The Jetty & Fishing Trail
A gulf-side run of jetties, estuaries and seafood
The plan
The eastern, gulf-facing side of the Eyre Peninsula is jetty country: a string of easygoing towns where weathered timber piers reach out over calm water and the fishing is woven into daily life. This trail runs the sheltered Spencer Gulf coast, linking heritage jetties, tidal estuaries and a steady supply of local seafood.
Pack a rod and a bucket. The gulf gives up whiting, squid, crab and the famous oysters of these waters, and every town has its own jetty to fish from.
Day 1 - Whyalla to Cowell
Start on the Whyalla foreshore and marina, then drive out to Point Lowly Lighthouse on its narrow spit. Carry on to Cowell, where the long jetty reaches over the near-enclosed waters of Franklin Harbour, famous for blue swimmer crabs and oysters.
Day 2 - Arno Bay and the estuary
Drop down to Arno Bay, walk the boardwalk through its tidal estuary and mangroves, then cast off the jetty for whiting as the sun sets over the gulf. It is the trail at its most unhurried.
Day 3 - Tumby Bay
Finish at Tumby Bay, where the long jetty, calm swimming and a foreshore dotted with murals make a fitting end to the run. Buy oysters, fish off the pier, and watch the light fade over Spencer Gulf.
Day 1
3 stops-
1Whyalla
Whyalla Foreshore & Marina
Start on the foreshore and marina with a calm-water swim.
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2Point Lowly
Point Lowly Lighthouse
Drive out to the lighthouse and fish the running tides.
-
3
Day 2
1 stop-
1Arno Bay
Arno Bay Foreshore & Estuary
Walk the estuary boardwalk and fish the jetty at sunset.
Day 3
1 stop-
1Tumby Bay
Tumby Bay Jetty & Foreshore
Finish on the long jetty with oysters and gulf views.
On the map
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Image credits
- Tumby Bay Jetty.jpg by AlphaLemur , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons