What can you do in Coffin Bay?
Published on 09 Nov 2024
Nestled on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Coffin Bay is a coastal paradise known for its stunning natural landscapes, calm waters, and world-famous oysters.
Just a 40-minute drive from Port Lincoln, this hidden gem offers a wide range of activities, from exploring rugged national parks to indulging in fresh seafood straight from the source. Coffin Bay caters to both adventure seekers and those looking for a relaxing escape by the water, making it the perfect destination for any type of traveller.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in this beautiful coastal town.
1. Explore Coffin Bay National Park
What to do: Hiking, 4WD trails, wildlife spotting, swimming, kayaking, boating, surfing, and fishing
Coffin Bay National Park is a rugged and scenic gem on the Eyre Peninsula, offering visitors dramatic coastal cliffs, untouched beaches, and diverse wildlife. The park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, where you can explore everything from sand dunes and coastal heathlands to stunning vistas of the Southern Ocean. It’s an ideal destination for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of ways to explore.
Visitors can take advantage of the park’s many hiking trails, including popular routes like the Yangie Bay Walk, which offers views over tranquil waters and bushland. For a more adventurous experience, the park’s network of 4WD tracks allows access to remote beaches like Almonta Beach and Golden Island Lookout, where you can enjoy sweeping ocean views and the occasional sighting of kangaroos, emus, and birdlife.
Before heading out, we recommend checking the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website for park alerts and additional information to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
2. Coffin Bay Oysters: a must-try experience
What to do: Oyster farm tours, oyster tasting, and local dining
Coffin Bay is renowned for its oysters, and no visit is complete without trying these fresh, ocean-to-plate delicacies. The clean, cool waters of Coffin Bay provide the perfect environment for growing some of the best oysters in the world, known for their plump texture and briny sweetness.
Visitors can take part in oyster farm tours, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these premium oysters are cultivated. You’ll even have the chance to wade out into the water, learn about the oyster farming process, and sample freshly shucked oysters straight from the sea. Whether you’re an oyster connoisseur or trying them for the first time, this is an unforgettable culinary experience.
3. Boating and fishing
What to do: Surf fishing, boat fishing, kayaking/canoeing, boat tours
Coffin Bay is a haven for boating and fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of experiences for both seasoned fishers and casual adventurers. The calm waters of the bay are perfect for casting a line, with popular catches including King George whiting, Australian herring, garfish, and mullet. For those looking for a more thrilling challenge, the high-energy beaches around Coffin Bay are ideal for surf fishing, where you can target Australian salmon and gummy sharks.
The bay and surrounding coastline also form part of the Thorny Passage Marine Park, where specific sanctuary zones restrict fishing to preserve marine biodiversity. Key areas where fishing is prohibited include:
Yangie Bay: Only shore-based recreational fishing directly opposite access points is allowed.
Gunyah Beach: Fishing is prohibited 3 km south-east of the beach access.
Eely Point: Fishing is restricted within specified GPS points, protecting the area’s marine life.
It’s important to respect these zones, as fines apply for fishing within them. Boaters and anglers can check the marine park map for detailed information on where fishing is allowed.
For a more peaceful experience, kayaking in the clear waters of Coffin Bay offers the chance to explore the bay’s many islands and spot local wildlife, including dolphins and seabirds. To get the full Coffin Bay experience, boat tours are also available, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of the coastline from the water.
4. Wildlife watching
What to do: Guided tours, birdwatching, wildlife spotting
Coffin Bay is a wildlife lover’s paradise, where you can encounter a diverse range of animals both on land and in the water. Dolphins and seals are often spotted playing in the bay’s clear waters, while on land, kangaroos, emus, and even goannas roam freely. The area is also home to an abundance of bird species, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
For a more immersive experience, guided wildlife tours are available, offering insight into the region’s unique ecosystem and the best spots to observe local wildlife. Visitors can also take self-guided walks through Coffin Bay National Park, where spotting kangaroos grazing by the beach or emus wandering through bushland is a common occurrence. With such a rich diversity of wildlife, Coffin Bay provides a rare opportunity to connect with nature in an untouched coastal setting.
5. Relax on the beaches
What to do: Swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, snorkelling, and diving
Coffin Bay’s serene, uncrowded beaches are the perfect place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the Eyre Peninsula. With crystal-clear waters and soft sandy shores, these beaches offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Popular spots like Almonta Beach and Long Beach are ideal for a refreshing swim or a laid-back picnic by the water.
Beachcombers will enjoy strolling along the shore, searching for shells and taking in the stunning coastal views. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply sit back and relax while listening to the waves, Coffin Bay’s beaches offer a peaceful retreat for those seeking a calm and unspoiled coastal experience.
Explore Coffin Bay differently
Coffin Bay offers a range of great activities, from exploring national parks and enjoying fresh oysters to relaxing on its beautiful beaches.
But to truly experience Coffin Bay in a unique and immersive way, consider joining True North’s Southern Safari Cruise. Wake up to its tranquil bays, fish at Farm Beach, and enjoy local seafood and wine at Yarnbala. You can even take a scenic helicopter flight for incredible views of the coastline and the Great Australian Bight.
Coffin Bay’s natural beauty and local charm are waiting to be explored—let us take you there in style!
