This stunning part of the world sits pretty on the South Australian coast, a spitball's throw from the city of Adelaide. With more than 2000km of stunning coastline and home to some of Australia’s most stunning secluded beaches and epic rockpools, it’s impossible not to love the Eyre Peninsula.

 It's got something for every member of the clan, and we're not just talking about the incredible seafood platter. Whether you're seasoned beach bums or wide-eyed adventurers, the peninsula's got you covered. Watch the littles' eyes go wide at the sight of seals frolicking in the surf or dolphins flipping out in the open sea. Even the most screen-addicted teenager won't be able to resist the lure of the rockpools. And it's not all water. From wildflower-strewn walking trails to wide-open camping grounds perfect for roasting marshmallows under a blanket of stars, the Eyre Peninsula's got enough charm to rival your favourite storybook.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at 10 awesome things to do here with the kiddos, plus where to eat and stay. Let’s go!

Get ready to sink your teeth into a number of adrenaline-pumping activities including cage-diving with great white sharks to swimming with dolphins and sea lions. Or if you’d rather sit back, that’s fine too because the Eyre Peninsula is also the perfect place to lie on the beach and do absolutely nothing!

1. Swim with the dolphins

Baird Bay is where the wild things are - and by wild things, we mean adorable dolphins that love to show off their belly flips and backstrokes.

Swimming with the dolphins here is akin to stepping into an enchanting underwater world. The kids will get to see these magnificent creatures up close, but not in a theme park kind of way. It's an experience that marries wildlife with education.

The dolphin swim experience is totally safe, with professional guides ensuring your family feels comfortable and confident in the water.

So if you're looking for a family activity that's part fun, part education, and all kinds of unforgettable, then swimming with dolphins at Baird Bay should be right at the top of your list.

Where: Baird Bay.

Cost: Prices are approximately $200 per adult and $100 per child under 15. An observer ticket is about $170.

More info: Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience

2. Watch out for whales

If you’re on the Eyre between May and October, there’s a good chance you’ll see whales in the water around Fowlers Bay. Southern Right Whales and sometimes humpback whales make their way from Antarctica to meet and calve in the protected waters. Find a lookout along the coastline or head out with an operator such as EP cruises to get an up-close view of these ocean giants.

Where: Best spots are Head of Bight and Fowlers Bay, but they can be spotted along the whole peninsula.

Cost:  Free.

3. Feast on fresh seafood

Make sure you sample some of Australia’s freshest produce including local Coffin Bay oysters, King George whiting, prawns, mussels and abalone in one the peninsula’s top restaurants. We took the kids to the 1802 Oyster Bar for dinner with two other travelling fams and all loved it. Or if you’re happy to shuck your own, you could pop into an oyster shed and pay just $10 for a dozen.

Where: Along the whole peninsula.

Cost: From $10 for a dozen oysters.

4. Explore the National Parks

The Eyre is home to two of Australia’s most breathtaking national parks -Coffin Bay National Park and Lincoln National Park. Think long stretches of white sand beaches, no crowds and plenty of wildlife. Both parks are popular spots for boat­ing, fish­ing, whale watch­ing and nature walks.

Where: Cof­fin Bay Nation­al Park is locat­ed 50km west of Port Lin­coln. Access from Flinders High­way is via Cof­fin Bay Road. The park is on the tip of the Eyre Penin­su­la and is an eight hour, 680km dri­ve from Ade­laide.

Lincoln National Park sits on the south-eastern tip of the Eyre and is also about a 680km drive from Adelaide. Entry to Lin­coln Nation­al Park is 13km south west of Port Lin­coln via Prop­er Bay Rd.

Cost: You’ll need a National Parks Pass to enter the parks in SA. You can buy a two-month pass for $44 or a yearly pass will cost you $79.

5. Enjoy time at Greenly Beach

If your family love surfing, dolphin spotting or searching for rockpools, Greenly Beach won’t disappoint. Located just an hour’s drive from Port Lincoln, the mermaid pools here have become popular thanks to social media but for good reason. It’s a truly beautiful spot and a popular free camping spot. There are no facilities here so please make sure you are self-contained and leave no trace so future generations can also enjoy this stellar spot. Unfortunately, we across a lot of rubbish when we were there.

Where: Coles Point Rd, Coulta.

Cost: Free.

8. Take a dip at a hidden rockpool

This incredible rock pool is an absolute must-see if you’re exploring SA’s west coast. Hidden from first sight, it can be easily missed if you don’t know what to look for. It’s located at the end of a 26km unsealed road south of Smoky Bay. Once you reach the carpark, you’ll need to get out to see the rockpool and there’s actually a set of stairs that lead straight to it. Once you do spot it, you’re in for a treat! It’s deep enough to dive into and big enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Where: Point Brown Rd, Smoky Bay SA

Cost: Free.

9. Stand on the edge of Australia

Located in one of the most isolated parts of Australia, between The Nullabor Plain and The Great Australian Bight, the Bunda Cliffs are a magnificent sight. Standing on the cliff edge here is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an awe-inspiring experience. Make sure you hold onto your little ones and your hat - this is one very windy place and you won’t want to slip as the cliffs are about 100m high. Between May and October each year, you’ll have a good chance of seeing southern right whales cruising past.

Where: The Bunda Cliffs are located east of Eucla and the Border Village Roadhouse. You’ll find access roads to the Bunda Cliffs lookouts.

Cost: Free.

10. Cage dive with great white sharks

Fancy coming face-to-face with some of the world’s largest great white sharks? It’s possible on the Eyre’s east coast at Port Lincoln. This isn’t exactly the most family-friendly experience for tribes with younger kids, but if you have older kids or a babysitter, this is one of the Eyre’s signature experiences and one you’ll never forget. No dive experience is needed, just a thirst for adventure. If you’d rather stay dry, you can also view the magnificent creatures from the boat. We loved our day with local cage diving operator Calypso Star Charters.

Where: Port Lincoln.

Cost: Prices are approximately $550 per adult and $500 per child (16 and under). Children under the age of 8 are only allowed to enter the water at the skipper’s discretion on the day and all children under 16 require adult supervision at all times.

More info:  Calypso Shark Cage Diving

Known as Australia’s seafood frontier, here you’ll feast on the region’s legendary oysters, tuna, scallops, prawns, green-lipped abalone and more. With specialty restaurants to simple sheds selling $10-a-dozen oysters, you’ll eat like a king no matter what your budget is.

1802 Oyster Bar

What a pearl of a place! Feel like natural oysters or maybe some served with blue cheese and coated in hazelnut crumbs with apple puree? Well, this is the place to treat yourself to some of the freshest and most delicious oysters you’ll ever come across.

Where: 61 Esplanade, Coffin Bay.

More info: 1802 Oyster Bar

Fresh Fish Place

Get factory direct seafood at The Fresh Fish Place. Fresh fillets, and oysters are available every day, guaranteeing you get the best local seafood. Feast your eyes on the range - King George whiting, snapper, crayfish, prawns, succulent Coffin Bay oysters, Boston Bay mussels and much more.

Where: 20 Proper Bay Road, Port Lincoln.

More info: Fresh Fish Place

 L’anse Tumby Café

Bringing a taste of France to the Eyre Peninsula, this café is worth checking out. It’s popular though so make sure you get there early and treat yourself to some of their delicious goodies before they sell out and don’t do what we did and ask for a baby cino. They’ll tell you that’s American, not French.

Where: 9 Lipson Road, Tumby Bay.

More info: lansecafe.com.au

Del Giorno’s

Opened in 1994, Del Giorno’s has made a name for itself serving only locally caught and farmed seafood on the Eyre Peninsula.

Where: 80 Tasman Terrace, Port Lincoln.

More info: Del Giorno's Café

Oyster sheds

You can find numerous Oyster sheds dotted along the Eyre Peninsula. You can pick up a dozen oysters for just $10 from sheds at Smoky Bay and Cowell.

Where: Coffin Bay, Tumby Bay, Smoky Bay, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay.

Whether you're pitching a tent or kicking back in luxury, the Eyre Peninsula has your accommodation needs covered. You'll find everything from caravan parks and campgrounds for that authentic outdoor experience, to plush resorts for a more pampered stay. If you're seeking a home-away-from-home feel, numerous self-contained holiday rentals are scattered along the coast as well.

Tanonga Luxury Eco-Lodges

Perfect for families that hold Mother Nature close to their hearts, these lodges are a wonderland nestled within the untamed beauty of the Eyre Peninsula's native bushland. The ethos here is simple: Luxurious comfort that doesn’t compromise the earth. Each lodge has been meticulously designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, providing a panoramic view of the rolling hills and dazzling night sky that the Eyre Peninsula is famed for. Outdoor family adventures are aplenty at Tanonga. From engaging bush walks that introduce your little ones to Australia's unique flora and fauna, to star-gazing sessions under the clear Eyre Peninsula sky. Tanonga Luxury Eco-Lodges is more than just a stay. It's an eco-journey that lets you and your family dive deep into the heart of the Australian bushland.

Hilton Motel Port Lincoln

Say hello to the heart of Port Lincoln, where this motel has become a go-to hotspot for families seeking an ideally positioned retreat. More than just a motel, this is a cozy sanctuary, a base camp, and launching pad for adventure. Explore local shops, savor regional cuisine in nearby restaurants, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture - it's all at your doorstep. Comfy beds, ample storage and modern amenities all ensure your stay is as convenient as it is comfortable. Plus, there’s a pool here too!

Coffin Bay Holiday Homes

If you’re looking for accommodation that gives you all the comfy vibes of home, check out Coffin Bay Holiday Homes. They've got it all - beachfront properties, executive homes, secluded retreats, and charming shacks. It's like having your own personal menu of accommodation options to choose from. Just head to the Coffin Bay Holiday Homes website, browse through the selection of properties, choose the one that catches your eye (or the one with the most enticing views), check the availability for your dates, and book directly online. It's a hassle-free process, ensuring you can focus on the fun part – planning your adventure-packed itinerary!

FOR CARAVANS:

Port Lincoln Tourist Park

The Port Lincoln Tourist Park has many accommodation and facilities to cater for your stay. Our facilities include children’s playground, BBQ, free WIFI, laundry facilities, fish cleaning, undercover picnic areas, camp kitchen, dump points, pet friendly accommodation, private jetty and kiosk.

Where: 11 Hindmarsh St, Port Lincoln.

More info: Port Lincoln Tourist Park

Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park

Located on the beach about five minutes from town, this caravan park offers large sites, a playground, swimming pool, camp kitchen and games room. If you need a room, it also offers one, two and three-bedroom cabins, plus there is also a café on site.

Where: Little Islands Road - 4km from the turnoff at Flinders Highway on the north approach to town.

More info: Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park

Coffin Bay Caravan Park

Located on the esplanade, just steps away from the water, and surrounded by national parks, this caravan park is a top spot for exploring the area. With more than 100 large grassy sites and accommodation which includes deluxe holiday villas, there is something for all types of travellers. The park offers free WiFi, a camp kitchen, laundry, family bathrooms and barbecues. The famous 1802 Oyster Bar is just across the road too!

Where: 91 Esplanade, Coffin Bay.

More info: Coffin Bay Caravan Park

FREE AND LOW-COST CAMPS:

Greenly Beach

This is arguably one of Australia’s best free camps! Beautiful beach and stunning rock pools to explore. Best to be fully self contained here and leave no trace.

Where: Coles Point Rd, Coulta.

Cost: Free.

Perlubie Beach

You’ll feel like you’re on an island paradise here thanks to a few thatched huts on the beach. If you’re lucky to nab one, you can pull up right next to it and soak up all the tropical feels. At $10 a night, you can’t go wrong.

Where: Wharff Drive, Streaky Bay.

Cost: $10 per night.

Fishermans Point

Camp right on the cliff and wake up to stellar views of the bay. The calm, shallow water here is perfect for little ones. This is one of our favourite camps in all of Australia.

Where: Port Lincoln National Park.

Cost: $12.50 per night + parks pass from $11 per vehicle.