From Ceduna to Robe, discover the seaside villages and coastal towns that line the South Australian coast on this ultimate road trip along the Great Australian Bight. In your Hertz rental car, cruise along the coast and watch the endless horizon of the ocean guide you the way as you explore some of these idyllic paradises all along South Australia.
Relax on the Coast in Ceduna
Where the country meets the sea, the charming town of Ceduna makes for an ideal stop along your travels through the South Australian coast. Thought to be derived from the Aboriginal word Cheedoona, which means ‘a place to sit down and rest’, Ceduna is perfect for all your relaxation needs. Known as the Far West Coast of South Australia, Ceduna is famously the last major town before you hit the Nullabor. Shelly Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, who flock to its rock pools and crystal clear waters. Ceduna isn’t only known for white-washed sands and golden sunsets over turquoise horizons, but also for one of Australia’s most beloved seafood specialties: oysters. Only a half an hour drive south from Ceduna to the nearby Smoky Bay you’ll discover the location where nearly half of the state’s oysters are produced. You can even head to the Smoky Bay Oyster Shed for your own dozen fresh oysters, straight from the ocean.
Indulge in Seafood in Port Lincoln
From the oyster capital of the state to the seafood capital of Australia, welcome to Port Lincoln. Four hours’ drive south of Ceduna, Port Lincoln sits nestled into Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in Australia. Stunning beaches and incredible national parks aren’t hard to come by in Port Lincoln, but the shining diamond on this crown of jewels is the plethora of eateries offering freshly caught seafood. Begin your morning with a brunch and a coffee at The Rogue and Rascal, then head down to the Fresh Fish Place for a freshly caught lunch. For the ultimate seafood dining experience for dinner, make sure to check out the crowd favourite that is Fumo 28, an oyster bar and boutique restaurant situated on the scenic foreshore of the town. For when you want to stretch your legs, a visit to Coffin Bay or Lincoln National Park is in order. The national park is home to beautiful coastlines and stunning ocean views, as well as the hidden gem that is the secluded Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area. If white-sanded beaches and freshly shucked oysters sound good, then Port Lincoln is for you.
Watch the Waves in Port Broughton
A little over five hours’ drive from Port Lincoln is another laidback seaside escape that is perfect for taking things slow and watching the turquoise waves roll in. Port Broughton can be found on the uppermost end of the Yorke Peninsula, on the traditional lands of the Narungga people. Like many other coastal villages around this part of the peninsula, Port Broughton is well known for its fresh local seafood, caught straight from the Spencer Gulf. Palate 2 Palette near the town’s foreshore is a must-try restaurant to get a taste of the incredible seafood on offer in the region. With a heritage pub serving up classic grub and a beach that is the perfect place for watching the sunset, Port Broughton may be a tiny town, but it certainly has a lot of heart. Drop by the Visitor Information Outlet for all the local tips on where to go around town or make use of Port Broughton’s historic town jetty with some night fishing and catch your very own fresh seafood.
Dip Your Toes in the Water in Robe
Nestled into the limestone coast near the border of South Australia and Victoria is the quaint seaside village of Robe, situated on the traditional lands of the Bunganditj people. A popular holiday destination for adults and families, Robe is the kind of idyllic town that you might just want to shack up in forever. A quiet coastal escape, the range of white-sanded beaches in this small town means that there’s always room on the sand to stretch out and relax. Long Beach is a popular destination for families and uniquely allows cars to be driven on particular stretches of sand. Little Dip Conservation Park invites you to explore the back beaches of Robe, as well as some of the lakes that the region home. In the township of Robe, make sure to check out the Outlet (where the lakes drain to the sea) and Lake Fellmongery (Ski Lake) to explore the area’s lush bushland and native animals that ignite the landscape around these lakes.
All along the South Australian coast, there are adventures waiting to be discovered. In your Hertz rental car, it’s never been easier to explore this pristine coastline and make the most of a road trip around the Great Australian Bight.
