South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula coastline is home to some of the country’s most pristine coastline and unique aquatic experiences; a watery wonderland for even the most daring thrill and adventure-seekers.
Hayden Richards is the creative powerhouse behind @sa_rips on Instagram and his story was recently featured on the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Stories of the South series for his unique passion and dedication to photographing South Australia’s coast along the Eyre Peninsula.
‘Accidentally’ slipping into photography after a life-threatening surfing accident that left him trapped beneath the ocean’s surface, Hayden began swimming as part of his rehabilitation and decided to take a camera with him to capture some of the unique things he was seeing in the Southern Ocean.
Constantly in pursuit of elusive photos, Hayden has spent three years trying to capture a unique fan-like wave that shoots 50 feet into the air he refers to as “The Fan”. Much of the Eyre Peninsula is only accessible by boat, jet ski, or on foot, with heaving and hurling swells, stretching sand dunes, and ragged limestone cliffs, though Hayden commits to all three to photograph the canvas of the Great Australian Bight into a series of digital masterpieces.
Fully embracing nature’s playground, Hayden is unfazed by towering cliffs or sharky waters, committing his life to finding the biggest thrills the Eyre Peninsula has to offer him, and capturing incredible frames along his journey.
Hayden’s love for the unique Eyre Peninsula is evident in his work. And in honour of that, we’ve rounded up some of the best adventures you can experience.
Take the plunge with a Great White Shark
Just off the shores of Port Lincoln you can take a dive into the place where cage diving was first invented, and one of only two places in the world where you can get up close and personal with a great white shark. Shark Whisperer Rodney Fox pioneered diving for the film production of Jaws in 1976, and still hosts tours to this day. Not for the faint of heart, you’ll also find charters to swim with sea lions, dolphins, and the local marine life. Check out this website if you happen to get into a surfing accident.
Get your surf on at Cummings Monument
A short hour’s drive away from Port Lincoln lies the impressive limestone stack of Cummings Monument, boasting uninterrupted insta-worthy views of Point Drummond and rugged cliffs. Experienced surfers also revere this spot for its powerful waves and relative isolation, and a short drive away you’ll find giant sand dunes at Sheringa.
Shack up in style at Camel Beach House
Go off-grid with a range of eco-friendly accommodation options including cabins, tourist parks, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, and waterfront luxury getaways in the tranquility of the coastline. Camel Beach House is one of our top picks for your own private beachfront abode, where you’ll wake to the sound of waves gently lapping on the shore just beyond your window.
Experience the Freshest Oysters of your Life
The cool Winter months are the perfect time to experience the harvesting of the world-famous Coffin Bay Oysters along the coast. Coffin Bay’s Oyster Farm Tour is the perfect way to see first-hand how oysters are grown with the freshest catch plucked straight from the sea. The Eyre Peninsula is known as the Seafood Frontier and renowned for some of the best seafood in the world, so be sure to stop at some local seafood shops along your journey such as Fresh Fish Place.
While the sound of cold water might not be immediately appealing, just once per year, these visually striking underwater creatures migrate for their breeding season in Whyalla and are well known for their ability to display arrays of luminescent patterns and colours. SA’s waters are the only place in the world where the cuttlefish congregate annually on mass and with such great predictability.
The Eyre Peninsula is home to 30 National and Conservation Parks that draw coastal crowds to its huge sand dunes, deserted beaches, and rugged coastline. Experience the red earth and spectacular granite peaks of the Gawler Ranges National Park, relax on pure-white shores in Coffin Bay National Park or camp in the picturesque Lincoln National Park.
Embark on a Whale-Watching Tour
Each year the Southern Right whales leave their feeding grounds in the sub-Antarctic region and migrate north to give birth in warmer waters. The Head of Bight is one of the best viewing spots and semi-protected areas for an unparalleled opportunity to view Southern Right whales as they congregate and give birth to their calves. Whales gradually enter the nursery waters of the Bight in early June through to October.
Venture to Tumby Bay for a day on the water, where you can pluck King George whiting straight from the sea and learn the ropes from the locals. You’ll find a range of fishing charters that will take you aboard for some breath-taking views and some of the biggest catches bagged just about anywhere.
Get up close to Native Wildlife
Whether you’re getting up-close in national parks or venturing further afield, you’re guaranteed to encounter iconic Australian wildlife on the Eyre Peninsula. Cuddle koalas in their natural habitat at Mikkira Station, spend the day surrounded by kangaroos, dingos and echidnas in wildlife parks or spot native species in the Gawler Ranges, Lincoln National Park or Coffin Bay National Park.
Wash it all down with a Local Brew
We all know Aussies love a good brew when travelling. Beer Garden Brewing is a family-owned and operated regional craft brewery, brewing on premises using local grains. The Beer Garden and Tasting Bar has ten revolving taps of local and Australian beers and ciders on-offer as well as a selection of fantastic SA wines. The kitchen is open all day and serves bar snacks and local produce including Boston Bay small goods antipasto platters and pulled pork sliders.
