Eyre Peninsula & West CoastThings to do

Things to do in Eyre Peninsula & West Coast

  1. A

    Fountain Gallery

    The acclaimed Wadlata Outback Centre has many excellent exhibits, particularly the Flinders Range and Outback Tunnel of Time, tracing the Aboriginal and European past using audio-visual displays, interactive exhibits and a spooky giant snake. If you're overwhelmed on your first visit, there's a pass-out valid for 12 months. Right next door is the Fountain Gallery , an intimate space with works by local and indigenous artists.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Northern & Exchange Hotel

    Joining these two old pubs has created a dining juggernaut. In this rambling space there's Maxi's Pizza Bar producing pizzas with kooky local names (Brachina Gorge Hawaiian) but familiar flavours; and Wharfies Bistro does oysters, steaks and hickory chicken and has an average salad bar. The bar also does counter meals ($10 to $16).

    reviewed

  3. C

    Hotel Commonwealth

    The local weekly newspaper, the Transcontinental, will tell you where bands are playing. For music the Hotel Flinders has bands on Saturday night and DJs on Thursdays, while Hotel Commonwealth have a disco every Saturday, and Friday night bands.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Royal Flying Doctor Service base

    At Royal Flying Doctor Service base you can find out more about the aeri- al medical service that goes to SA's remote areas with a short video and several displays. The base was in the process of relocating to the hangar at the airport when we visited.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Wadlata Outback Centre

    The highlight here is the 'Outback Tunnel of Time', tracing local Aboriginal and European histories using audio-visual displays, interactive exhibits and a distressingly big snake.

    reviewed

  6. F

    King Po

    For all the usual Sino-treats, the King will not let you down, though the décor is tacky and the muzak odd. The addition of some 'Australian' dishes (steak or fish, mostly) means there's something for even the tamest palette.

    reviewed

  7. Gottabe Fish

    Here at the top of Spencer Gulf, you expect quality seafood. This sweaty takeaway joint serves fresh king fish, snapper, King George whiting, prawns, butterfish and Smoky Bay oysters, plus burgers, yiros and steak sandwiches.

    reviewed

  8. Lincoln National Park

    Around 15km south of Port Lincoln is Lincoln National Park, with roaming emus, roos and brush-tailed bettongs, safe-swimming coves and pounding surf beaches. Entry is via self-registration on the way in.

    reviewed

  9. Mikkira Station & Koala Sanctuary

    Mikkira Station & Koala Sanctuary is Eyre Peninsula’s first sheep station and is also home to the endemic Port Lincoln parrot. Permits to thos station can be purchased from the visitors centre.

    reviewed

  10. Port Augusta Aquatic & Outdoor Adventure Centre

    Offers lessons and gear rental for kayaking, windsurfing, rock-climbing, abseiling, snorkelling, orienteering, bushwalking, sailing… Bike hire is $25 per half day.

    reviewed

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  12. G

    Cooinda Club

    Specialising in pub-style dishes, the Cooinda loves a good theme night (schnitzel, seafood etc). But there's also a few gourmet surprises including the feral mixed grill with venison, emu and 'roo fillet.

    reviewed

  13. Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden

    Just north of town, the excellent garden has 250 hectares of sand hills, clay flats and desert flora and fauna. Explore on your own, or take a guided tour.

    reviewed

  14. H

    Homestead Park Pioneer Museum

    The Homestead Park Pioneer Museum features an original pine-log homestead (1850s) furnished in period style and a well-preserved rail carriage among its exhibits.

    reviewed

  15. I

    Coles

    If you can't find something for your tastebuds, then self-catering from Woolworths or Coles are both easy options.

    reviewed

  16. J

    Woolworths

    If you can't find something for your tastebuds, then self-catering from Woolworths or Coles are both easy options.

    reviewed

  17. Wilderness Wanders

    Multiday explorations of Eyre Peninsula with lots of walking, wildlife and wilderness. The eight-day 'Walking on Eyre' tour ($3965) includes transport, accommodation, national park entry fees and most meals.

    reviewed

  18. Southern Blue Tours

    Full-day tours to Lincoln National Park ($350), the Coffin Bay region ($245) and half-day Port Lincoln tours ($135).

    reviewed

  19. K

    Gulf Getaways

    A 2½-hour eco-cruise on the Spencer Gulf, checking out mangroves, dolphins and bird life.

    reviewed

  20. Flinders Ranges Water Cruises

    Two-hour morning eco-cruises to the top of the Gulf (any dolphins?), and two-hour sunset cruises ($55).

    reviewed

  21. L

    Cinema Augusta

    The local weekly newspaper, the Transcontinental, will tell you what films are on at Cinema Augusta, which shows all the big flicks.

    reviewed

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