Coffin Bay (YCOF)
Coffin Bay is the centrepiece of the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Its pristine beaches with clear, glassy water make it a haven for beach lovers, coupled with its iconic oyster farm and beautiful wildlife. The descent into Coffin Bay Aerodrome (YCOF) alone is a pretty special experience.
FACILITIES
Coffin Bay Aerodrome is a simple airstrip situated 5km out of the coastal township. Owned and maintained by the Lower Eyre Council, it’s the perfect place to fly in over the turquoise coastline. The runway is a 08/26 1160m unrated limestone gravel strip. The aerodrome is available for private flying during the daytime.
STAY
There are a wide range of accommodation options available in Coffin Bay. From cute little beach shacks to flash holiday homes with sea views, there is something for every budget and experience. If you have access to a 4WD, you can venture out into the National Park and camp by the beach.
EXPLORE
The beaches in Coffin Bay area are completely unspoiled and the water is crystal clear. Enjoy a refreshing dip and take a stroll along Long Beach. Climb to the top of the large white sandhill to watch a spectacular sunset. Speaking of sand, one of the best ways to explore the area is 4WDing along the pristine coastline in the Coffin Bay National Park. If you’re more comfy on sealed roads, pack a picnic and take a drive to some of the highlights including Point Avoid, Almonta Beach and Yangie Bay.
EAT & DRINK
A visit to Coffin Bay isn’t complete without sampling some of the best oysters in the world. Don a pair of waterproof waders, head out to the working oyster farms and learn about how oysters grow. Enjoy some of the freshest oysters you’ve ever tasted straight out of the water whilst semi-submerged in pristine waters. Oysters are on the menu virtually everywhere in Coffin Bay, along with other seafood specialties including blue swimmer crab, rock lobster and prawns. It’s a seafood lover’s delight.
Lorella Springs (OZLOS)
Head off the beaten track into a remote paradise filled with spectacular rock formations, hot springs and ancient waterholes. A trip to Lorella Springs will take you completely off-grid, with plenty of unforgettable adventures to be had in the air and on the ground.
FACILITIES
Owned by the Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, this airstrip is just 200 metres from Lorella Homestead, the place you want to base yourself for the days ahead. The airstrip is a 1200m all-weather gravel runway. Please note that the airstrip isn’t yet certified, but still useable. If you plan to stay at the campground, someone from the team can collect you from the airstrip. Contact the Homestead 24 hours prior to your visit.
STAY
Lorella Springs is a massive property – you can spread out and pick your own place to set up camp, or enjoy a roof over your head in a Deluxe Bedroom within the Homestead. For those looking for more creature comforts, there’s airconditioned cabins with private cooking facilities. You’ll be able to watch the wildlife meander through the campground from your front door.
EXPLORE
Lorella Springs is home to a number of beautiful hot springs, rock pools and water holes, some of which are great for swimming. There are 4WD and bush walking tracks all over the million-acre property, so there are plenty of hidden places to explore. The area is a magnet for fishing, where you can pitch a tent at your favourite spot and throw a line in. Further afield, you’ll find the Limmen National Park, including Butterfly Falls and the Southern Lost City – an incredible walk-through hundreds of giant sandstone pillars. A fly over the Southern and Western Lost Cities is nothing short of breath-taking.
EAT & DRINK
Civilisation is a three-hour drive away, so it’s fair to say you’re not dropping into town for a pub meal and a pint. However, the Homestead has a licensed bar, always filled with fun personalities to share your adventures with. Station cooked meals are also available with advance notice and communal camp cookups are held regularly. There are also basic food supplies and fishing gear.
