This park is not in the local 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝ neighbourhood but if you’re nearby in the area it’s worth the trip, actually even if you’re not in the area and need a trip away then put Lincoln National Park on your bucket list !

Lincoln National Park is the place to be for the start of summer because this park is all things Summer! The weather is warm, and usually dry and therefore great for camping and ideal for beach lovers. If you visit during late winter and spring – the best time for walking – you’re likely to see the park teeming with native flora and birdlife.

Entry to Lincoln National Park is 13km south west of Port Lincoln via Proper Bay Rd. The park is on the south-eastern tip of the Eyre Peninsula and is an 8 hour, 680km drive from 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝. The trip can be shortened by taking the ferry from Wallaroo to Cowell, when it is operating (currently not operating!).

Boating, fishing, beachcombing, swimming, bird watching, whale watching and nature walks are all popular activities in this park. A variety of designated campgrounds in the park offer easy access to the beaches, bays and walking trails.

Lincoln National Park overlooks Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in Australia, with granite headlands, sheltered bays and scenic offshore islands. On the southern side of the park are the massive, wind-sculpted sand dunes of the Sleaford-Wanna dune system and the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean.

For some great ideas when visiting the locals recommend…

Fishing

There are excellent fishing spots all over Lincoln National Park. Try beach fishing for Australian salmon at Millers Hole or Salmon Hole along the Sleaford-Wanna Track (4WD only). Alternatively, cast your fishing line from any one of the sheltered bays and coves scattered throughout the park.

If you plan to go offshore, you can launch your boat from the beach at Taylor’s Landing or from one of the boat ramps in Port Lincoln.

Camping

The campgrounds in Lincoln National Park have easy access to beaches, bays and walking trails, making them an ideal base to explore the parks’ natural features. There is a campground for all campers – from relatively well developed campsites, with pit toilets, that can be accessed by sealed roads to more secluded, undeveloped sites requiring a 4WD vehicle to access.

Memory Cove

located within Lincoln National Park, is a magnificent and secluded bay with a pure white sandy beach, cradled between densely vegetated headlands.

Memory Cove provides a very special camping or day-visit wilderness experience.

Vehicle entry and camping needs to be booked and a key collected to enter Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area.

Bushwalking

There is an extensive network of walking trails in Lincoln National Park that will take you through native scrub and woodland, over beaches, and along cliff tops where you may be lucky enough to spot a sea-eagle or a dolphin.

4WD

The Sleaford-Wanna track offers some of the best sand dune driving experiences on the Eyre Peninsula. Follow the red marker posts and be rewarded with scenery of massive wind-sculpted sand dunes, pounding surf and rugged limestone cliffs along the Southern Ocean

Jump on the for more info.

Imagine this a road trip break that stops the kids from arguing, and is fun enought that they are happy to put their devices down for a half an hour and actually take in the environment that surrounds them.

A quick climb up (no ticket needed, it’s free) and you’re greeted by a spectacular view of Spencer Gulf. The kids stop fighting. The view (and breeze at the top) are so good.

Located in a little secret garden gem – we really didn’t expect to find this oasis in this town. Find it at Mitchell Terrace, Port Augusta West.

Now, who’s turn was it to sit in the front sear again?

Most local councils will have rules specific to their beaches and rules for driving. Not all beaches are suitable for all vehicles and some will be 4×4 access only. Conditions will vary dramatically so before heading out, check local council, tide and weather guides for conditions that may impact your day out. Aim to drive at low tide and allow enough time to return before the turn of the tide. For up to the minute weather forecasts, jump on the page and for daily fire warnings, the will have you covered.

So pack up the car and check our list of beaches you can drive on around metro 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝ and regional SA

Moana Beach

Only 45 minutes from 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝’s CBD, the closest of Onkaparinga Council’s big 4 driving beaches, Moana is accessed at the ramp next to the Moana Surf Life Saving Club, at the southern end of the Moana Esplanade. Incredibly busy around public holiday times, if people aren’t your thing, perhaps pop further south to Sellicks or Silver Sands, but the atmosphere on the big summer holidays like New Years and Australia Day is quite incredible! Cost of $12 for non-onkaparinga residents and with a 10kph speed limit here, you can access the Onkaparinga Beaches from 5:30am til midnight during summer. More at the page.

Aldinga Beach

With Moana these are generally the busier of the Onkaparinga drive on beaches, and again can get rather hectic on the busy summer days and public holidays. Jump on the beach here at the ramp on the lower esplanade (car park and toilets here too which is very handy), with the usual Onkaparinga fees and rules also applying. Get council updates .

Goolwa Beach

A stunning run along the Sir Richard Peninsula, start at the Goolwa Surf Lifesaving Club on the end of Beach Road at Goolwa. The speed limit here is 40kph and it may be 4×4 accessible only in various conditions, but for the most part this is a relatively easy stretch. Be mindful drivin on the sand dunes is illegal.  Jump on the page for up to date info.

Yorke Peninsula

With some of the state’s most beautiful beaches and of course the Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula has some stunning locations to explore, including plenty of core-memory building beach drives. Check out the for up to date information on beach access to their driveable beaches below;

Flaherty Beach
Parsons Beach
Pondalowie Bay

Mostly 4×4 access only, check local conditions at the time of your trip and prepare accordingly.

Limestone Coast

The beautiful stretch of our state encompassing the trip down to Mount Gambier, some spectacular beaches in this region are accessible by (primarily 4×4) vehicles. The most famous of these is Long Beach at Robe, a family friendly beach that offers fairly gentle surf usually and 12km of beautiful beach driving scenery.

Check out the for more on beach access and council updates to the below driveable beaches;

Long Beach Robe
Little Dip Conservation Park
Coorong National Park (pictured)

image credit: Escape the Daily

Sellicks Beach

Beautiful Sellicks Beach, overlooking the cliffs of the Deep South and with seemingly endless kilometres of pristine sand, is a magical spot right on our door step. $12 vehicl entry fees (for non council residents) and a 10kph speed limit await here, with low tide giving a massive beach space for play and driving. page has all the current info you need.

Silver Sands

A nudge north from Sellicks, Silver Sands is simply stunning….and just quietly this is one of our favourites. Generally quiet and with plenty of space, it is accessible for most vehicles most of the time (as are all the Onkaparinga Council beaches), there is nothing quite like a day at Silver Sands with the sun hitting the cliffs. A few blocked off zones exist here which are accessed via permits, which can be applied for on the page.

Eyre Peninsula

A decent trek from 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝ in the state’s far west, an Eyre trip should be on every South Aussie’s bucket list. This is true 4×4 country so don’t attempt it in your trusty Camry, but for those 4×4 equipped, the scenery here is so special. The local council out at is your source for local access and updates. Check out the below drive access beaches when planning your Eyre Peninsula trip;

Lincoln National Park
Coffin Bay National Park
Scotts Beach

Emu Bay Kangaroo Island

One of Australia’s best beaches, and only 15 minutes from Kingscote over on KI, Emy Bay is generally accessible by all vehicle types. Jump on the site for beach access news and be wary during the summer months of the weather and bushfire risks on the island.

 

North Beach Wallaroo

North Beach at Wallaroo is a must stop on your trip at the top of the leg. Flat and spacious, it has always been accessible by cars whenever we have been up, but check for up to date info here. The North Beach Cafe at the boat ramp makes for a fantastic family friendly stop too we might add.

Craft beer lovers, prepare to be impressed. Jump Ship Brewing’s selection includes something for everyone. From a velvety milk stout to a hazy IPA (my personal fave), they’ve even managed to make a pale ale we actually enjoy – the Wanna Pale at 4.5% is fab! For those taking it easy, there’s a session ale and a heap of zero-alcohol options, like the fun and fizzy Mischief Brews Sodas, as well as good ol’ Bickford’s and juice boxes for the kids. Non-beer drinkers, don’t fret: their SA spirits range is equally impressive, featuring local gems like Coffin Bay Spirits, EP & West Coast Distilling Co. gins, plus a wine list that’ll make any vino lover smile. Basically, they’ve got everyone covered and for that, we say CHEERS!

Let’s talk about the food because, wow, this menu is next level. When it comes to brewery eats, we love something light and shareable, and Jump Ship’s tapas-style offerings deliver in spades. Worth noting too, it’s completely gluten free. Highlights include:

• Pita Bread with Daily Dips: The presentation alone is enough to make you hesitate before digging in, but don’t hold back! Hummus + olive oil, beetroot, roasted beets + feta, and basil pesto with that scrumptious toast – it’s sensational.
• Fried Jalapeño Bites: As a sucker for spice, these were a must-try and definitely delivered.
• Squid Tacos: Generously portioned with three per serve, these were a hit.
• Prawn and Chorizo Flatbread: A tasty and satisfying combo.
• Torn Kebab: Lovely flavours, worth a try!
• Nachos: We chose beef and weren’t disappointed.

For the kids, the menu’s got options that’ll please even the pickiest eaters. Think Nachos (choose chicken, beef, jackfruit, or plain cheese), Crumbed Chicken and Chips, Calamari and Chips, or Tacos. Plus, they can colour on the back of the menu or write letters to Santa (if you’re visiting around Christmas time, like we did!). Bonus points to Jump Ship for actually having sharp pencils, a rare but much-appreciated touch.

The kids’ area at Jump Ship Brewing is a total winner! It’s thoughtfully designed with soft play, building blocks, the cutest little tea set, and a kids’ table and chairs. Located in a corner, the space keeps the little ones entertained and out of the way, but still within sight – just how we parents like it. As for the rest of the brewery, the airy, bright space is beautifully decorated with plenty of tables, wine barrels, and room to move, so you’ll never feel cramped. There’s plenty of highchairs and heaps of room for prams, plus the uni-sex bathrooms have baby change facilities. For the adults, there’s a dartboard and a pool table, perfect for a bit of friendly competition while catching up with friends or family.

Although Port Lincoln is a looooong way from home for us (it’s actually only a 50 minute flight from 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝), we’ll definitely be jumping ship again for this gem. We know you’ll love it too, so keep it on your radar when visiting the Eyre Peninsula.

Location: 11-13 Edinburgh Street, Port Lincoln, SA 5606
Opening Hours: Wed – Sat: 12:00pm – 10:00pm + Sunday 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Find them on and

Tucked away just 15 minutes from Port Lincoln, Glen Forest feels like it was made for families looking to soak up the best of the region. It’s big enough to keep you busy for hours but not so massive that you feel overwhelmed. And let’s be honest – where else can you hand-feed kangaroos, lose yourself in a maze, and watch Dad try to balance on a Segway all in one spot?

When we arrived (after spotting the signs, because yes, it’s a little tucked away), we were greeted by friendly staff who gave us a quick rundown of all the fun things to do. The entrance is beautifully presented. Think peacocks wandering around and lush greenery everywhere. It’s a far cry from the dusty, run-down vibe you might expect from some animal parks. This place feels cared for, and it shows.

First stop? The animals, of course! For just $3 a bag, you can feed and meet a whole host of furry and feathered friends. The kangaroos were cooling off under a sprinkler when we visited – super relaxed and friendly, even our youngest had no problem feeding them. The nursery was full of baby guinea pigs and rabbits, while one of my favourites were definitely the Highland cows. They’re so gentle and BIG, and being able to get up close to these magnificent creatures was such a treat. Their feed station is right by the fence, so you can hand them their slightly gross but totally worth it veggie mix. It’s a special experience to feed these gentle giants, and the kids loved it! Other animals include water buffalos, koalas, wombats, pigs, emus, camels and a walk-in bird aviary. The beginning of Summer is a great time to visit with baby animals everywhere: a tiny alpaca, a baby donkey, and even a very pregnant pig about to pop. The ostrich, though I’m sure he was lovely, was more for watching from a safe distance! Fun fact: Ostrich’s are the only bird with two toes.

Next up, the Segway tour. The kids were a bit too light to ride (cue the disappointed faces), but Dad and our niece hopped on and with a bit of practise were off in no time! While they toured the property, the kids and I tackled the maze which was all fun and games until I realised I was actually lost. My kids’ “helpful” rescue plan involved crawling under the maze walls to the exit – not an option for me, unfortunately. Pro tip: the entrance is the exit. Lesson learned!

Now, there’s no way I’m going to a vineyard and not doing a wine tasting! The tasting was set up at the kiosk, with gorgeous decking overlooking the park, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy. Lincoln Estate Wines is family-owned, and the $10 Tasting Paddle we tried at Glen Forest was a real treat. If you’re not a wine drinker, I hear the coffee is pretty good too! Fancy a bite to eat? There’s limited food available at the kiosk but (and we love this) there’s a BBQ on site and you’re encouraged to BYO.

We had a quick round of the 18-hole mini golf, which is packed with animal-themed fun! Of course, Dad always wins, but the course is super cute with plenty of quirky animal touches to keep the kids entertained while we tried (and failed) to beat him.

The big question is… did we think it was worth it and will we return? Yes and absolutely! In fact, it was the kids highlight of our trip.

Location:  877 Clarkes Ln, Green Patch SA 5607
Opening Hours: Open 10:00am – 5:00pm everyday
Phone: 0429 230 964
Find them on or

Cowell Foreshore Precinct underwent a $9 million upgrade in 2023 with the addition of an aquatic playground featuring a Splash Park and Water Slides, a Basketball Court, a Jumping Pillow and increased car parking (including long parks) for all those caravanning families!

Cowell is a beautiful coastal town situated on the Franklin Harbour, approximately 490kms (around 5 hours drive) north-west of 91ąű¶ł´«Ă˝. A popular place for fishing activities due to its sheltered waters of the harbour, Cowell offers so much more than just Oysters and Fish!

The Franklin Cowell Foreshore precinct redevelopment has seen the creation of the Cowell Water Park alongside the Cowell Lions Park. The Precinct includes a free outdoor water play area featuring a splash zone and two water slides. A skate park, Jumping Pillow and full sized Basketball court have been added to the existing playground as well. There is also plenty of lawn for ball games and sheltered areas for picnics, as well as free barbeques!

Whether you are looking for a morning tea or lunch stop on your Eyre Peninsula road trip or you’re staying in the township, this is the perfect place to be on a warm day!

There are toilets onsite, barbecues, shelters and a beautiful large lawn for people to enjoy ball games or a picnic. Add in a basketball court, skate park and splash zone and we are ticking all the playground boxes for this one!

Who’s planning a trip to the Eyre Peninsula now!?

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 4×4 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.

Families will find endless fun in the creative play spaces, from water and sand play to accessible play equipment and exciting climbing structures like the tunnel slide and ropes. With ocean views, picnic spots, free BBQs, and a nearby jetty, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out (including your furry friends, with an on-leash dog area!).

The playground also features a bike path, a dedicated dog exercise area, and accessible facilities, creating an inclusive space for everyone to enjoy. Surrounding the play area, you’ll find lush lawns, picnic tables, ample parking, a monument, and a shared-use path – all thoughtfully designed to enrich the visitor experience.

This fantastic playspace is funded by the City of Port Lincoln and the State Government through its Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Programme, showcasing a wonderful community investment in family fun and inclusivity.

The Dolly Graham Memorial Playground is a nice little stop to shake out the legs after a long drive to the Eyre Peninsula, or if you’re lucky enough to be staying a few nights in this beautiful region a nice playground to spend an hour or two.

This brightly coloured Dolly Graham Playground is located between the Venus Bay Jetty and the Caravan Park and has a few slides, climbing frames, rockers, monkey bars, five swings including a nest swing (with a great view) and a little mini basketball court. It’s actually a great little spot, toddlers and younger kids will love it, and the basketball court and monkey bars will hopefully keep older kids busy for a while.

Pop over to the next door which has a little kiosk inside where you can grab hot food, snacks, coffee, sandwiches and some other grocery items.

Not fenced, not shaded. Public toilet located in the jetty carpark not far away.

The Port Augusta Foreshore Playground is located on Young Street and is a great toddler playground. It overlooks the water, and there’s a great walking path going along the foreshore, which is perfect if you’ve got kids with bikes or scooters.

You can skate or scooter right up to the great skate park better known as “The Wave” , opened in 2010. It has an open bowl, ramp and lots of contrete blocks and ramps. Better for experienced skaters, but younger kids will love to sit and watch or have a go on the flat surfaces.

The playground and foreshore area is well kept, with lots of green space and plenty of space to picnic. It’s also located really close to the main shopping precinct of Port Augusta- perfect for a coffee or to grab some bread rolls and salad for lunch.

Facilities:

• toilets
• seating
• shade over the playground
• plenty of parking
• grassy area
• tables
• bbq area
• Please note that the area is NOT fenced