Streaky Bay
Eyre Peninsula
Streaky Bay has a similar history to the rest of the Eyre Peninsula when it was explored on land by Edward John Eyre in 1839. Edward John Eyre did however establish a small base a few kilometres out from what is now the Streaky Bay township that he used as a store for his overland expeditions to Point Bell. This site is known as Eyre's Waterhole and can still be seen today.
Pastoralists began moving into the area from 1854 and the town was officially proclaimed in 1872 by the name of Flinders. Wheat and wool were the major industries and were being exported from Streaky Bay by ship. It wasn't until 1940 when the name was changed to Streak Bay as it was always known and called this by the locals.
Today Streaky Bay has a population of around 1,000 and is a service centre for the surrounding farms. It also has a thriving aquaculture industry, both farmed and from the sea, from South Australian pacific oysters, abalone, King George Whiting and the list goes on.
Streaky Bay Attractions
Eyres Waterhole
Eyre's Waterhole can be found around 3 kms from Streaky Bay along the way to Murphy's Haystacks. This was originally used by Edward John Eyre as a store and watering point in 1839 for his overland explorations to Point Bell, and in 1940 to Albany. Today you can still see the waterhole, and it also makes for a pleasant picnic spot.
Murphy's Haystacks
39 kms South of Streaky Bay heading towards Port Lincoln is Murphy's Haystacks. The inselberg formation, or granite rocks, are made from pink Hiltaba granite and thought to be some 1,500 million years old.
There is a picnic area with undercover tables and chairs, and there are also toilets available.
Evans Oyster Shed Tour
As a part of Australia's Seafood & Aquaculture Trail, come in and see a demonstration of a working oyster shed. Here you will learn about the life-cycle of oysters and see a demonstration of an automated grading system, but most importantly you will get to sample the delicious Streaky Bay oyster.
Bookings are essential and they can be made at the Streaky Bay RTC & Visitor Information Outlet, phone (08) 8626 7033.
Point Labatt Conservation Park & Sea Lion Colony
Situated around 50 kms South of Streaky Bay on the Calca Peninsula is the Point Labatt Conservation Park. Here you will see Australia's only mainland permanent breeding colony for the sea lions. These sea lions are only found in Australia and are one of the rarest seals and Australia's most endangered marine mammals.
You can observe the sea lions from a viewing platform on the cliffs (it's very exposed so you may want to wear something warm), as well as New Zealand Fur seals. Take a close look at the backs and tails of the sea lions as some will have scars from fights or shark attacks.
Note that camping and access to the aquatic reserve are prohibited to help protect the animals in their natural habitat.
Point Labatt Conservation Park
Baird Bay
50 kms South of Streaky Bay is Baird Bay, a small fishing village with a sheltered inlet lined by cliffs and beaches on the shallow Western arm of Anxious Bay. Baird Bay is known for its safe swimming beaches, along with recreational fishing from the beach or in the boat, you could try some bush walking and bird watching, or just simply relax on the beach.
What Baird Bay is becoming most famous for though is the opportunity to swim with sea lions and dolphins. Baird Bay Charters and Ocean Eco Tours offer you the opportunity to swim with the sea lions and dolphins in their natural habitat. Check out their website for details.
Streaky Bay Weather - Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg. Max (°C) | 29.2 | 29.0 | 27.2 | 23.6 | 20.1 | 17.2 | 16.4 | 17.5 | 16.4 | 17.5 | 20.2 | 22.8 |
| Avg. Min (°C) | 16.0 | 16.0 | 14.7 | 12.7 | 10.8 | 9.0 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.9 | 11.4 | 13.3 | 14.9 |
| Avg. Rain (mm) | 10.7 | 13.7 | 14.5 | 24.0 | 45.9 | 62.0 | 60.8 | 50.4 | 35.3 | 26.1 | 18.9 | 14.6 |
| Avg. Rain Days | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.1 | 6.9 | 11.7 | 14.2 | 15.8 | 14.1 | 10.8 | 8.1 | 5.5 | 4.2 |