feather and flora

Streaky Bay, Eyre Peninsula, Clare Valley

STREAKY BAY AND ELLISTON

From Penong, we headed south to Streaky Bay – oh goodness the conditions were rather perfect, and very different from my last visit when I headed into a storm. This time Streaky Bay was on its best behaviour: we pulled in for lunch on the waterfront at a cafe called DRIFT – it was brilliant, as this clip attests.

After a magnificent lunch by the ocean, we trundled on down to Elliston, but not before we visited the roadside fresh bread stall.

A rustic shop with an 'Open' sign in a rural setting, surrounded by trees and dirt pathways, featuring a small table outside and a caution sign about wildlife.

We purchased soft white rolls and feasted at home that evening in our cabin. A great stop.

ELLISTON TO TUMBY BAY

We heard about Elliston’s sculpture park drive and decided to go see it. The weather was no longer sparkling, but no matter, it was quirky and interesting. We loved the giant thongs, among others!

A pair of large wooden flip-flop sculptures overlooking a beach and sea under a cloudy sky.
A large stone sculpture with two curved, pointed halves standing on a rocky landscape, overlooking the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

We headed inland, having alighted upon a bakery lunch at Cummins as a good idea. We found the Five Loaves bakery (two fishes not available that day!), and tucked in to a good country pie.

A flaky pastry on a dark blue plate with a small container of tomato sauce, alongside a fork and knife.
A slice of layered cake with a pink frosting on top, served on a white plate with a fork.

It sustained us as we headed across country to Tumby Bay and after we had enjoyed the nearby silo art.

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Tumby Bay is a delightful seaside town on the eastern coast of the Eyre Peninsula. It was breezy when we were there, but still pleasant enough to go for a walk around town and admire the murals.

A tranquil coastal scene showing clear blue-green waters with gentle waves, a sandy beach lined with shrubs, and a distant shoreline under a bright sky.
A mural depicting a woman picking poppies in a field, with a soldier holding a horse nearby, set against a blue sky.

It has a fantastic general store on the corner – it seems to sell everything, and the Tumby’s vibe is that it is home to a caring community. Glad we went that way! Also, fresh oysters were enjoyed by my traveling companion when we dined at the pub, and that meal of oysters had been on the Eyre Peninsula wishlist. Tick!

A bar scene showing patrons seated at the counter with drinks, while a bartender serves customers. The interior features a casual atmosphere with various beverages displayed in a fridge and framed pictures on the walls.
A plate of oysters on ice with a slice of lemon, accompanied by a glass of white wine, on a wooden table in a casual dining setting.
A plate of seared salmon fillet served on a bed of sautéed asparagus, complemented by a side of fluffy white rice and drizzled with a savory sauce.
THROUGH PORT AUGUSTA TO THE CLARE VALLEY

Our last day of travel was from seaside Tumby to rural Clare Valley in its autumn colours. We made a brief stop at the beachside Arno Cafe, then lunch at the Arid Inland Botanic Garden near Port Augusta. It was disappointingly slow – I had visited previously and it was much better. Not this time, alas!

The drive was easy and uneventful. We rolled into the gorgeous Clare Valley in the afternoon – this place deserves a proper stay and a thorough look around, not to mention some serious food and wine experiences.

Historic building with ornate architectural details, featuring large windows and a balcony, situated on a city street with parked cars in front.
Facade of a historic building with ornate architectural details, featuring a central entrance and large windows, surrounded by trees and plants.
A street scene featuring parked cars along a curving road, with a colorful mural on a building wall and historical architecture visible in the background, surrounded by trees.

For now, we had reached our destination, and once again the mighty Troopy had done its job without complaining.

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What are your must see items in the Clare Valley?

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