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Destinations > Off The Beaten Track
Off The Beaten Track
Issue: May 2009
Words and photos by Vic Widman
South Australia's Port Lincoln draws in tourists with its beautiful national parks, but can become crowded in peak seasons. Vic Widman shows us a few hidden treasures he's discovered off the beaten track.
G'Day, Vic Widman here, last month we ventured across the Nullarbor, a daunting trip that may not be all that well known to most of you. This month, we continue to find more hidden treasures that it seems only a few have discovered. Over the past couple of years I have found that the stretch of coast between Port Lincoln and Fowlers Bay has some of the best sand dune driving in Australia and plenty of surprises for those that take the time to explore this fantastic part of south Oz.
If you take a look at a map of Eyre Peninsular in South Australia it seems most people are drawn to the area around Port Lincoln. It is fair to say that it does boast some fabulous national parks with Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park virtually on its doorstep. These parks are truly magnificent, but it is their notoriety that may detract from their appeal for the true Overlander. Crowded campsites and over regulation in our national parks is a turn off for most of the people I know. However, I have found some magic spots further to the west along the Eyre Peninsular, which fit the bill perfectly for the Overlander reader.
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If you have spent a little time around Port Lincoln, pack up the 4WD and head up the coast past Coffin Bay towards Ceduna. The road is sealed all the way and whilst it still sees quite a few grey nomads meandering around the coast, you will notice there is a decided reduction in their numbers. A couple of years ago, almost by chance, I spent a night in Elliston. Elliston is found almost halfway between Port Lincoln and Ceduna. It's a small seaside town that has a mix of the 1960s and modern day architecture literally side by side along the beachfront. But it is the amazing foreshore scenery that is the major attraction for a 4WD tourer. Some of the most stunning cliff top views can be found literally at the end of the main street.
Take time to explore the tracks that lead to the top of the cliff faces on the south east side of Elliston, especially beautiful at sunset as the golden orb settles in the west over a pounding sea. To the northwest of the town take the Great Ocean Drive, it too follows rugged cliff tops with majestic ocean views at every turn. There are a couple of good caravan parks in Elliston or you can continue to the west to explore the Lake Newland Conservation Park which has 4WD access only with a small camping area at Walkers Rock. The only downside of the area is the abundant mosquito population.
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Words and photos by Vic Widman
South Australia's Port Lincoln draws in tourists with its beautiful national parks, but can become crowded in peak seasons. Vic Widman shows us a few hidden treasures he's discovered off the beaten track.
G'Day, Vic Widman here, last month we ventured across the Nullarbor, a daunting trip that may not be all that well known to most of you. This month, we continue to find more hidden treasures that it seems only a few have discovered. Over the past couple of years I have found that the stretch of coast between Port Lincoln and Fowlers Bay has some of the best sand dune driving in Australia and plenty of surprises for those that take the time to explore this fantastic part of south Oz.
If you take a look at a map of Eyre Peninsular in South Australia it seems most people are drawn to the area around Port Lincoln. It is fair to say that it does boast some fabulous national parks with Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park virtually on its doorstep. These parks are truly magnificent, but it is their notoriety that may detract from their appeal for the true Overlander. Crowded campsites and over regulation in our national parks is a turn off for most of the people I know. However, I have found some magic spots further to the west along the Eyre Peninsular, which fit the bill perfectly for the Overlander reader.
read on below advertisement
If you have spent a little time around Port Lincoln, pack up the 4WD and head up the coast past Coffin Bay towards Ceduna. The road is sealed all the way and whilst it still sees quite a few grey nomads meandering around the coast, you will notice there is a decided reduction in their numbers. A couple of years ago, almost by chance, I spent a night in Elliston. Elliston is found almost halfway between Port Lincoln and Ceduna. It's a small seaside town that has a mix of the 1960s and modern day architecture literally side by side along the beachfront. But it is the amazing foreshore scenery that is the major attraction for a 4WD tourer. Some of the most stunning cliff top views can be found literally at the end of the main street.
Take time to explore the tracks that lead to the top of the cliff faces on the south east side of Elliston, especially beautiful at sunset as the golden orb settles in the west over a pounding sea. To the northwest of the town take the Great Ocean Drive, it too follows rugged cliff tops with majestic ocean views at every turn. There are a couple of good caravan parks in Elliston or you can continue to the west to explore the Lake Newland Conservation Park which has 4WD access only with a small camping area at Walkers Rock. The only downside of the area is the abundant mosquito population.
next page »
