Streaky Bay is one of those Eyre Peninsula towns that manages to be genuinely attractive without appearing to try. The foreshore caravan park sits directly on the bay — sheltered, calm water, good swimming right from the grass, and the town’s bakery, pub, IGA, and cafes all within a short walk. It’s relaxed in the way that SA coastal towns often are, and entirely comfortable for a multi-night stay.
The foreshore itself is good for paddling, kayaking, and safe swimming — the bay is well-protected and the water is generally calm, making it suitable for families with young kids. Sunrises over the water from the campground sites are soft and quiet, especially mid-week when the park is less busy.
But Streaky Bay is better used as a base than a destination in itself. Two day trips make it genuinely worthwhile:
Murphy’s Haystacks, about 30 minutes south of town, are ancient granite inselbergs — rounded, pink rock formations that protrude from flat paddock country in a way that seems completely out of place. They’re 1,500 million years old and surrounded by a short walking loop. Worthwhile, particularly in late afternoon light.
Point Labatt, 45 minutes south, is the only permanently occupied Australian sea lion colony on the Australian mainland. A viewing platform looks down onto a rocky cove where sea lions haul out, sleep, argue, and generally exist with complete indifference to the humans above them. It’s genuinely excellent wildlife watching.
Facilities at the foreshore park are full and well-maintained. This is not roughing it — laundry, hot showers, powered sites, dump point. Streaky Bay township is within walking distance for anything you need. The bakery is good; don’t skip it.