing ride around Streaky Bay and districts call 8626 1188.
If the weather is not conducive to outdoor activity then head on into the local museums to check out some of our unique cultural history. Opening hours for our local museums are:
Restored Engine Museum, Tuesday and Friday 2pm-5pm.
National Trust Museum, Tuesday and Friday 2pm-4pm.
Haslam Museum, by appointment please contact Jan Daniel on 8626 6941.
Poochera and Districts Historical Society, Wednesday 9.30am-12pm or enquire at the Poochera Roadhouse or Hotel.
Visitors will be totally awestruck when they view the largest white pointer shark ever caught on rod and reel at Stewart’s Roadhouse in Streaky Bay.
The Streaky Bay Rural Transaction and Visitor Information Centre, the official Tourism Eyre Peninsula (TEP) Information outlet the Centre has noticed a steady increase in visitors streaming through the doors in August and September after a quiet July. The RTC offers over 21 services and this repertoire is growing.
Open 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday, the September 2008 figures for people utilising the centre including visitors to the area have already surpassed July’s figures, with 922 people in total coming in for various services. Of these, 852 are counted as visitors. It is estimated only one third of people passing through the area actually come into the Centre for assistance.
Other people visiting Streaky Bay and districts on business or to catch up with family and friends and are less likely to access the services at the centre. They don’t know what they might be missing out on, there is plenty to see and do in our area!
Drop in to the centre on 21 Bay Road and speak to the friendly community information officers, Michelle and Karli, and discover our wealth of nature based attractions and activities on offer. You can also contact the centre on 8626 7033.
For more Information on Streaky Bay including: accommodation, tours, things to do and events amd festivals visit the tourism websites www.streakybay.com.au or www.eyrepeninsula.info.
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