South Aussie’s teddy bear fence

The South Australian Teddy Bear Fence on the Yorke Peninsula is a unique and heartwarming roadside attraction that has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike.

Located along the Copper Coast Highway between Paskeville and Kulpara on Yorke Peninsular, this quirky installation stretches for several kilometres and features thousands of teddy bears and stuffed toys attached to a wire fence.

The origins of the Teddy Bear Fence date back to 2015 when a local family placed a single teddy bear on the fence as a way to entertain children during long car rides. The idea quickly caught on, and soon others began adding their own stuffed animals to the growing collection. Over time, the fence has evolved into a beloved community project and unofficial tourist attraction.

Visitors to the Yorke Peninsula often stop to admire the colourful array of plush toys, which range from small, palm-sized bears to large, elaborate stuffed animals. The fence has become a popular spot for travellers to take photos and add their own contributions to the ever-expanding display.

The Teddy Bear Fence serves multiple purposes beyond its visual appeal. It acts as a fun distraction for children during road trips, helps combat driver fatigue by providing an interesting landmark, and has even become a place of remembrance for some who leave bears in memory of loved ones.

While the fence has faced some challenges, such as weathering and occasional vandalism, the local community has rallied to maintain and protect this unique attraction. Volunteers regularly clean and repair the fence, ensuring that the bears remain in good condition for all to enjoy.

Our South Aussie Teddy Bear Fence has also sparked similar initiatives in other parts of Australia, with communities creating their own versions of the concept. However, the Yorke Peninsula’s fence remains one of the most extensive and well-known examples.