25 kilometres south-west of Port Augusta, the Lincoln Highway branchesoff the Eyre Highway to begin its journey around the Eyre Peninsula's coastline. Although the littoral route adds 274 kilometres to the trip to Ceduna and the Nullarbor Plain (see Outback), the superb coastal scenery and enjoyable seaside towns along the sheltered Spencer Gulfand the wilder Great Australian Bight, make the extra distance hardly noticeable.
48 kilometres south of the Lincoln Highway's beginnings, Whyallais the first of the towns on the Spencer Gulf, although a dedication toheavy industry has seen it grow into largest city outside Adelaide in the state. Appreciation of the sheer scale of the operation can be obtained from the city's Hummock Hill Lookout, which peers down on the colossal BHP steel works and it's immense deep water port. For a closer look, BHP runs cheap and interesting tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, starting from the tourist office (Lincoln Hwy) at 9:30am. Long shirts, trousers, and sealed shoes are essential. Other attractions include historical exhibits at the Maritime Museum and the Mt. Laura Homestead, and the 50 or so species of native reptiles and mammals housed within the Whyalla Wildlife and Reptile Sanctuary, are also worth a visit.
Another 107 kilometres down the coast, Cowell is a peaceful andincredibly friendly fishing town, which tempts visitors to stay longer than they originally planned. Oysters can be bought for as little as five dollars a dozen, and if you run into Bear or Raz at one of thetown's classic old pubs, buy them a beer and they will happily disclosethe area's best fishing spots, and may even take you out on the harbourfor a bout of crabbing. Via a gravel road stretching from the outskirtsof town, Cowell also boasts several spectacular white beaches, perfect for secluded swimming and sunbathing.
Further down the coast, the tranquil little seaside resort towns ofArno Bay and Port Neill each lie on a pretty slice of theEyre Peninsula coastline, conducive to a relaxing day of swimming or throwing in a line. Both provide a small range of accommodation, andcar enthusiasts will appreciate Port Neill's vintage vehicle museum.
38 kilometres beyond Port Neill, Tumby Bay is a handsome seasidetown, renowned for its beautiful old buildings, quaint craft outlets,and in particular its long and stunning crescent shaped beach. The townalso provides charters to the colonies of sea lions, sea birds, anddolphins which are protected by a marine conservation park, 15 kilometres off-shore at the Sir Joseph Banks Islands.
Back on the overland route to the Nullarbor, Kimba is tiny townon the Eyre Highway, 155 kilometres west of Port Augusta. A popularrest stop on this predominantly barren journey, Kimba not only provides travellers with all essential services, but a rare chance to examinesome locally mined and crafted Australian jade.
