Local Attractions near Ceduna Airport Caravan Park
Ceduna offers travellers quite a few points of interest. Whether you're travelling between Perth and Adelaide, or just holidaying, you'll appreciate the relaxed lifestyle this area of the west coast offers. The region has plenty of water-based activities, but there are also lesser-known, fascinating granite formations nearby. We think Ceduna is more than just a rest stop for Nullarbor travellers.
Fishing
There's no shortage of fish in the Ceduna area — commonly caught species include salmon, King George whiting, tommy ruff and garfish. With access to a boat, snapper and snook can also be caught. Within Ceduna, the most convenient place to drop a line is the Ceduna Jetty on the foreshore. Four kilometres away is Port Thevenard, also a great spot. Rock and beach fishing are popular too, with sites including Decres Bay, Laura Bay, and Ocean Beach (4WD required).
Swimming
During the summer months a popular swimming spot is Alexander's Beach, located just 300 metres north of Ceduna's jetty, with a shade shelter and a short walk from Ceduna's main shopping street and its cafes. Another popular location is next to the Ceduna Sailing Club, a few hundred metres south of the jetty, with grassed areas and a moored raft offshore. Playgrounds for kids are also found along the foreshore.
Boating
Ceduna has several boat ramps. On the foreshore, a boat ramp is found about 80 metres south of the jetty. Midway between Ceduna and Thevenard is the area's main boat ramp — the Puckridge Boat Ramp, with 4 launching points and the one most used by locals. Prevailing winds are from the west and southwest, picking up as the day progresses. Ask a local for advice on fishing locations and bait.
Blue Swimmer Crabs
During summer, Blue Swimmer Crabs (Portunus pelagicus) can be caught using crab nets — a popular delicacy with locals and travellers alike. Once caught, popular cooking methods include boiling, poaching, steaming, microwaving and grilling. Note: female crabs bearing eggs must be returned to the sea. The best locations are the Ceduna Jetty and nearby Denial Bay, 12 kilometres from Ceduna. Crab nets can be bought at shops on Ceduna's main shopping street.
Oysters
At nearby Denial Bay and Smoky Bay you'll find quite a few oyster farms, growing Pacific Oysters in pristine local waters as the basis for a thriving export industry. Tours can be arranged, and oysters are commonly sold in local fish shops, hotels, the Oyster Bar next to the quarantine checkpoint, and other eating establishments around Ceduna. Each October long weekend, Ceduna holds its Oysterfest, where many thousands of oysters are consumed over 3 days — book accommodation early.
Ceduna's National Trust Museum
Ceduna's old school has been converted into a National Trust museum, with exhibits relating to the area's local history and pioneering past. It may not be for everyone, but if you have more than a passing interest in local history it's worth an hour or so. The Old Schoolhouse Museum is on Park Terrace, just around the corner from the Shell Roadhouse. Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10am–12pm; Wednesday 1pm–4pm; Thursday 10am–12pm and 1pm–4pm.
Endeavour Walking Trail
A great way to while away a couple of hours is the Endeavour Walking Trail. Starting at the Ceduna Sailing Club, the trail follows the coastline and terminates at Pinky Point Lookout in Thevenard, with good views of Thevenard's port and Saint Peter's Island, plus plenty of birdlife. It's also possible to walk along the Thevenard Jetty, where there's a good chance of seeing ships loading wheat, gypsum or salt. The trail doubles as a bicycle path.
Head of the Bight
At the Head of the Great Australian Bight you'll see the majestic Bunda Cliffs, stretching 200 km towards the Western Australian border, 70 metres high, and named by explorer Edward John Eyre. From late May to early September the Head of Bight is also a nursery ground for Southern Right Whales, with an exhibition detailing their breeding and migratory habits. If you're crossing the Nullarbor, this is a must-see and a great photo opportunity — located about 300 km west of Ceduna and 20 km southeast of Nullarbor Roadhouse.
Pildappa Rock
Pildappa Rock is a unique inselberg wave-form structure located 18 km northeast of Minnipa. Composed of pink Hiltaba granites, it makes a great site for serious photographers, with a giant wave form said to rival Wave Rock in Western Australia, gnamma rockholes, decaying granite sheets and tafoni structures. Minnipa is 200 km east of Ceduna, plus another 18 km to Pildappa. Undercover shelters, free barbecues and toilets make it a great picnic spot.
Murphy's Haystacks
Murphy's Haystacks is located about 140 km southeast of Ceduna — another unique granite formation, with tafoni structures that make great photographs when the light is right. Reached by following the Flinders Highway about 40 km past Streaky Bay, then turning right onto the Calca–Point Labatt Road; after 1.6 km a picnic area comes into view. Well worth a rest stop if you're travelling anywhere along the west coast between Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay and Ceduna.
