Coffin Bay
Town
Population 582
A picturesque holiday town and fishing village on the shores of a beautiful estuary, Coffin Bay is popular particularly in summer, when the population quadruples. The bay offers sailing, waterskiing, swimming and fishing. The town was originally known as Oyster Town because of the abundant natural oysters in the bay, but they were dredged to extinction last century. Today the cultivated oysters are among the best in the country. The bay – in spite of what some locals will try to tell you – was named by Matthew Flinders in 1802 in honour of his friend Sir Isaac Coffin.
Visitor Information
Beachcomber Agencies, Esplanade; (08) 8685 4057
Nearby national parks
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Coffin Bay National Park
This scenic coastal park covers a rugged spur of land jutting west from the tip of Eyre Peninsula into the Southern Ocean. On two sides wild...more -
Lincoln National Park
Easily accessible at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Lincoln National Park protects a sweeping plain of coastal mallee surrounded by bays and...more -
Innes National Park
Innes National Park, at the south-western extremity of the Yorke Peninsula, comprises a coastal environment of saline lakes, salt flats,...more
Nearby towns
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Port Lincoln
Each January, this township on the Eyre Peninsula celebrates the life of the tuna – one of the few festivals in Australia devoted to a...more -
Tumby Bay
Tumby Bay is a pretty coastal town on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula. Its development was slow – Matthew Flinders discovered the bay in...more -
Elliston
Nestled in a range of hills on the shores of picturesque Waterloo Bay is the small community of Elliston. The waters of the bay used to...more
In Town
Fishing: in the bay or in game fishing areas; boat hire and charters available. Oyster Walk: 12 km walkway along foreshore and bushland from a lookout (excellent view of Coffin Bay) to Long Beach; brochure from visitor centre. Coffin Bay Explorer: catamaran offering a 3 hr cruise on Coffin Bay, visiting oyster leases and greeting dolphins and other spectacular sea life; bookings essential, 0428 880 621.
Nearby
Coffin Bay National Park A mixture of rugged coastal landscapes, calm bays and waterways makes this diverse park a pleasure to wander and drive through. Conventional vehicles can access the eastern part of the park where walks through she-oak and samphire swamps reveal incredible birdlife. The beaches and lookouts provide a different perspective on this remote wilderness. 4WD vehicles and bushwalkers can access the western part, which includes Gunyah Beach, Point Sir Isaac and the Coffin Bay Peninsula. The park extends south and west of town; (08) 8688 3111.Kellidie Bay Conservation Park: a limestone landscape popular for walking and canoeing; eastern outskirts of Coffin Bay. Yangie Trail: the 10 km trail starts at Coffin Bay and travels south-west via Yangie Bay Lookout, which offers magnificent views to Point Avoid and Yangie Bay. Mt Dutton Bay: features the restored heritage-listed jetty and woolshed, the latter now a shearing and farming museum; 40 km N. Farm Beach: popular swimming spot; 50 km N. Gallipoli Beach: location for the film Gallipoli (1981); 55 km N. Scenic coastal drive: between Mt Hope and Sheringa; 105 km N.
Fishing spots near town
Coffin Bay 21 km
When it comes to big bruisers, yellowtail kingfish are up near the top of the list. Fishing with live bait set under a balloon, you watch as the balloon starts to move across the surface of the water, a sign of nervous... Find out moreNeptune Islands 88 km
Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out moreWedge Island 106 km
Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out moreWest Coast 141 km
Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out moreMarion Bay 154 km
Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out moreWallaroo 213 km
The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out moreArdrossan 226 km
Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Diving off the Eyre Peninsula 38 km
Port Lincoln Diving Services recommends a few in-shore dives around the south-east of the Eyre Peninsula, including Coles Point, with a reasonable chance of seeing crayfish and abalone, and the Tumby Bay jetty, with its... Find out moreMangrove walk at Berryman Crescent 64 km
The most southerly mangroves in Australia can be explored at Berryman Crescent in Tumby Bay on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula, with an excellent boardwalk with interpretive signs.... Find out moreDiving with sharks in the Neptune Islands 88 km
Although controversial in some parts of the world, cage-diving with great white sharks in the Neptune Islands – home of Australia’s largest seal colony – has a long-standing, very good reputation.... Find out moreDiving and snorkelling off Kangaroo Island 215 km
The sheltered north coast of Kangaroo Island is favoured for water activities, and is home to some 270 temperate fish species – such as blue devils, boarfish and blue groper – along with seals, dolphins and... Find out moreSwimming on Kangaroo Island 216 km
Kangaroo Island’s many beaches and white sands are inviting but not all are safe so take extreme care when swimming. Those to the north of the island are usually the spots with the calmest waters. Do not miss... Find out moreKangaroo Island Marine Tours 228 km
This well-respected, eco-accredited outfit runs a variety of wildlife-focused tours out of Kingscote in a low-emission, rigid, inflatable vessel that takes up to 12 people. Swim with dolphins, go whalewatching, see a New... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Campsites around town
Yangie Bay camping area 11 km
The most accessible and sheltered campsite on the peninsula, this is a tranquil bushland setting overlooking the bay. Walking trails are nearby and the wild surf shores of Almonta Beach and Point Avoid are within easy... Find out moreFarm Beach camping area 15 km
A west coast icon, this magical strip of sand is famed for its tractor collection, excellent fishing and relaxed family camping in high summer. There is a 4WD boat launch from the beach. The camping area is 37 km... Find out moreBlack Springs camping area 16 km
A well-protected headland site, if you camp here you have a private shell beach below. Swim, fish off the rocks, take the walking trail to Black Springs Well or make the longer trek across the peninsula for views of the... Find out moreSensation Beach camping area 26 km
Named after a tuna boat that ran aground here, this is a wonderfully isolated arc of crashing waves and dazzling sand. A popular base for beach fishing, these dune sites for self-sufficient campers are also on the... Find out moreMorgans Landing camping area 28 km
With absolute waterfront camping towards the western end of Seven Mile Beach, this marvellous stretch of golden sand and placid water is perfect for swimming, boating and fishing. The beach is the main 4WD track heading... Find out moreThe Pool camping area 32 km
Nestled in the lee of distant Point Sir Issac, this site for self-sufficient campers has a real ‘out there’ feeling. Being the northern side of the peninsula, the bay here is a protected haven for swimming... Find out moreLouth Bay camping area 43 km
No-frills camping for self-sufficient campers is possible on the fringe of the coastal township of Louth Bay, with views across the golf course. The rocky shoreline is not far away and there are plenty of opportunities... Find out moreWoodcutters Beach camping area 44 km
There are only 2 sites at this camping area, signposted off Lincoln National Park Access Rd, 15 km east of the park entrance. These campsites are tucked back in the trees and are very sheltered, situated above... Find out moreSurfleet Cove camping area 47 km
Surfleet Cove is reached from the national park access road, 22 km north-east of the park entrance.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Port Lincoln Tourist Park 39 km
This park with nicely terraced sites is just 3 km from the centre of town in a quiet waterfront location. You can watch the fishing boats steam across Boston Bay from your van window. There are huge sites for the largest... Find out moreTumby Bay Caravan Park 64 km
This is a well-presented caravan park on a protected stretch of coast. Bookings are essential during the peak periods of December, January and Easter. Pets are allowed outside school and public holidays.... Find out moreElliston Waterloo Bay Tourist Park 121 km
Elliston is a quiet holiday location and this is a neat and tidy park adjacent to the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-stay applies at Christmas and Easter.... Find out moreArno Bay Foreshore Tourist Park 128 km
Close to the water, with good facilities, this is an attractive park that would be a great holiday destination, particularly for those interested in a little fishing. Bookings are necessary for the summer and Easter... Find out moreCowell Foreshore Caravan Park and Holiday Units 170 km
Located on the foreshore at the end of the main street, this park is ideally situated for those who enjoy walking everywhere. Fresh Cowell oysters are on sale at reception. Bookings are required from January to April,... Find out moreVenus Bay Caravan Park 171 km
Situated in the centre of town and right on the beachfront, the park is a popular fishing spot. On a good day it is possible to land a bag limit within a couple of hundred metres of the park. Bookings are required from... Find out moreStreaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park 235 km
Located on the north-facing shallow waters of Streaky Bay, this park has numerous waterfront sites where tinnies can be launched from the beach. There are several fish-cleaning stations along the foreshore and a... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Perched atop lofty poles, this modern beach house reaps a harvest of water views across the bay – and beyond. The bright and breezy open kitchen/living space leads onto a commodious front deck with barbecue and... Find out more
Seafront heritage is a rare thing on the Eyre Peninsula, so this beautifully restored stone cottage is a real treasure. Presented with real rustic character, it has a farmhouse-style kitchen, bunk bedroom for four and a... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Shboo Shelly Beach Lodge 13 km
Completely wind- and solar-powered, with rainwater and greywater recycling, this beautiful and relatively new three-bedroom apartment at Mount Dutton Bay near Coffin Bay National Park (on the south-east coast of the Eyre... Find out moreLighthouse cottages 161 km
Stay in eco-accredited lighthouse keeper’s cottages on wind-swept hills at opposite ends of the island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic. There are also daily tours of the lightstations.... Find out moreBaird Bay Ocean Eco Apartments 193 km
Located on the Eyre Peninsula’s north-west coast, the two rammed-earth units here were architecturally designed and are suitable for families and large groups. They are right by the sea. All water is recycled.... Find out moreEleanor River Homestead 216 km
This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out moreNautilus Lodge 243 km
This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out moreRest areas around town
Yangie Bay Camp Area 8 km
T/O 30 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 136 km SE of Elliston (R) Sheltered camping area near the foreshore in Coffi n Bay National Park, 18 kilometres west of Coffin Bay township. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. ... Find out moreDutton Bay Rest Area 11 km
T/O 40 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 126 km SE of Elliston (R) Secluded area 6 kilometres off the highway on the foreshore. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 31.910 E135 26.058... Find out moreWangary Rest Area 12 km
45 km NW of Port Lincoln (R) or 121 km SE of Elliston (L) Small area just off the highway. Good views over the surrounding countryside. GPS: S34 30.687 E135 28.249... Find out moreFarm Beach Camp Area 14 km
T/O 40 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 126 km SE of Elliston (R) Secluded campground located 10 km west of the highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 30.339 E135 24.917 ... Find out moreBoston Bay Rest Area 36 km
41 km SW of Tumby Bay (L) or 4 km NE of Port Lincoln (R) Small picnic area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 40.989 E135 51.308... Find out moreLake Malata Rest Area 41 km
74 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 92 km SE of Elliston (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 15.625 E135 25.242... Find out moreLouth Bay Camp Area 43 km
T/O 25 km SW of Tumby Bay (L) or 20 km NE of Port Lincoln (R) Small foreshore campground located 2 kilometres east of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 32.38 E135 55.55... Find out moreSurfleet Cove Camp Area 47 km
33 km SE of Port Lincoln Secluded campground located in a natural bush setting on the foreshore in Lincoln National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 45.983 E135 57.450 ... Find out moreSeptember Beach Camp Area 49 km
39 km SE of Port Lincoln Large camp area surrounded by scrub on the foreshore in Lincoln National Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 43.58 E135 59.47... Find out moreMount Hope Rest Area 57 km
92 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 74 km SE of Elliston (R) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 06.850 E135 21.575 ... Find out moreCummings Lookout Rest Area 70 km
106 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 60 km SE of Elliston (R) Large area 500 metres off the highway at the lookout car park. NOTE: Caravans and motorhomes must not proceed past the car park. Access road unsealed. GPS:... Find out moreSheringa South Rest Area 81 km
118 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 48 km SE of Elliston (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S33 54.666 E135 15.830... Find out moreLipson Cove Camp Area 82 km
T/O 23 km SW of Port Neill (L) or 17 km N of Tumby Bay (R) Large campground on the foreshore with picturesque views over the bay, 8 kilometres east of the highway. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 15.744 E136... Find out moreCape Hardy Rest Area 84 km
15 km SW of Port Neill (R) or 25 km NE of Tumby Bay (L) Large secluded area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S34 11.987 E136 13.991... Find out moreSheringa Beach Camp Area 88 km
T/O 126 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 40 km SE of Elliston (R) Small secluded campground located in coastal vegetation on the foreshore, 7 kilometres west of the highway. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33... Find out morePort Neill Park Area 98 km
On the foreshore Large parking area well off the highway near the jetty. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 07.062 E136 20.940 ... Find out moreLocks Well Park Area 106 km
T/O 150 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 16 km SE of Elliston (R) Very small area at the lookout 3 kilometres off the highway. NOTE: Caravans and motorhomes must not proceed past the top carpark. GPS: S33 44.563 E135... Find out moreArno South Rest Area 110 km
18 km SW of Arno Bay (L) or 17 km NE of Port Neill (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 00.513 E136 25.013 ... Find out moreArno Bay Park Area 128 km
On the foreshore Parking area located well off the highway at the end of the main street through town. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.976 E136 34.399... Find out moreWalkers Rock Camp Area 131 km
T/O 8 km N of Elliston (L) or 54 km SE of Port Kenny (R) Small open campground located 3 kilometres west of the highway on the foreshore. Limited shade available at a few small secluded sites among some trees. NOTE:... Find out moreArno North Rest Area 143 km
28 km SW of Cowell (R) or 16 km NE of Arno Bay (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 49.688 E136 41.690 ... Find out more
