FEAST ON FRESH SEAFOOD, GET UP CLOSE TO WHALES, DOLPHINS AND SEA LIONS, AND EXPLORE NATURAL WONDERS, ALONG SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S FAR WEST COAST.
The Far West Coast of South Australia is one of those places you’ll want to share with everyone, yet secretly want to keep to yourself. Home to kilometres of pristine coastline, incredible seafood and unforgettable aquatic experiences, this rugged stretch of Eyre Peninsula is an adventure seeker and foodie’s paradise. Ready to dive in? Start your journey with our guide to the top things to do in Ceduna and the Far West Coast.
1. TASTE FRESH OYSTERS
Spend the day learning about the harvesting of world-famous Far West Coast oysters on an oyster farm tour in Smoky Bay. Board the oyster boat, see how oysters are grown, learn how to shuck like a pro, then taste these delicacies themselves plucked straight from the ocean with SA Premium Oysters. As part of Eyre Peninsula’s Seafood Frontier, the Far West Coast boasts some of Australia’s freshest and tastiest seafood, and your seafood feast continues on land. Buy straight from the supplier at Thevenard Fish Processors or Baldy’s Fresh and Frozen Seafood, or continue satisfying your oyster cravings at Ceduna Oyster Barn.
2. SWIM WITH SEA LIONS AND DOLPHINS
The Far West Coast’s beautiful clear waters make it the perfect spot to take a dip with sea lions. Playful, curious and undeniably cute, our ‘puppies of the sea’ are wild, but not shy, and will swim right up to you. Duck, dive, and roll with them – just don’t expect to steal the spotlight! Jump onboard a tour with Baird Bay Experience where you can swim with both bottlenose dolphins and Australian sea lions on a half-day adventure. Sea lions season begins in October and goes through to April depending on the weather.
3. EMBARK ON A WHALE WATCHING TOUR
Set aside three hours for an unforgettable whale-watching encounter with EP Cruisers or Chinta Air. Relax and marvel at Southern Right and Humpback whales against the stunning backdrop of South Australia’s rugged coastline. EP Cruisers depart from the Fowlers Bay Jetty, with tours running for approximately two and a half hours during winter, from July to October. The waters here are teeming with marine life, so keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and seabirds. For a unique up-close experience, guided sunrise and sunset kayak tours are also available during the season.
4. SET SAIL ON A FISHING CHARTER
Head to Ceduna for a day on the water and learn the ropes from the locals. Reel in King George whiting with Ceduna Boat Charters or embark on a deep-sea fishing expedition to Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park. With a permit, spend a night camping at Yalata Beach and try surf fishing for salmon and giant mulloway. Prefer fishing on your own? Hire a boat from Ceduna Boat Hire and explore the waters at your own pace.
5. MARVEL AT NATURAL WONDERS
Many come to the Far West Coast for its extraordinary landscapes and wide-open spaces. Plunge into the crystal-clear rock pools at Point Brown, marvel at the insta-famous pink and turquoise hues of Lake MacDonnell, or wander the ever-shifting sand dunes at Fowlers Bay and Cactus Beach. For a jaw-dropping natural wonder, stand at the edge of the earth where the Nullarbor Plain meets the sea. Stretching 100km along the Eyre Peninsula and reaching up to 120 metres, the Bunda Cliffs are the heart of the Great Australian Bight.
6. GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Departing from Ceduna, Ancient Land Tours takes you on an unforgettable 4WD adventure through the untamed beauty of the Far West Coast. Cross the world’s longest dingo fence, roll over majestic sand dunes, and weave through sprawling mallee shrubland to reach the secluded Googs Lake, where tranquil waters and sweeping views await. But the adventure doesn’t end there. Tailored experiences uncover the Far West Coast’s hidden gems, from exploring the rugged Warna Manda coastal parks to guided tours of the Head of Bight. Visit in winter for the ultimate highlight—an awe-inspiring whale watching tour to see Southern Right Whales up close.
7. CONNECT TO INDIGENOUS CULTURE
The Far West Coast is rich in Aboriginal history and culture. Discover traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art at Arts Ceduna, listen to the endangered languages of Wirangu, Gugada (Kokatha), and Mirning at the Far West Languages Centre, and explore ancient rock paintings in the Nullarbor caves. Wander through the Scotdesco, Yalata, and Koonibba Aboriginal communities, or learn about Australia’s nuclear history through the eyes of traditional owners with Maralinga Tours.
8. EXPLORE THE SURF PARADISE OF CACTUS BEACH
For uncrowded waves and the road less travelled, look no further than Cactus Beach. Camp under the stars, surrounded by vintage caravans and 4WDs, just steps from world-class surf breaks. The eco-friendly campsite offers a communal kitchen, firewood, flushing toilets, and showers—but no electricity or service, making it the perfect place to disconnect. Not a surfer? No problem. Spend your days swimming, fishing, or fossicking along the coast. For stunning sunsets, head to the Seat and take in panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. As for the practical side of things—you’ll need to bring your own drinking water, and you can’t book. Just pick your spot and pay the caretaker, Ronnie, when he comes around to collect the fees.
CRAVING MORE OYSTERS?
Hooked on the fresh ocean flavour of oysters? Let your taste buds lead the way along the Far West Coast and enjoy a safari of the freshest and most sumptuous oysters with our guide to the best places to slurp and savour them.
EXPLORE MORE…
Where to find the best oysters in Ceduna & The Far West Coast
