Ceduna

/ Article, Ceduna, South Australia, Travel / By Ceduna Online

1. Ceduna, South Australia

Ceduna in South Australia is a large, rural, seaside town located along the Eyre Highway, on the beautiful Eyre Peninsula. The town is a central point to many top destinations including the Nullarbor Plain, Eyre Peninsula, and the Far West Coast.

Where is Ceduna SA

Situated on the eastern side of the Nullarbor Plain and in the northwest corner of the Eyre Peninsula, this area of the Great Australian Bight is known as the Far West Coast of South Australia.

Ceduna is located on the stunning Murat Bay, just one of the many beautiful shorelines in this region. It’s just over 400km west of Port Augusta, and with the exception of Port Augusta, is the largest town situated along the Eyre Highway.

What is Ceduna known for

Ceduna is the main township on the eastern side of the Great Australian Bight. Depending on your direction of travel Ceduna is the first, or last, major settlement in SA . It’s considered the gateway to the Nullarbor and is a popular pitstop for those travelling by road.

As a pretty seaside town, the surrounding landscape is characterized by natural bush, agricultural paddocks, and edged with rugged coastal bays and sandy beaches. This makes it an especially popular destination for surfers and all-round beach lovers. As the Oyster Capital of Australia and the home of King George Whiting, it’s also a well-known destination for oyster lovers with some of the best seafood you can eat in South Australia.

How to say Ceduna

Ceduna is pronounced “said-june-ah”. The name is apparently a corruption of the local Aboriginal Wirangu word, Chedoona and is said to mean a place to sit down and rest.

How big is Ceduna?

The population is just over 2100 people. This makes it a small coastal township but still one of the larger towns on the Eyre Highway.

What is Ceduna like?

Located on the eastern shore of Murat Bay, Ceduna is a small town clustered around a few major streets with the Eyre Highway running through it. The front of this rural town with friendly locals is entirely bordered by shoreline. It’s relatively quiet and laidback and it’s hard to imagine that around a quarter of a million vehicles pass through the town each year.

What is Ceduna’s postcode?

The postcode of Ceduna, South Australia is 5690.

About Ceduna Online

Ceduna Online is the ultimate guide to the latest travel information and local directory for the town and surrounding region. You can find everything from a business directory to restaurant menus and an interactive map to help you plan your time in and around the Far West Coast.

2. Ceduna accommodation

If you’re wondering where to stay, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Ceduna caravan parks

Caravan parks are a popular accommodation option in Ceduna and on the Far West Coast. Many people travel along the Eyre Highway with caravans or camping setups. Caravan parks offer one of the best places to stay overnight with a range of amenities to make it much more comfortable than free camping down the road. They are also great options for families, as they often have access to the beach, as well as playgrounds and other entertainment.

Ceduna motels

You can find a few classic motels and motor inns in Ceduna. These places offer an affordable and comfortable place to stay in town if you’re looking for an overnight stop.

Ceduna holiday homes

If you’re travelling with a group or looking to stay long-term in Ceduna, holiday homes are available so that you can have access to a full self-catering home for your stay.

Eco accommodation in Ceduna

For the eco-conscious travellers, Ceduna also offers eco-accommodation that reduces their overall carbon footprint. You can find accommodation that ensures resource use and the impact of the natural area is kept to a minimum while simultaneously allowing you to enjoy your stay.

Luxury accommodation in Ceduna

If you’re looking for accommodation that offers a bit more luxury and extra comforts, you’ll also find luxury accommodation. You can enjoy sea views and incredibly beautiful interiors, for those who are looking to relax in style.

Find accommodation in Ceduna

Our local business directory has a section dedicated to accommodation listings to help you prepare for your stay. From caravan parks to motels, you’ll be able to find contact details and further information about each of the individual accommodation businesses in the Ceduna Business Directory.

3. Ceduna travel

While you can fly into Ceduna airport from Adelaide on Rex airlines, most travellers visit the town by road. The Far West Coast is most commonly explored on various road trips encompassing the Eyre Peninsula and Nullarbor Plain. With approximately a quarter of a million (240’000+) vehicles passing through annually, it’s no surprise that a self-drive trip is a popular adventure.

If you’re planning your trip you can find the estimated travel times and distances below:

Travel to Ceduna

Visitors to the area are usually travelling from:
• Port Lincoln to Ceduna: 406 kms (approximately 4 hours via Flinders Highway / B100), or 425.3 kms (approximately 4 and a half hours via Tod Highway / B90 and National Highway A1).
• Port Augusta to Ceduna: 468 km (5 hours via National Highway A1) or 575 km (6 hours via Lincoln Highway and National Highway A1)
• Kimba to Ceduna: 312 km (approximately 3 hours 15 mins via National Highway A1)
• Adelaide to Ceduna: 777.1 kms (approximately 8 hours via National Highway A1) or flying into Ceduna from Adelaide on a 60 – 90-minute flight (approximately).
• Eucla to Ceduna: 492.5 kms (approximately 5 hours via National Highway A1), often making their way over the Nullarbor Plain from Perth or elsewhere in Western Australia to Adelaide in South Australia.
• Norseman to Ceduna: 1201 km (approximately 12 hours 15 mins via National highway A1), often considered one of the greatest road trips in the country.

Travel from Ceduna

Travelling East:
• Ceduna to Adelaide: 777.1 km (8 hours via National Highway A1) or flying to Adelaide from Ceduna Airport on a 60-90 minute flight
• Ceduna to Port Augusta: 468 km (5 hours via National Highway A1) or 575 km (6 hours via Lincoln Highway and National Highway A1)
Travelling West:
• Ceduna to Border Village: 480 km (5 hours via National Highway A1), often as part of a journey from Ceduna to Eucla
• Ceduna to Norseman: 1201 km (12 hours 15 mins via National Highway A1)
Travelling the Eyre Peninsula:
• Ceduna to Port Lincoln: dual routes (see article for more).

Ceduna Online Travel Blog

Ceduna Online has interesting and informative articles and blogs about travelling to and from Ceduna. You can also find plenty of information there about all the things to see and do on the way to various destinations.

4. Nearby towns

The smaller surrounding towns offer a delightful chance to kick back and enjoy some country peace and quiet.

Thevenard

More of an extension of the Ceduna Township, Thevenard shares the same postcode, 5690, and is located just 3km down Cape Thevenard. The town has a hotel, supermarket, and sporting complex. It also has some great sightseeing items including Pinky Point, the shipping wharf, salt, silos, and train just to name a few.

Denial Bay

Just around the other side of the Murat Bay inlet, you’ll find Denial Bay. This small community has a jetty, large parking area, toilets, a playground, a half-court with a wall and a goal hoop, a shady shelter shed with a free to use gas barbecue and permanent metal tables with bench seating.

Penong

Penong is another great small town, just west of Ceduna on the Eyre Highway. The town is within close proximity to some of the region’s best attractions. It is often referred to as the town of windmills, so it seems appropriate that you should find a museum there – and you guessed it – it’s full of windmills. They even boast the largest windmill in Australia, the one that’s named ‘Bruce’.

It’s also home to the world-famous surf breaks at Point Sinclair known as ‘Cactus’, along with the also famous surfboard manufacturer, the brand ‘Gravelle’.

Penong also has a legendary little Aussie pub that the original Cactus surfers used to refer to as ‘The Fridge’, along with a golf course, a skate park, and a great little rest spot with toilets and shade with a table and seating. The town also has a store, a roadhouse, and a caravan park. It also shares the postcode of 5690.

Laura Bay

Perhaps more of a location than a township, Laura Bay is a great sightseeing drive with beaches and sea views out over the islands of the Nuyts Archipelago. It’s also one of South Australia’s nature reserves as is home to fragile environments and migratory birds. You will also find some camping spots, and although there are no public buildings in the vicinity, it’s a nice, relaxed sightseeing nature drive.

Smoky Bay

Just southeast from Ceduna, you’ll come to the Smoky Bay town entrance that is announced on the righthand side with a large parking area displaying the town sign. Along the entrance road, you’ll find a golf course and walking trail to the right, directly opposite Aquaculture Park which is oyster growers central. As you reach the township, you’ll see the sporting complex on your left, turning left onto the road beyond will take you past a park with free barbeques and toilets, and at the end of that road is the town jetty complete with a safe swimming enclosure.

Smoky Bay also has playgrounds – one with another barbeque area, a large beach, and you may even spot some history items from the whaling era. The town’s postcode is 5680.

Haslam

Haslam is a little-known stop but offers another great place along this self-drive tour of bays. Near the foreshore you’ll find unpowered sites for just $10 per night with amenities nearby. It’s definitely a quieter spot in this part of South Australia so it’s a great alternative for an overnight stay.

Ceduna Online map and self-drive tours

Ceduna online has an interactive and detailed map of Ceduna that includes all the above locations and more in one easy-to-use place. You can put together your own self-drive tours and explore the region at your leisure.

5. Nearby locations

Ceduna is close to a range of nearby attractions around the Far West Coast of South Australia. It’s a great base for exploring further afield. Here are some of the must-see nearby locations and attractions:

Aquaculture Park

Aquaculture Park down the coast in Smoky Bay is the centre of the oyster growing community. The park is home to some of South Australia’s best oyster growers with fresh and delicious oysters coming from the waters every day. You can even take a tour and visit a working oyster farm, this is a must-do for any oyster lover.

Point Brown

Point Brown is a coastal point 28km south of Smoky Bay. The point borders a 2km long cove, home to St. Mary’s Surf Beach which is one of the hidden surfing gems on the Eyre Peninsula. The area is home to active sand dunes and reef breaks popular amongst experienced surfers.

Acraman Creek Conservation Park

Located 57km south of Ceduna, Acraman Creek is a protected area on the northern side of Streaky Bay. It’s conveniently located halfway between the towns of Ceduna and Streaky Bay for a nice half-day trip. It’s popular for fishing and canoeing in the waterways off the beach.

Wittelbee Conservation Park

Just 10km southeast of Ceduna, Wittelbee Conservation Park is a protected area surrounded by mallee and high sand dunes. The headland of Wittelbee Point is popular for walking and has plenty of sea birds to observe.

Laura Bay Conservation Park

In a sheltered bay just south of Ceduna, Laura Bay Conservation Park is a protected area of the coastline and is home to fragile vegetation which serves as feeding grounds for migratory sea birds. You can go swimming, fishing, walking and camping inside the park area.

O.T.C Earth Station

North of the Ceduna township, you can see the overseas telecommunications commission earth station. It’s now closed down but still an interesting place to visit for hunters of unique photo opportunities for their trip album.

McKenzie’s Ruins

McKenzie’s Ruins are located 15km west of Denial Bay on the road to Davenport Creek. In 1889 McKenzie developed the area and employed a lot of men on his property and in his businesses. It’s a significant point of history for the Denial Bay area.

Nadia Landing and Davenport

Continuing to travel along the bitumen road will take you passed Nadia Landing and up to the Davenport Creek turnoff, both on your left and both are dirt roads upon turning. The Davenport Creek road will take you past an extensive ocean beach on your right, however, you will need to turn off the road and go up into the carpark clearing before you can see the beach. If you struggle to find the turn just go to the end of the Davenport Creek road and do a U-turn and take the first righthand turn coming back. At the end of the Davenport Creek road is the entrance to Davenport Creek on your right, this is also the end of this road so you’re not likely to miss it.

Rocky Point and Point Bell

Rocky Point and Point Bell are two protruding headlands between Davenport and Point Sinclair. Between the two points is a 12km long beach backed by active sand dunes. There are reef breaks at both points and beach breaks for surfers to explore. The area is also popular for fishing with the beach providing access to some of the rip holes.

Lake MacDonnell (Pink Lake)

Now one of the iconic attractions on the Far West Coast, Lake MacDonnell or the Pink Lake is located 14km south of Penong. The lake is at a former salt mine site on the largest gypsum deposit in Australia. The incredibly unique combination of salt, algae and bacteria produces a brilliant pink colour across the surface which is at it’s pinkest when it’s dry. It’s a great self-drive tour and a popular spot for photographers who enjoy the unique photo op.

Cactus Beach and Point Sinclair

Point Sinclair is a dramatic coastal point that is home to the infamous Cactus Beach. This world-class surfing spot south of Penong has three surf breaks that attract experienced surfers from around the country. There is also a jetty at Point Sinclair which is popular for fishing and swimming in the safe swimming enclosure which is present during summer.

Charra

Charra is an area 33km west of Ceduna in South Australia. A region mostly used for agricultural purposes with the land close to the coastline being reserved for conservation.

Penong Windmill Museum

The Penong Windmill Museum has slowly become one of the most popular attractions on the Far West Coast. The open-air museum is home to 20 restored windmills from around the country, including “Bruce” the largest windmill in Australia. It’s a great self-drive tour and an interesting way to learn more about the unique agricultural history of the area and the importance of these great inventions.

Googs Track

The now world-famous Goog’s Track is a 4×4 track that travels from Ceduna to Kingoonya. The difficult track is 360km long and traverses 365 sand dunes. It’s one of the real adventures of the region and is best reserved for serious and well-prepared 4×4 drivers.

The Nullarbor Plain

The Nullarbor is a flat, semi-arid limestone bedrock that stretches for 200, 000 square kilometres across the Southern and Western Australian coastline. It’s one of the most unique landscapes to see in the whole country with the treeless plain being most commonly explored by driving the Eyre Highway.

The Great Australian Bight

The Great Australian Bight is a large open bay that extends across the southern coast of both South Australia and Western Australia. Officially, it stretches from Cape Carnot on the Eyre Peninsula to Cape Pasley near Esperance. The area is covered under the Great Australian Bight Marine Park which has similar protections to the many land-based national parks in Australia. It also has some of the most abundant waters in the whole country with the Eyre Peninsula, in particular, being home to some of the best seafood.

Bunda Cliffs

Where the Nullarbor Plain meets the Great Australian Bight, you can find the Bunda Cliffs. This dramatic coastline is the longest stretch of uninterrupted sea cliffs in the world and range for over 100km. It’s one of the most incredible views you can see in all of South Australia with a few viewpoints just off the Eyre Highway. At its most dramatic you will literally feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.

Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre

The Head of Bight is the bay that marks the northern extent of the Great Australian Bight. The spectacular lookout and boardwalk along the coast here offer one of the most incredible whale watching spots in the whole country. Between the months of May and October you can spot Southern Right Whales off the coast here.

Gawler Ranges National Park

Running to the north of the Eyre Highway is the impressive Gawler Ranges National Park. It’s worth taking a short detour here to explore the rocky wilderness that is sacred to Aboriginal tribes. It’s a stunning outback landscape that can be explored by 4WD or on foot with camping allowed inside the park.

Lake Gairdner

Lake Gairdner is the fourth largest salt lake in Australia and is famous for being the site of numerous land-speed record attempts when the lake is dry. It’s located north of the Gawler Ranges National Park. There’s parking and a campground near the lake where you can explore further.

Ceduna Online Library of Itineraries

Our Library of Itineraries will help you to plan your ultimate trip. With our overnight and multi-day itineraries you’ll be able to search for a variety of suggested things to do no matter what your interests are.

6. Things to do in Ceduna

There are lots of things to do in the region and a chance to see many diverse industries but we’ll just focus here on tourism interests and attractions.

Here are the best things to do in the region:

Self-drive tours

A great way to explore is on a self-drive tour. This gives you complete freedom to be able to do things at your own pace and according to your own interests. You can explore places outside of the township, such as Decres Bay-Wittelbee Conservation Park, Laura Bay Conservation Park, and the famous pink hue of Lake MacDonnell.

A self-drive tour is not only free but made easy with our map of Ceduna. The map enables you to go sightseeing and exploring with helpful information and local insights all at your fingertips. If you have some time to explore, this map can guide you through your adventures to neighbouring towns and beaches.

Guided tours

There are guided tours provided in the region and you can select your preferred experiences from scenic flights, oyster farm tours to fishing charters, and during the months from May to October you can even enjoy whale watching charters at Fowlers Bay. No matter what you want to explore you’ll find a tour to suit your interests.

Fishing

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing on the Far West Coast of South Australia. You can go boat fishing in our many bays, jetty fishing in the towns, and even rock fishing and beach fishing further out. You’ll have the chance of catching Tommy ruffs, King George whiting, salmon, garfish, snook, and a range of sharks. For the serious fishing enthusiast, there’s bluefin tuna, mulloway, snapper, and more. It is also possible to get a hold of squid and seasonal blue swimmer crabs too. See the Department of Primary Industries and Regions website for limits.

Swimming

There are plenty of sheltered swimming spots for everyone to enjoy. The best places are near the Sailing Club and at Alexander’s Beach, located a few hundred metres on either side of the town’s jetty. These popular swimming spots are easily reachable on foot from the town centre. You can also find safe swimming enclosures at some locations around the coast, such as the ones at the Ceduna jetty and the Smoky Bay jetty.

Walk/cycle

You can easily explore the coastal scenery on foot. A stroll or cycle along the Encounter Trail from the local sailing club to Pinky Point in Thevenard is a must-do. The 4km trail is a great way to take in the scenic coastline, including a view of some of the islands in the Nuyts Archipelago and the township of Denial Bay. Pinky Point Lookout can be especially beautiful at sunset if the weather is right, so you may like to align your time with the golden hour of the setting sun.

You can also explore the beach, sand dunes, and serenity of Shelly Beach on the beautiful and secluded Bosanquet Bay. You can also follow the scenic Shelly Beach Dune Walking Trails that weaves across 55 acres of coastal sand dunes.

Pinky Point Lookout at the end of the Encounter Trail in Thevenard, South Australia

Golf

You can play a round of golf on the longest golf course in the world – the Nullarbor Links Golf Course. The 18-hole par 72 golf course stretches from Ceduna to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, a distance of about 1365km. This is a very unique attraction for all golfing enthusiasts. The first (or last) holes are in Ceduna, so you can begin your epic golf tour that can take up to four days to fully complete, or as much time as you take for your Nullarbor crossing.

For a more modest golf experience, you can also try the smaller Ceduna Golf Course, in doing so you can still claim to have played a few holes on the world’s longest golf course.

Art and history

There are great opportunities to learn about the traditional custodians of the land and the history of the area. The Ceduna Arts and Cultural Centre is definitely worth a visit to peruse local aboriginal art. This is also a great place to buy a unique memento of your visit with unique artwork and souvenirs for sale.

A National Trust Museum is located in the town’s first school building. There is a range of displays with old photographs and memorabilia.

At Penong, you can also walk amongst the open-air Windmill Museum and visit the Penong Woolshed Museum. This will give you a fascinating insight into the agricultural and farming history of the area.

4WD adventure

For the serious (and well prepared) 4-wheel drivers, there’s the famous adventure trek that is Goog’s Track. Out north, the 360km Goog’s Track will take you to the Transcontinental Railway Line before turning east to the end of the track in Kingoonya. It’s a genuine adventure for the daring with over 300 sand dunes to navigate. Many make the pilgrimage each year but be warned – this isn’t a track for solo beginners!

There are also some beaches along the Far West Coast can also be accessed by 4WD only, as well as tracks inside the Gawler Ranges National Park. There’s plenty to explore with a 4×4.

Surfing

The world-famous Cactus Beach is just south of Penong. If you’re into surfing you’ve probably already heard of Cactus Beach. It’s considered one of the best places to surf in Australia. It’s home to two world-class left-hand breaks known by local surfers as Cactus and Castles, as well as the right-hand break known as Caves. It’s strictly for dedicated surfers with serious breaks and a notorious prevalence of great white sharks.

Festivals and events

If you happen to be in the region in October you could time your visit with the annual Oysterfest. It’s a long weekend of music, dance, art, wine, and delicious seafood. The town goes all out for this weekend with fireworks, stalls, and a range of entertainment.

Bowling

If you’re looking for the local bowls club offering a range of games, Ceduna Bowling Club is located right in the centre of town.

Ceduna Online Things to Do Section

There’s plenty of things to do around Ceduna. You can find comprehensive information throughout our website Ceduna Online.

7. Where to eat in Ceduna

Ceduna offers a range of eateries, from quick takeaway to dine-in options. Here are some of the options you can find in town:

Roadhouses

Roadhouses are quite the icon on the Eyre Highway and the area has a few roadhouses where you can grab a quick meal. They usually have a range of easy takeaway and dine-in options for the weary traveller.

Diners

If you’re after popular meals in a relaxed environment diners offer a great place to stop when travelling through town. They are usually open a little later than other places so you can always get a feed.

Pub meals

There are a few traditional country pubs in and around Ceduna and at Penong. They are perfect places to get to know the locals and enjoy a nice meal and social beverage.

Cafes

If you’re after a coffee or nice breakfast there are a few cafes you can find in the area. They can set you up for the big day ahead or provide perfect little stops to enjoy a break from driving.

Takeaway

When the weather is nice you may prefer picnic-style dining and you’ll find plenty of takeaway options in Ceduna where you can pick up a quick meal to take down to the beach to enjoy. Fish and chips, seagulls, sea air, does it get any better?

Licensed dining

After a long day of exploring, relaxing, or driving you might like to sit back and enjoy a beer or glass of wine with your meal. Ceduna offers a range of licensed dining options to choose from.

8. Shopping in Ceduna

You can find all the essential amenities in Ceduna and everything from groceries to gifts and souvenirs. No matter what you’re after you’ll be able to find it amongst the local shops.

Supermarket

If you’re looking to stock up with a bit of grocery shopping make sure you check out the local supermarkets and butchers.

Chemist

Ceduna is the best place to fill your prescriptions with the local pharmacy offering an EP price match on prescription lines. They also stock a range of other chemist goods, perfumes, giftware, cosmetics, and more.

Auto parts and tyre shops

If you’re in need of anything for your vehicle you’ll be able to find reliable and friendly auto parts and tyre shops without looking too far. They’ll make sure you’re back on the road in no time.

Mechanics

Whether you’re due for a service or something unfortunate has happened on your long road trip there are great local mechanic services to keep you rolling in good time.

Tourist information/souvenirs

There is a helpful Tourist Information Centre on the main street of Ceduna where you can find brochures, maps and information about the area. They also have a range of souvenirs including the ‘I Crossing the Nullarbor’ certificates, stickers and more.

Post office, banks and laundromat

From the local post office where you can send an old-school postcard to the banks and ATMs found around town, you’ll be able to do all your personal admin in Ceduna.

Fuel and gas

You won’t be left with an empty tank in Ceduna. You can refuel and be confident that you’ll get a good price at the local petrol stations and roadhouses.

Ceduna Business Directory

If you’re looking for any kind of service or business you can find a comprehensive directory at Ceduna Online. Here you’ll be able to find out more details from individual businesses as well as contact information and current special deals and savings. See our Business Directory for the latest.

9. Ceduna Online

Ceduna Online is your comprehensive guide to the best of Ceduna and the Far West Coast. Here is where you’ll find everything that you need in one place, from travel itineraries and things to do to business directories and menus of the best eateries. You can stay up to date with all the businesses and services here at Ceduna Online.