Exploring Streaky Bay: 10 Must-See Attractions

Have you ever heard the phrase, “big things come in small packages”? Streaky Bay is a perfect example of that phrase. Although it may be a small town along South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, there is plenty of things to do and see!

Streaky Bay is 699 km north west of Adelaide, offering travellers a wide range of activities, sights and attractions. From sampling local seafood to exploring some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone. 

Here are the ten best things to do in and around Streaky Bay South Australia.

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1. Stroll Along the Coastline and Enjoy the Beaches

Streaky Bay is known for its stunning coastline, perfect for strolling along as you take in the majestic views of granite cliffs, white sand beaches, and aquamarine waters.

The beach located directly in Streaky Bay is the ideal spot to spend an enjoyable day soaking up some sun, and if you’re looking to start fishing, the Streaky Bay jetty is your ideal spot!

Perlubie Beach, Haslam Beach, Back Beach, Smooth Pool and Smoky Bay are some of the most popular beaches in the area. 

With breathtaking town views, the Streaky Bay Jetty is perfect for watching the sun sink beneath the horizon. You can spot graceful dolphins swimming in azure waters if you’re lucky enough!

If you’re looking for a place to take it easy and soak up some sun, the grassy fields surrounding the jetty and shoreline are ideal. Meanwhile, if you’d like peace and tranquillity at the day’s end, stop by Streaky Bay Hotel with its breathtaking view of the Bay. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your picnic lunch overlooking incredible terrain!

2. Visit Streaky Bay Museums

For those interested in learning about the local culture and history, there are two museums throughout the Streaky Bay township that offer insight into the area’s past: Streaky Bay National Trust Museum and the Powerhouse Museum.

The Streaky Bay National Trust Museum is located in a 1901 school building and displays historical equipment and a memorabilia collection.

The Powerhouse Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of machines. Boasting an astounding 400+ engines, all fully restored to pristine operating order, it is truly a sight to behold.

3. Go on a self-guided tour through the Streaky Bay Historic Walk.

With 28+ locations, most of them downtown, the Streaky Bay Historic

Walk is a great way to explore the beauty of the city. Take a stroll after lunch and immerse yourself in its history!

Uncover the mysteries of Streaky Bay with a captivating journey through its monuments, churches, plaques, temples and cottages.

Start your adventure by perusing the brochure from the Streaky Bay Visitor Centre on Bay Road, and discover hidden secrets around every corner!

The total walk is about 2.6km long.

4. Check out the Great White Shark Replica

Make your way over to the Shell Service Station on Alfred Terrace, and forget about getting petrol; something much more enticing is waiting for you.

Entering the back room reveals a full-size reproduction of one of history’s most incredible great white sharks captured in 1990 near Streaky Bay!

A phenomenal feat, 22-year-old Dion Gilmore caught a monster of a shark weighing in at over 1500 kgs – with only 24 kgs of line and rod-and-reel!

This colossal catch is thought to have set the world record for the biggest fish captured on such lightweight fishing gear.

5. Go on a Scenic Drive

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey along the rugged coast of South Australia and explore the three scenic drives near Streaky Bay.

Point Labatt Sea Lion Scenic Drive

The Point Labatt Sea Lion Scenic Drive is the furthest scenic drive from Streaky Bay – 51 km from the town.

It takes you to the Point Labatt Conservation Park, home to the only permanent Australian sea lions colony on the Australian mainland. The sea lions hang out on the beach, and you can ogle them from the viewing platform 50 metres above where they hang. If you have binoculars, take them with you.

A few kilometres down the Point Labatt road are the globular Murphy’s Haystacks, an improbable congregation of ‘inselbergs’ – colourful, weather-sculpted granite outcrops of millions of years old. (see more below)

Westall Way Loop Coastal Scenic Drive

Only 9 kilometres south of Streaky Bay, this 30km scenic loop takes you through some of South Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, providing an insight into the area’s rich culture and abundant wildlife.

The Westall Way Loop Coastal Scenic Drive is a beautiful route that takes drivers along the rugged coastline. As you travel along this route, you’ll be able to witness some of South Australia’s most awe-inspiring sights, such as the Smooth Pool, the High Cliffs and the Granites.

Cape Bauer Loop Coastal Scenic Drive

Travelling this portion of the Great Australian Bight reveals a breathtaking landscape with stunning, rugged terrain. This loop is about 38 km and will take you one to two hours to complete.

As you explore, take a moment to capture some breathtaking photos and uncover unique attractions. At Hallys Beach, the perfect spot for surf fishing awaits!

Visit Whistling Rocks and its adjacent Blowholes with platforms that offer 360-meter boardwalks suitable for wheelchairs leading up to the foredune.

6. Discover the Unique Landscape of Murphy’s Haystacks 

Murphy’s Haystacks are stunning geological features located near the town of Port Kenny, 60 km from Streaky Bay South Australia.

Murphy’s Haystacks are granite rock formations shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years. These rocks are among the oldest in Australia, dating back an astonishing 3 billion years.

Experience the splendour of Murphy’s Haystacks, situated on private farmland, by paying just $2 per person or a low-cost family entry rate of $5, leaving cash in an honesty box at the entrance.

This location offers picnic and restroom amenities, with the option to stay overnight for a small fee; you can find information about the camping on Wikicamps.

7. Explore Talia Caves, The Woolshed and The Tub

One of the must-see attractions in the Streaky Bay region is the Talia Caves, the Woolshed and The Tub.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and explore The Woolshed, an immense cavern sculpted into a granite cliff by powerful waves. Climb down wooden steps to admire this stunning cave with its honeycombed ceiling, pitch-black crevices, and surrounding blowholes.

Nestled within a cliffside is the vast, majestic Tub. Measuring between 10 to 30 metres in depth and 50 metres wide with a granite base, this magnificent crater boasts an underwater tunnel outlet straight into the sea!

Past The Tub, a magnificent cliff face awaits you and provides spectacular sights of Talia Beach to the south.

8. See Pink Waters at Lake MacDonnell 

Just under 200 km from Streaky Bay, you find Lake MacDonnell. It is a long drive, but there is plenty to see on the way, such as Penong, Cactus Beach and Ceduna.

Possibly the most famous pink lake in South Australia, Lake MacDonnell is truly a sight to behold – if you are lucky to see it pink. Spoiler alert: we didn’t.

While there is still some mystery surrounding why Lake MacDonnell has taken on such an unusual hue, scientists believe that the presence of algae contributes significantly to its bright colour. The algae produce beta carotene, which is known to turn lakes into shades of red and yellow. Other contributing factors include:

• High salt levels.
• Sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface.
• Wind blowing away lighter particles from the lake’s surface.

9. Swim with the Sea Lions at Baird Bay

If you want to take your wildlife-watching experience one step further, why not jump in the water and swim with sea lions on a tour at Baird Bay – an opportunity that Point Labatt simply cannot offer!

With their curious and mischievous personalities, sea lions are commonly referred to as the puppies of the ocean.

Escape to the quaint, isolated town of Baird’s Bay – only 50km from Streaky Bay – and experience a tour like no other by embarking on an enriching excursion where you can interact with beautiful sea lions.

10. Play at Yanerbie Sand Dunes

You will find the Yanerbie Sand Dunes, only twenty minutes from Streaky Bay. Venture to these great white dunes for some thrilling entertainment. Whether you board down the magnificent slopes or traverse through 4WDing along the marked tracks, this spot is ideal for hours of enjoyment!

You can find much more information on Streaky Bay, including what’s on in the town, by visiting the South Australian Tourism Commission website here (ADD LINK –> www.tourism.sa.gov.au)

Finding Accommodation in Streaky Bay South Australia

Streaky Bay is a remarkable destination for camping and caravanning enthusiasts, offering an idyllic setting perfect for outdoor exploration.

Whether you’re looking for a rustic or luxurious camping experience, Streaky Bay has something unique to offer. Out of town, particularly along the coast, are excellent spots where travellers can pitch their tents and enjoy an unforgettable getaway. If you are self-sufficient, you will have even better options to stay at.

If you are looking for an affordable Streaky Bay camping experience, look no further than Perlubie Beach! Camping permits cost $20 (Dec 2022) a night, and you need to book online before arriving. The beach camping ground offers basic toilets at the entrance (before you go into the sand), rubbish bins up the road and a few huts.

If you need power or are looking for a caravan park, Streaky Bay has two: Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park and Discovery Parks – Streaky Bay Foreshore.

The Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park is a little out of town but less than five minutes away. It is a new caravan park with large sites, modern facilities and fantastic views across the Bay.

We spent one night at the Discovery Parks – Streaky Bay Foreshore and only have good things to say about the place. Its location is terrifically situated on the glistening beach downtown.