Today I explored the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula which was missed out on in Journey 18 also. Smoky Bay is a very quiet little place and super tranquil waters with kids playing, tall palm trees and a long jetty setting the scene. Here I had an unscheduled long stop while chatting with fellow West Aussies Don and Kaye who’ve retired and are on an open roadtrip for 2 months so far. What a small world they come from the same suburb I spent 18 years growing up in!
Next stop was Streaky Bay, slightly bigger town than Smoky Bay but Smoky Bay was my favourite of the bays 😊
I had tried my best to reach the sea lion colony of Point Labatt however the poorly grated gravel track was just too frustrating and slow to traverse and had to turn back, at least I got to see the vibrant colours of Baird Bay and get the drone up for a higher view.
Disappointment is sometimes a good result, gaining time to visit Venus Bay, full of fishermen and patient pelicans lining up to clean up after the day’s catch.
Last but not least, my favourite highlight of the day was Cape Finniss and the headland sculptures on the cliffs, looking a little like the Easter Island sculptures, it’s an interesting location for what is already a naturally spectacular coastline, plus a twisty gravel road – this time a proper fine gravel – providing great thrills to each lookout. Highly recommend this location if you’re in the area, just north of Elliston.
As the sun started to slowly lower, I set the course straight for Coffin Bay, if only I had a little more time, Lake Greenly would’ve been great to see from above. Quite a large salt lake between the Flinders Hwy and the coast. At least the terrain and roads were also more interesting South of Venus Bay, reminding me of the rolling hills I enjoyed through the Central parts of the Eyre Peninsula and South West of Victoria.
I guess another highlight was trying oysters for the first time, in Coffin Bay. 💁♂️
Early wake up for tomorrow so I’ll get photos up later while the latest snaps can be found on Insta.
