Found on the banks of Murat Bay on the Great Australian Bight, Ceduna is a town known for its calming coastal lifestyle and delicious fresh seafood.
There are so many incredible tours and experiences in Ceduna, making it perfect for a weekend trip or a longer stay with loved ones. From oyster shucking tours to scenic flights, check out the best things to see and do in this beautiful ocean town.
From ocean experiences to seafood delights
Oysters are so integral to the Ceduna community that they are celebrated every year during Oysterfest. This weekend food and wine festival has been running on the SA Labour Day weekend since 1991, with exhibitors, entertainers, competitions and food stalls that the whole family will love.
Featured events include the oyster shuck’n’eat competition, where contestants are blindfolded with their hands behind their backs and must eat twelve oysters the quickest, and the Oysterfest Street Parade.
There’s even a kids zone with stalls and games to keep little ones entertained, cocktails for adults, and stunt performances as you move around the foreshore.
But if you’re not visiting in October, don’t fear! Fresh seafood can be sampled any time of year. At the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Bistro, you can enjoy a delicious seasonal menu while soaking up views across Murat Bay. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant specialises in local seafood, with standout dishes including local flake served with chips and salad, and a one kilogram pot of fresh mussels. There’s also a $20 lunch menu for those after a cheap yet tasty meal on the go.
For a behind the scenes look at the oyster industry, the Oyster Deck Experience takes visitors on a tour of a working oyster farm in Smoky Bay, just south of Ceduna. After a peaceful barge trip to the oyster lease, you will talk with a genuine oyster farmer to learn about the process of growing oysters, before shucking and tasting fresh oysters directly from the sea. When you’re finished, you’ll be invited to spend a relaxing afternoon on the viewing platform with oysters, cheese platters and a glass of wine.
If you’re after a more private experience, visitors are welcome to explore Murat Bay at their own pace with Ceduna Boat Hire. Whether you’re fishing or sightseeing, you will be able to hire an easy-to-operate boat for a half-day or full-day, with all safety gear provided.
Or, drive 1.5 hours from Ceduna to Fowlers Bay for the chance to spot Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat. EP Cruises operates daily whale spotting tours from June to October, when more than 100 whales pass through the bay on their annual migration.
Hop aboard the 50-foot vessel, enjoy a delicious morning tea, and choose from three onboard viewing areas. During the journey, the knowledgeable crew will share interesting facts about the whales and stream live whale acoustics via hydrophone.
Natural wonders abound
Of course, there’s so much more to Ceduna than its oysters. The town is also famous for its natural beauty, as it sits on the stunning Eyre Peninsula.
For panoramic ocean views, the Encounter Coastal Trail is a 3.6-kilometre hike along the coast. It ends at Pinky Point Lookout, known for its lighthouse and amazing views across the wharf, bay and surrounding islands. During migration season, you may even spot dolphins and whales in the waters below. And make sure to look for the Eleni K shipwreck, the remains of a ship just below the lookout and one of South Australia’s most popular dive sites. You’ll even find a salvaged anchor displayed on the viewing platform.
Built in 1912, the Ceduna School House Museum was the first post office and gaol in town. Today, visitors can wander the complex to find artefacts related to Maralinga Village where British nuclear tests were carried out between 1956 and 1963, as well as buildings including Denial Bay Gaol, large machinery sheds, a blacksmith’s shop and more. In total, the museum grounds contain 17 buildings telling the story of the region’s history. Make sure to walk through the old school room and church, and keep an eye out for the plaster cast of a 25-foot basking shark found in Fowlers Bay in 1914.
To see the Ceduna from new heights, join a scenic flight with Chinta Air. The company offers 20-, 30- or
45-minute flights over the township and surrounding coastline and ports, as well as several day tours. The Mysteries of Maralinga full-day flight starts at Ceduna, before visitors are flown across the Trans Australia Railway Line to land at the abandoned British nuclear testing site for a guided tour and a picnic lunch.
Or choose the Nullarbor & Cliffs Explorer tour to soar over miles of beaches, steep cliffs and secluded rock pools before enjoying refreshments at the Nullarbor Roadhouse. No matter which tour you pick, there’s no better way to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the South Australian Coast.
To explore the hidden wonders of South Australia’s far west, join an expedition with Ancient Land Tours. While there are several exciting options to choose from, we suggest the hidden wonders tour for those who want to embrace adventure off the beaten track.
This nine-hour experience is led by a friendly local guide, who shares secrets of the outback while you make the journey from Ceduna to the Head of Bight, with opportunities for birdwatching along the way. Visit sheltered bays, deserted beaches and rugged headlands that you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.
From July to September, Ancient Land Tours also run whale watching expeditions to see Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat. Every tour is led by Dr Steve Milner, an expert field scientist who shares fascinating insights into the geology, palaeontology and landscape of everywhere you visit.
Can’t get enough of these tours and experiences in Ceduna? Check out all the opportunities to engage with the seafood industry in town here.
Rex flies to Ceduna. Head to the Rex website or check out the route map below for more details.
