Coffin Bay National Park protects one of the most pristine stretches of coastline on the Eyre Peninsula — a series of remote beaches, sheltered bays, and coastal heath accessible by 4WD tracks through the park. The main beach campgrounds (Black Springs and Seven Mile Beach) require a capable 4WD with good tyre management; Kellidie Bay on the park’s eastern fringe is 2WD accessible and better suited to caravans.
The beaches here are the kind that remind you why people make long drives for camping. White sand, clear water, low dunes covered in coastal scrub, and very few people — the 4WD access requirement keeps numbers manageable. Seven Mile Beach in particular is a long, completely undeveloped stretch where you can walk for hours in both directions without passing another person.
What tips Coffin Bay from very good to excellent is the town. Coffin Bay township is 10km from the park entrance and is home to one of Australia’s finest oyster industries — the cold, clear waters of the bay produce large, fat Pacific oysters that have won international recognition. You can buy them direct from farm gates, eat them at the Coffin Bay Oyster Farm restaurant, or order them at local cafes with a glass of white wine and feel entirely justified about it. Stock up on seafood in town before heading into the park.
Point Avoid, on the western side of the park, offers dramatic coastal views and a good walk across the headland. Check current fire conditions carefully in summer — total fire bans on the Eyre Peninsula are common and penalties for lighting fires illegally in this dry country are serious.
Book through the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Eyre Peninsula is worth a week; Coffin Bay is a highlight of it.