Coffin Bay is a coastal haven that perfectly blends flavour, history and wildlife. Located on the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, overlooking the waters of Kellidie Bay, this town is the ideal combination of beauty and charm.
But beyond the sun-kissed streets and welcoming eateries, there’s one thing Coffin Bay is world-renowned for – oysters. Discover all the best things to see and do when visiting, and where to find behind-the-scenes tours of the oyster industry.
The oldest oyster story
The area around Coffin Bay was originally inhabited by the Nauo people. Archaeological evidence from the Eyre Peninsula, including extensive shell middens (the remains of discarded shells) reveals that coastal Aboriginal communities were harvesting native Angasi (flat) oysters long before European arrival.
After British colonisation, Coffin Bay was renamed by European explorer Captain Matthew Flinders in 1802. The town was a hive of activity in this period, and it wasn’t unusual to spot bullock wagons hauling oysters to Port Lincoln and as far as Adelaide.
Sadly, overfishing in the late 1800s caused a decline in the native oyster population, and it never fully recovered. Modern Coffin Bay oyster farming is often celebrated as the area’s signature industry, but the idea of living with the rhythms of the bay and caring for its shellfish has Indigenous origins.
Commercial farms today cultivate Pacific oysters imported from Japan, not the native Angasi oyster traditionally harvested by the Nauo. Conservation efforts are underway to restore the native Angasi (flat) oyster reefs, working with research institutions.
Oyster tours and where to dine
Coffin Bay has an active commercial wharf in the town centre, where fishing boats unload their catches, such as crayfish, pilchards, ocean jackets and sharks. Professional fishermen and abalone divers also operate from the boat ramps, catching sea snails, scallops, octopus, abalone, and other fish.
Oyster boats return with baskets of the famous oysters from the many oyster farms within the Estuaries. To immerse yourself in this unique industry, take a tour with Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tours.
Pull on a pair of waterproof waders and head out on a purpose-built tour deck in the middle of a working oyster farm. Here, you will learn about how oysters are grown and farmed, take part in a hands-on shucking lesson, and taste oysters straight from the water.
To take your experience to the next level, you can add on a bottle of sparkling, riesling, or Bloody Mary oyster shots to enjoy in the water.
Oyster HQ offers waterfront dining with sweeping bay views, specialising in Coffin Bay oysters. Visitors can graze at the tapas-style menu with both seafood and non-seafood plates, and they offer an oyster vending machine for late-night takeaway oysters. When dining in the elegant restaurant, make sure to taste cheesy garlic bread oysters, topped with garlic butter, breadcrumbs and cheese, or gin & tonic oysters topped with cucumber, lime, and gin & tonic sorbet. There are several other unique flavour combinations to try, as well as seafood pizzas and classic mains.
Sustainable fishing in the bay
Coffin Bay is a key ecological zone and subject to environmental pressures, making sustainable tourism particularly relevant. The town serves as a nursery for many fish species, such as the King George whiting and flathead, and is also important for the conservation of sharks.
Tourism supports local oyster growers and conservation projects such as oyster reef restoration. By participating in an oyster farm tour or enjoying and sampling local oysters, visitors help sustain local oyster growers economically, and learn more about the industry to raise public awareness about the ecological impacts of overfishing.
Limestone cliffs, wild emus, and unforgettable sights
Coffin Bay National Park is a major local attraction, with sublime views of limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, and sweeping ocean views. Templetonia Lookout is just a few kilometres into the park and offers a sweeping panoramic sight to give visitors a sense of how vast and untouched the landscape feels.
Point Avoid was named by Matthew Flinders, and was a historically dangerous area for ships. Today, it is a scenic stop where you can watch the Southern Ocean swell crash against limestone cliffs. Remote northern beaches and areas such as Sensation Beach or The Pool in the park require a 4WD to access, but are quiet, secluded and offer incredible views.
The Whidbey Hike is a favourite amongst experienced walkers. This eight-hour, 24-kilometre path winds around the coastline through coastal heath and low mallee. Along the way, you will encounter sheltered coves and a large blowhole. Or, take the more gentle Yangie Island Hike, a 5-kilometre round trip that offers close-up views of Yangie Island from an adjacent beach.
The national park is also home to an incredible range of wildlife. Western grey kangaroos and emu wander through open grassy areas, often visible on walking trails or resting in the shade during the summer. Recognisable birds such as sea eagles and ospreys have also been spotted here at this park.
Campsites to coastal comfort: where to stay in Coffin Bay
Accommodation in Coffin Bay ranges from camping at various national park campgrounds for the more adventurous travellers, to comfortable local units for those who want to relax.
Though much of Coffin Bay National Park is only accessible by 4WD, Yangie Bay is the only campground that typical 2WD cars can easily access. It boasts 19 unpowered sites, long-drop toilets, fire pits and shaded spots. Black Springs is a remote campground that is only accessible by 4WD and has eight unpowered sites, long-drop toilets, campfires permitted, and incredible coastal views.
For those looking for something more comfortable or travelling with younger children, the Coffin Bay Beach Units are a favourite in town. Choose from four family-friendly, self-contained units located right across from the beach, each with a full kitchen and bathroom. Every guest has access to the communal barbecue and outdoor dining area, a fully equipped laundry, and an outdoor fish cleaning table and bait freezer.
The Coffin Bay Hotel, located on the doorstep to the beach, is a laidback rustic pub offering comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms, complimentary tea and coffee facilities and air-conditioning. Simply head downstairs to enjoy a classic country meal in the dining room, complete with pool tables and a 100-inch big screen streaming all the major sporting events. The menu prioritises local, freshly-caught seafood, with deviled scallops, Spencer Gulf prawns and a seafood basket always available.
Eat oysters straight from the bay or watch emus wander across sandy trails, but no matter where you go, the coastal beauty and tastes of Coffin Bay will leave visitors with a sense of wonder.
To read about the best things to see and do in nearby Port Lincoln, click here.
Rex flies to Port Lincoln, with Coffin Bay just a convenient 30-minute drive away.
Head to the website or check out the route map below for more details.
