Ceduna
Eyre Peninsula
Ceduna has a European history dating back to the 1600's when the Dutch maritime chartered the area in search of trade opportunities. In the 1850's Ceduna, then known as Murat Bay, was home to a whaling station where the captured whales were brought ashore and processed. In wasn't until 1901 that Ceduna was declared a town, and a further 14 years before the railway reached there.
The traditional owners of the country around Ceduna were the Aboriginal people of the Wirangu, Kokatha and Mirning languages. Before white settlement, aborigines called this place chedoona, meaning resting place, which is apt for those who have just traversed the Nullarbor Desert.
Found on the western edge of the Eyre Peninsula, Ceduna is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Here you can immerse yourself in all the region has to offer, relax on the secluded beaches, watch the whales play with their young under the cliffs, go for a surf , try your skill at fishing or go for a leisurely stroll along the coastal cliffs.
Driving distance to Ceduna is approximately 770kms from Adelaide, or a 90 minute flight from Adelaide airport.
Ceduna Attractions
Oyster Growing Farms
If you love Oysters then make sure you take the short trip up to Denial Bay. Here you can sample freshly harvested locally grown Pacific Oysters straight from the farm, and while you are there ask the growers if tours of the Oyster Nursery Beds are available.
Encounter Walking Trail
The Encounter Walking Trail is a 4 km one way walking trail that follows the coast. The trail begins at the Ceduna Sailing Club and heads to Pinky Point Lookout, located in nearby Thevenard. There are 2 viewing platforms along the trail, with the second one being at the end point, and car parking is available at both ends.
Yumbarra Conservation Park
30 kms north of Ceduna is the Yumbarra Conservation Park, a large area of rolling sand dunes. The area is renowned for its rock holes that fill after rain, and there are walking trails that will take you through interesting areas.
Within the park you can also travel along Goog's Track, a 4WD track that will take you to Goog's Lake and Mount Finke, and further on if you desire. Make sure you and your car are well equipped as it is a sand track.
Smoky Bay
About 40 kms South East of Ceduna is Smoky Bay, a pretty seaside town with good fishing and safe sandy beaches. If Oysters is your thing, then once again you may want to visit Smoky Bay as they are renowned for their top quality Pacific Oysters.
There is also an old whaling camp just North of Pt Collinson where you can see a dry stone wall that was once connected to a blubber processing site.
Cactus Beach
If you are a serious surfer, then 94 kms west of Ceduna is Cactus Beach. With three perfect surfing breaks, Castles and Cactus (both left hand breaks) and Caves (a powerful right hand break), surfers come from all over Australia and the world to surf these breaks.
For those of you who aren't into surfing, then the area around Cactus Beach is a great place to explore the sand dunes and Blue Lake.
Ceduna Weather - Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg. Max (°C) | 28.5 | 28.2 | 26.7 | 24.2 | 20.9 | 18.2 | 17.4 | 18.6 | 21.4 | 23.8 | 26.9 | 27.2 |
| Avg. Min (°C) | 15.1 | 15.0 | 13.1 | 10.7 | 8.5 | 6.4 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 7.8 | 9.9 | 12.2 | 14.0 |
| Avg. Rain (mm) | 11.6 | 13.0 | 16.1 | 19.5 | 32.5 | 35.0 | 39.6 | 35.0 | 27.8 | 25.7 | 20.0 | 20.8 |
| Avg. Rain Days | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 7.1 | 10.3 | 10.8 | 12.9 | 11.9 | 9.6 | 7.8 | 5.8 | 5.2 |