Dog-Friendly Eyre Peninsula: Visiting with a Dog

The Eyre Peninsula is one of the most amazing regions of South Australia to visit, with its hundreds of kilometres of coastline and stunning beaches, not to mention its world-class seafood. But what about if you are visiting the Eyre Peninsula with a dog? Find out about what to do with your dog, plus some fabulous dining and accommodation options.

Dog-Friendly Eyre Peninsula

Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Eyre Peninsula

It would be a major disappointment if you visited the Eyre Peninsula and didn’t visit any of its beautiful beaches, and the same applies to your dog. So are there dog-friendly beaches on the Eyre Peninsula?

Rules for dogs on Eyre Peninsula beaches differ from area to area, depending on the local council regulations. While a few areas only allow dogs on-leash, many other areas allow dogs off-leash, whether all day long or during limited hours in the morning and evening.

Based on my observations, it seemed rare that dogs are outright prohibited from beaches, except for the beaches in the Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park and some other conservation areas, where dogs are completely prohibited.

Some examples of beach rules for dogs on the Eyre Peninsula include:

Arno Bay: Dogs must be on-leash on the beach

Tumby Bay: Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach before 9am and after 7pm, then on-leash during the day. But dogs are prohibited from the foreshore reserve just behind the beach.

Tumby Bay Beach Sign
Signs about off-leash hours at Tumby Bay
Tumby Bay Beach with Dog
Exploring Tumby Bay Beach on leash during the day

Port Lincoln: Dogs are allowed off-leash on the foreshore beach before 8:30am and after sunset, although still must be under effective control. During the rest of the day they must remain on-leash.

Coffin Bay: Dogs are allowed off-leash on Long Beach all day long, but are still required to be under effective control, including being in your view.

Elliston: Dogs are allowed off-leash at the beach just north of the jetty all day long.

Sceale Bay: Dogs are allow off-leash on the beach all day long, including at Surfers Beach.

Always double check the latest signage where you are visiting the beach, because these rules can sometimes change.

It’s also important to note that even if dogs are allowed off-leash, you should keep out an eye for nesting seabirds, in which case you should still put your dog on a leash. Also keep an eye out for signs about 1080 baiting, which may occur in some reserves on the peninsula.

Shorebirds Warning Sign
Be aware that if there’s nesting shorebirds, your dog should be leashed

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing on the Eyre Peninsula

When visiting the Eyre Peninsula with a dog, keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in both Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park. However, there’s still plenty of dog-friendly sightseeing options.

1. Follow the Oyster Walk at Coffin Bay

One of the prettiest spots on the Eyre Peninsula is Coffin Bay, with its calm waters home to some of the best oyster farms in Australia. 

While I doubt you’re going to share any oysters with your pup, your pup would love to share a walk along the Oyster Walk with you. This walking path wraps around the waterfront, clocking up an impressive 12km, although it’s possible to just walk a shorter section.

Coffin Bay Oyster Walk
The Oyster Walk follows the shoreline in Oyster Bay

Dogs are allowed on a leash along most of the walk, except for the eastern section in Kellidie Bay Conservation Park – skip this part when walking with your dog.

Along the way, stop and enjoy some of the local oysters at the waterfront Oyster HQ. Dogs are allowed on the large outdoor deck area – a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Bookings are recommended, so note in your booking you’ll have a dog.

Coffin Bay with Dog
A beautiful sunset at Coffin Bay

2. Check out the Murals in Tumby Bay

In recent years the town of Tumby Bay on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula has run the annual Colour Tumby Street Art Festival, with the latest edition held in March 2023.

Over the years the festival has left the town with many impressive murals dotting its walls, some painted by internationally renown artists. One of my favourite works when I visited in 2021 was the mural by Adnate and Vera Richards at the Yacht Club, exploring the indigenous heritage of the area.

Tumby Bay Mural Adnate
The mural painted by Adnate and Vera Richards

Leash up your dog and head for a walk through the streets, with most artworks painted around North Terrace and Mortlock Street. Check the latest festival guide for a map.

While in Tumby Bay, also stop off at the grain silos just off the highway, and view the beautiful mural created by Ron, celebrating the joy of swimming off the local jetty. Other impressive murals on the Eyre Peninsula can be seen at Kimba and Cowell, although the latter is viewed from the sports grounds where dogs are not permitted.

Tumby Bay Silos
The silos at the turn-off to Tumby Bay

3. Walk Along the Mangrove Boardwalk at Arno Bay

There’s a number of sections of mangroves along the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, but they’re best viewed at Arno Bay, where local volunteers have constructed an award-winning Mangrove Boardwalk.

Head to the southern side of town, or walk along the walking path past the caravan park, then choose whether to walk the Creek Mouth Boardwalk or Crab Flat Loop first. The former is 600m one-way to the creek mouth and beach, while the latter is a 640m loop. Leashed dogs are permitted along the boardwalk, plus on the beach.

Arno Bay Boardwalks
Choose between the Creek Mouth Boardwalk…
Arno Bay Mangrove Boardwalk
…or the Crab Flat Loop

There’s also another shorter mangrove boardwalk in Cowell, to the north, that also allows dogs, while the mangrove walk in Tumby Bay doesn’t permit dogs. 

4. Camp at the Beach

There’s countless dog-friendly beach campsite dotted all along the Eyre Peninsula, many of them run by the local councils. Spend a night or an entire week, based on the rules, at the campsite of your choice.

Most of the beach campsites only have basic facilities, with either a small fee charged per vehicle or no charge at all, although unfortunately fees have increased in recent years. While some are accessible by 2WD, other campsite require 4WD access or a toleration for rough roads, so double check the access in advance. 

We spent the night at Walkers Rocks Campground, about 12km north of Elliston on the western side of the Peninsula, accessed by a good condition 3km unsealed road. There’s a beautiful beach that has great fishing behind the campground, with clean toilets and a cold shower. The fee was $10 per vehicle per night at the time of our stay, but it has now increased to $20 per night.

Walkers Rocks
The headland and beach at Walkers Rocks

We also stayed at Fitzgerald Bay, north along the coast from Whyalla, which was a completely free campsite with flushing toilet facilities. It’s accessed by a mainly sealed road, except for the final few hundred metres, and is also beachfront.

Fitzgerald Bay Camping
Checking out the beach while camping at Fitzgerald Bay

Another option I’ve heard lots of praise for is Perlubie Beach, located on the western side of the Peninsula. However, it’s strictly 4WD access only, so we couldn’t check it out. If camping, your vehicle is also required to be self-contained.

5. Check out Murphy’s Haystacks

One of the most interesting natural formations on the Eyre Peninsula are Murphy’s Haystacks. These distinctive pinkish rock outcrops are actually granite inselbergs, formed when the dune sand above was eroded over thousands of years. They are rumoured to have gotten their name by a visiting Scotsman who mistook them for haystacks.

The Haystacks are located on private land, not far off the highway 40km south of Streaky Bay. Public access is provided in return for a $2 donation per adult or $5 per family, with no prohibition against dogs. There’s a short walking track wandering in between the Haystacks.

Murphys Haystacks with Dog
Make sure you stop at Murphy’s Haystacks

6. Swim with the Cuttlefish at Whyalla

Each winter at Whyalla, thousands of Giant Australian Cuttlefish congregate in the cold waters off Point Lowly. The cuttlefish generally arrive in May, once the water reaches 16C or below, and are present until around August. 

The main cuttlefish dive site is next to the gas plant fence line, signposted from the main road down a short unsealed road. There’s toilets onsite and a path down to the water’s edge. If you don’t have your own wetsuit and snorkelling gear, wetsuits and snorkelling or diving gear can be hired in Whyalla, as well as the option to join a guided trip. 

Okay, now I’m not suggesting that this is something that your dog joins in, but dogs are allowed on the shore. So if you’re with someone who isn’t happy to brave the cold, your dog can watch and wonder why you’re swimming in such chilly water. 

Cuttlefish Dive Site
Keeping an eye out on the snorkellers

7. Drive along the Great Ocean Scenic Drive in Elliston

There’s more than one Great Ocean Drive in Australia, and on the Eyre Peninsula, Elliston has a claim to a Great Ocean Scenic Drive, circling the spectacular cliffs just to the north of the town.

The drive is quite short, only 12km long, along an excellent condition dirt road, which is suitable for 2WD. There’s also the option of walking all or part of the loop. Along the way, stop at the lookout points, some of which still have sculptures from when Elliston was running a regular sculpture festival, although sadly they are weathering away.

Elliston Great Ocean Scenic Drive
Salmon Point along the Great Ocean Scenic Drive

Dogs are welcome to join you on the drive or walk, including at the lookout stops. There’s also an off-leash beach close to the start of the drive, near the jetty. 

8. Or the Cape Bauer Loop Coastal Scenic Drive

Another scenic drive on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula that we didn’t have time to tick off is the Cape Bauer Loop Coastal Scenic Drive. This 38km loop drive starts near Streaky Bay. While a dirt road, I’ve been assured it should be fine for most vehicles to drive along, although take it slow if corrugated.

The main attraction of the drive is Whistling Rock and the Blowholes, accessible by a boardwalk along the drive, with dogs allowed. They’re best visited at high tide. Dogs are also allowed at the nearby Hally’s Beach Lookout and Boardwalk.

9. Taste the Local Beer

There’s at least one local brewery on the Eyre Peninsula, Beer Garden Brewing in Port Lincoln. As you’d expect from the name, the venue has an impressive beer garden, and is very dog-friendly (as well as child-friendly).

We really wanted to drop in and taste a paddle, but unfortunately at the time of our visit it was only open Thursday to Sunday (although hours may be longer during the busy summer months – double check!) However, I’ve heard nothing but praise for this brewery.

As well as beer, there’s plenty of food options to enjoy from the kitchen. Choose between the list of wood-fired pizzas, sample the local seafood or perhaps share a antipasto or cheese platter.

10. Head to Talia Caves

If you’ve seen Instagram photos from the Eyre Peninsula, you’re likely to have seen photos of the gorgeous Talia Caves, including The Woolshed and The Tub. These beautiful natural spots are located on the western side of the Peninsula, not far south of Venus Bay, and there’s no restrictions on dogs.

Unfortunately, I had to skip visiting, as the unsealed access road was too rough for my vehicle. While not strictly 4WD only, you have to be happy to travel along what can be a corrugated road. The best time of year to visit is during the warmer months, when you can also have a dip in the gorgeous rock pools. 

11. Visit the Circular Jetty at Whyalla

While there’s many historic jetties located all over the Eyre Peninsula, one of the region’s newest attractions is the innovative circular jetty built at Whyalla. Located next to the Whyalla Foreshore, dogs are welcome to join you heading out for a walk on the jetty. 

(Note that while many other jetties in the region also permit dogs, some don’t, so always check the signage.)

Dog-Friendly Walks on the Eyre Peninsula

No matter where you are located on the Eyre Peninsula, there’s some excellent local walks around, many of which are dog-friendly. For instance, see above for details about the Oyster Walk in Coffin Bay, the Mangrove Boardwalk at Arno Bay and the Great Ocean Scenic Drive (or walk) in Ellison.

Another great option is the Parnkalla Trail in Port Lincoln. The full trail following the edge of Boston Bay is an incredible 35km one way. The central section from the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum to Billy Lights Point (11.2km in length) is a paved path, while the extensions to the north and south are natural bush walks. Dogs on a leash are allowed along the trail. 

Parnkalla Trail Port Lincoln
The Parnkalla Trail is a long but easy walk in Port Lincoln

Dog-Friendly Cafes on the Eyre Peninsula

Plenty of the cafes and restaurants on the Eyre Peninsula have outdoor dining tables, and are happy for well-behaved, leashed dogs to join you. In particular, I recommend sampling some of the fine seafood that the Peninsula is renown for, and is featured heavily in many of the cafes and restaurants.

In Coffin Bay, Oyster HQ is situated beautifully right upon the water, with views out to the oyster farms. While dogs may not be able to join you on an oyster farm tour, they can join you on the large outdoor deck.

Enjoy some of the local oysters au naturale with a glass of wine, or sample the innovative seafood dishes on their menu. Bookings are recommended – add a note that you will be bringing a dog.

Oyster HQ Coffin Bay
The outdoor deck at Oyster HQ

In Port Lincoln, one of the best spots to head is The Fresh Fish Place, which has an extensive menu of locally caught seafood available for both dine-in and takeaway, as well as frozen products and grocery items. There’s one or two outdoor tables that are dog-friendly, but it might be best to get take-away like we did, then head to the foreshore to dine on fish ‘n’ chips far above your usual fare. 

Port Lincoln Tuna Sculpture with Dog
Port Lincoln is a significant commercial fishing port

In Streaky Bay, I’ve heard recommendations for Drift Streaky Bay. This beachfront cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch, plus for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Fully licensed, local oysters are of course on the menu. Dogs are welcome on their deck overlooking the jetty.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation on the Eyre Peninsula

No matter what your accomodation preference, there’s some dog-friendly options available for you on the Eyre Peninsula. For starters, if you’re happy to rough it, check out the tips above for beach camping, including at the dog-friendly locations of Fitzgerald Bay, Walkers Rocks Campground and Perlubie Beach. 

One of my favourite caravan parks that I have stayed at on the Eyre Peninsula is the Coffin Bay Caravan Park, now Discovery Parks – Coffin Bay. This relaxed park is conveniently located just metres from the waterfront, perfect for evening strolls and a visit to the Oyster HQ. The park is also regular visited by the local kangaroos and emus.

Note that dogs are only allowed on sites, not in cabins or the safari tents, and be sure to keep them leashed due to the wildlife. While the prices were on the cheap side when I stayed, they have risen recently.

Another extra dog-friendly caravan park in the region is Shelly Beach Caravan Park in Ceduna. As well as permitting dogs on sites, there are also a handful of pet-friendly cottages that allow one pet dog. Make sure you book them in advance. 

Shelly Beach Cottages
Some of the cottages at Shelly Beach Caravan Park are pet-friendly

There’s no shortage of dog walking options at Shelly Beach. Either head over the dunes to the beach or else follow the scenic dune walk track created by the caravan park, which starts near the camp kitchen.

Shelly Beach Dune Walk
The dune walk at Shelly Beach Caravan Park

There’s also pet-friendly cabins available at the Whyalla Caravan & Tourist Park (also home to a fabulous new off-leash dog park) and at Discovery Parks – Streaky Bay.

If you’re after a pet-friendly holiday rental, check out H&H Studio in Port Lincoln. The studio is a ground-floor one-bedroom apartment with sea views, while the owners live upstairs with their own dogs. Pets are allowed on request with a pet fee applying pet stay – most recently $50. Just note there is no secure fencing.

For more pet-friendly apartments and holiday homes on the Eyre Peninsula, I recommend heading to Visit Port Lincoln Accommodation – it’s possible to filter search results for accomodation with “Pets Allowed” or “Pets by Arrangement”.

Also driving across the Nullarbor? Check out my guide to driving across the Nullarbor with a dog

You May Also Like

About the Author

Photo of Shandos & Schnitzel

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

6 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Eyre Peninsula: Visiting with a Dog”

  1. Thank you for a very informative report on dog friendly areas on the Eyre Peninsula. Travelling with a dog is joyous but at times very restrictive but your overview is fantastic and I’ll certainly visit many places you have mentioned with my labradoodle Baxter.

    Reply

Leave a Comment