Looking for a family-friendly adventure that combines stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and plenty of space for the kids to explore?
Coffin Bay National Park, on South Australia’s breathtaking Eyre Peninsula, ticks all the boxes. Whether it's 4WDing, spotting kangaroos, bushwalking, splashing in crystal-clear waters, or sliding down massive sand dunes, this natural wonderland has something to delight every member of the family.
Entry to Coffin Bay National Park is via the charming coastal town of Coffin Bay (one of our absolute favourite vacay spots), just 50 km west of Port Lincoln. As you drive through, keep an eye out and take it slow—there’s a 40 km/h speed limit for a good reason! The area is teeming with wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you need to stop for a family of emus crossing the track, kangaroos, or even a goanna. Bird enthusiasts will love it too, with more than 120 species in the park, including the threatened hooded plover.
Know Before You Go:
Park fees: Vehicle entry: $13.50 per vehicle
While much of the park is best explored with a 4WD, there’s still plenty to see if you only have a conventional vehicle. Mobile service is limited (Telstra seems to be the best), so it’s a great idea to download a park map to your mobile before heading out. Remember, there are no shops in the park, so come prepared with enough food, water, and petrol for your adventure. With these tips in mind, you’re all set for an unforgettable day at one of South Australia’s most stunning natural destinations!
Here's our favourite spots...
Almonta Beach
Almonta Beach (accessible by 2WD) is one of the highlights of Coffin Bay National Park, offering breathtaking coastal views and a pristine, white sandy shoreline. There’s a good parking spot above the beach, complete with public toilets and a well-maintained stairway that leads you down to the sand. Just a heads-up, though - the walk back up can be a bit steep, so save some energy for the return trip!
One thing to note is that there’s very little shade, so make sure to pack hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The waters here are the bluest of blue but the waves can be quite strong (not ideal for swimming with kids). The real adventure lies to the right of the stairs and just around the corner. You’ll find fascinating rock formations, and when the tide is just right, it’s perfect for exploring. My kids had a blast discovering starfish, shells, and other treasures - definitely worth a visit!
Gunyah Beach
Gunyah Beach is a hidden gem in Coffin Bay National Park, and getting there is half the fun! After a short drive along the main road, you'll head onto a 4WD track. Make sure you air down your tires because getting bogged here is practically a rite of passage. AWD vehicles? Forget it - they don’t stand a chance. When you're on the Gunyah track, please follow the route markers. It's about 4 km to the beach.
When you arrive, Gunyah Beach greets you with awesome surf and top-notch fishing for salmon and mulloway. But don’t be fooled by its beauty, this isn’t a spot for kids to swim. The waves pack a serious punch! Instead, the towering sand dunes behind the beach steal the show. My kids dragged their bodyboards to the top of the steepest dune they could find and had fun sliding back down (recommend a sand board).
The whole adventure, around 14 km return and roughly an hour and 45 minutes, is a thrill from start to finish. Bonus? You’ll likely have this stunning stretch of beach all to yourself!
Seven Mile Beach
This one’s for the 4WD enthusiasts or, in my case, beginners! I was both excited and nervous for my first time off-road, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was with two experienced drivers, just in case my debut turned into a bit of a disaster! All-terrain tyres are a must. The Coffin Track features steep descents and ascents, with soft sand and sharp limestone scattered along the terrain. You'll often need to drop your tyre pressure to around 20 psi to get through. Many of the tracks are narrow, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic! And, of course, make sure you’ve got recovery gear on hand - just in case you find yourself stuck in the sand.
A tip from my experience: put your car in 4x4 high range for most of the trip. We saved low range for if the sand got really soft, but the sand was still fairly firm, so we made it through in high range without any issues. However, this can change with more traffic, and low range will definitely come in handy once the sand starts to get a bit of a beating! Another important thing to note is checking the tides before heading out. During a very high tide, Seven Mile Beach can become tricky to drive on with very little sand available.
But when you get there, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 9.2 km (6 mile) stretch of curving sand that feels like your own private paradise. With the waves rolling in, the vast expanse of beach to explore, and rugged coastal views, it's a place where the kids can run wild or you can take a peaceful stroll.
Point Sir Issacs
Point Sir Isaac is a hidden gem at the northern end of Coffin Bay National Park, and while it's a bit of a trek - around 55 km with a six-hour return journey... it’s totally worth the effort. Since we were already at Seven Mile Beach, we figured why not make the extra half-hour drive?
The views are absolutely breathtaking, with rugged cliffs and the chance to explore a gorgeous rock pool right at the water’s edge. While the guys threw in a fishing line, we took in the natural beauty around us. There's also a remote campground nearby, "The Pool," which offers seven unpowered sites, perfect for those seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path escape.
