Streaky Bay, South Australia: What are the best things to do?

The best things to do in Streaky Bay, South Australia, include the Sceale Bay beaches, Murphy’s Haystacks and the sea lions at Point Labatt.

Streaky Bay, South Australia, is one of the most attractive coastal towns on the Eyre Peninsula. Given the decent array of Streaky Bay accommodation options, it’s also a good place to use as a base for exploring the Peninsula’s western side.

Streaky Bay beaches

Streaky Bay is primarily about the beaches. Perlubie Beach, Haslam Beach, Back Beach and Smooth Pool all have their fans, but there are several others nearby. For swimming, most of the best beaches are along Sceale Bay. This is to the south of the town, past the Yanerbie Sand Dunes.

Beach cricket near the Streaky Bay Jetty, South Australia. Photo courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Arguably the best Streaky Bay beach for swimming is the somewhat ironically-named Surfers Beach. Swells are rarely huge here, which makes it fine for beginner surfers and swimmers.

Best things to do in Streaky Bay: Murphy’s Haystacks

Other natural attractions in Streaky Bay include Murphy’s Haystacks, an outcrop of pink granite boulders. They’re thought to be over 1,500 million years old and are on the road to Calca.

Streaky Bay is also known for its seafood. You can go fishing yourself from the Streaky Bay Jetty, or buy the best of the day’s catch from waterfront wholesaler Streaky Bay Marine Products.

What to do in Streaky Bay, SA: Museums

Cultural attractions in Streaky Bay include the National Trust Museum, which is best described as a collection of old stuff. The obligatory ancient agricultural machinery is on display here.

There’s also the Powerhouse Museum, which is a collection of more than 400 engines. It’s safe to say that one’s for the enthusiasts only.

Cape Bauer Loop and Point Labatt

Other good things to do in Streaky Bay include driving the Cape Bauer Loop. This driving route threads together rugged coastal scenery, a boardwalk, blowholes and the photogenic Whistling Rocks.

You can also drive out to Point Labatt, home to a colony of Australian sea lions. They hang out on the beach. But for a truly special experience, head south to Baird Bay where you can go swimming with the sea lions. The bizarre rock formations of Murphy’s Haystacks are close by.

Streaky Bay accommodation: Streaky Bay Hotel and camping

The hub of Streaky Bay is the Streaky Bay Hotel, a handsome old 19^th century building with verandas. The Streaky Bay Hotel offers food and drink, but also the best accommodation in Streaky Bay. There’s a motel section, but the most appealing rooms are on the first floor of the hotel, with balconies and French windows.

Streaky Bay camping is available at the Discovery Park on the foreshore and the Islands Caravan Park just north of town.