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 1,600 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 Europeanto 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 endangered 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:
• C.L.Alexander Museum, Tumby Bay
• Cleve Agricultural Folk Museum: Cleve
• Franklin Harbour Historical Museum: Cowell
• Koppio Smithy Museum: Koppio
• Mill Cottage: Port Lincoln
• Mount Laura Homestead: Whyalla
• Old Schoolhouse Museum: Ceduna
  
  MAJOR TOWNS:
  
• Ceduna
• Cowell
• Elliston
• Port Lincoln
• Streaky Bay
• Whyalla
  
  

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.