Looking for a true-blue Aussie escape with sand, surf, and solitude? The Eyre Peninsula delivers big time.

This three-day 4WD holiday ticks every box for adventurous families—coastal views, red-dirt roads, wildlife spotting, and off-road fun. Based in South Australia, it’s the kind of trip where the kids forget their screens and start collecting shells instead.

Why the Eyre Peninsula is perfect for a 4WD family road trip

The Eyre Peninsula is a rugged slice of South Australia, framed by cliffs, dunes, and uninterrupted beaches. For those with a 4WD and a love of wide open spaces, it’s a dream. It’s also surprisingly family-friendly—off-road adventures are never far from a safe swimming spot or a picnic table with a view. And with so many self-drive itinerary options, there’s something to suit all comfort levels.

Day 1: Kick-off in Port Lincoln and beach driving in Lincoln National Park

Start in Port Lincoln—refuel, stock up, and grab a bakery brekkie. Head south to Lincoln National Park, where family 4WD tracks lead you to places like Wanna Lookout and Sleaford Bay. Try beach driving at Fishery Bay if conditions allow—it’s safe, scenic, and thrilling. Set up camp near Memory Cove or choose a family-friendly eco-cabin in town. This is also a good spot to introduce the kids to a bit of rockpool exploring or dolphin watching.

Day 2: Sand dunes, seafood and Coffin Bay’s coast

After breakfast, take the scenic drive to Coffin Bay. The coastal views are unbeatable, and the drive itself is part of the attraction. Stop at Almonta Beach—one of the best child-safe beaches on the Eyre Peninsula. For lunch, don’t skip fresh oysters or fish and chips from the Coffin Bay oyster sheds. There’s an easy 4WD loop behind Yangie Bay that winds through mallee scrub and opens up to sand dunes ideal for low-speed exploring. Kids love spotting emus out here. Overnight in a beach shack or campground.

Day 3: Inland tracks and Indigenous culture near Cummins

Day three takes you inland to lesser-known spots. The drive north towards Cummins offers some beginner-friendly 4WD trails with stunning wildflowers in spring. Stop in at the Cummins Mosaic Trail—an unexpected highlight for kids with its interactive art. If your crew’s up for it, take a cultural detour to Mikkira Station, home to koalas and stories of the Barngarla people. Wrap the trip with one last beach detour via Talia Caves if time permits.

My verdict

This self-drive itinerary is one of the best ways to explore the Eyre Peninsula—wild, raw, but surprisingly accessible. With a mix of off-road adventure and coastal calm, it’s ideal for families looking to get off the grid without losing comfort or safety. Insider tip: Bring recovery gear and a sense of humour. And pack marshmallows—the kids will remember the campfires more than the kilometres.

Practical information

  • Best time to visit: September to April for calm seas and mild weather
  • Vehicle: High-clearance 4WD required for sand and track access
  • Fuel: Fill up in Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay—limited inland options
  • Where to stay: Memory Cove, Coffin Bay Holiday Park, beach shacks
  • Food: Coffin Bay oyster sheds, Port Lincoln bakeries
  • Safety: Lower tyre pressure for sand, carry water and first aid
  • Dress code: Layers, hat, enclosed shoes, and swimmers
  • How to get there: Fly to Port Lincoln or drive from Adelaide (7:30 hours)

More information

For travellers wanting to plan ahead or learn more about each stop, here are helpful external resources:

Travel itinerary (summary table)

Day Time Activity Location Cost per Person (AUD) Notes
1 08:30 – 12:00 Drive to Lincoln National Park and visit coastal lookout Lincoln National Park Free Park entry fee per vehicle applies
12:30 – 17:00 Beach drive and picnic Fishery Bay $10 Check tide and conditions; supervise kids
17:30 – 21:00 Camp or cabin overnight Memory Cove or Port Lincoln $30–$50 Pre-booking essential
2 09:00 – 12:00 Scenic drive and beach time Almonta Beach, Coffin Bay Free Great family-friendly beach
12:30 – 14:00 Oyster tasting lunch Coffin Bay $25 Platters available for groups
14:30 – 17:30 4WD loop and sand dunes Yangie Bay Track Free Easy 4WD track with mallee scrub
18:00 – 21:00 Campground or beach shack overnight Coffin Bay $25–$45 Basic or powered sites available
3 08:30 – 12:00 Drive inland, visit mosaic trail Cummins Free Great short walk with interactive art
13:00 – 16:00 Visit Mikkira Station or Talia Caves Mikkira / Talia $15 Koalas, Indigenous history or cliffs
Estimated total cost (2 adults + 2 children) $440 AUD