Cycle touring the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia: Streaky Bay to Venus Bay (80-81kms)
November 17th 2006 04:05
The wind flogged us again on this ride. We were grateful when the open paddocks and sparse vegetation became bushland and the rolling hills evened out slightly. The road seemed a little smoother too.
Murphy's Haystacks are two kilometres off the Flinders Highway around 40kms South East of Streaky Bay. It's a steep climb but worth the effort to see these wave-like bulbous granite boulders which were once mistaken for haystacks (hence the name). I reckon the person who mistook them must have needed coke-bottle thick glasses but see what you think. There are toilets and shady tables for a picnic.
Soon after Murphy's Haystacks, grain silos appear on the left hand side. It's the first sign that a township may be ahead. Port Kenny is around 65kms from Streaky Bay. There is a WC and a general store but the latter was shut when we arrived. On the way out of town is a combined service station and takeaway with pleasant looking campsites, should you wish to stay.
I would recommend turning off the Flinders Highway and heading down to Venus Bay. The road doubles back on itself as it follows the curve of the bay with great views of the water. This is one dead end worth the effort! Venus Bay is beautiful. The Southern Venus Bay Caravan Park has beachfront tent sites for $15AUS/2pax/night with a primitive camp kitchen for cooking. Venus Bay has a General Store that sells wicked coffees with a view.
I would thoroughly recommend doing the South Head Walking Trail. We watched dolphins play in the waters, brushed past hot pink and sizzling red jewelled samphire, watched a sea eagle shred and digest a fish and enjoyed the breeze at the needle lookout.
Click here for more stories about the Eyre Peninsula
Murphy's Haystacks are two kilometres off the Flinders Highway around 40kms South East of Streaky Bay. It's a steep climb but worth the effort to see these wave-like bulbous granite boulders which were once mistaken for haystacks (hence the name). I reckon the person who mistook them must have needed coke-bottle thick glasses but see what you think. There are toilets and shady tables for a picnic.
Me being blown to bits at Murphy's Haystacks
Soon after Murphy's Haystacks, grain silos appear on the left hand side. It's the first sign that a township may be ahead. Port Kenny is around 65kms from Streaky Bay. There is a WC and a general store but the latter was shut when we arrived. On the way out of town is a combined service station and takeaway with pleasant looking campsites, should you wish to stay.
This is the view from our tentsite at Venus Bay
I would recommend turning off the Flinders Highway and heading down to Venus Bay. The road doubles back on itself as it follows the curve of the bay with great views of the water. This is one dead end worth the effort! Venus Bay is beautiful. The Southern Venus Bay Caravan Park has beachfront tent sites for $15AUS/2pax/night with a primitive camp kitchen for cooking. Venus Bay has a General Store that sells wicked coffees with a view.
Jewelled Samphire on South Head Walk Venus Bay
I would thoroughly recommend doing the South Head Walking Trail. We watched dolphins play in the waters, brushed past hot pink and sizzling red jewelled samphire, watched a sea eagle shred and digest a fish and enjoyed the breeze at the needle lookout.
Click here for more stories about the Eyre Peninsula
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