Best things to do in Tumby Bay on your next road trip
|
|
Time to read 8 min
|
|
Time to read 8 min
The essential takeaway: Tumby Bay blends rare marine encounters with vibrant street art, creating an unmissable Eyre Peninsula stopover. Beyond diving for the elusive Leafy Sea Dragon and admiring massive silo murals, this coastal gem offers authentic charm and accessible nature walks, perfectly complementing a road trip to nearby Port Lincoln.
Are you craving a genuine coastal escape where the pace finally slows down? Exploring the relaxed things to do in Tumby Bay reveals a perfect mix of street art and unique marine life. From rare leafy sea dragons to the ultimate spot for your morning flat white, get ready to uncover the region's best-kept secrets.
Start with the Underwater and Oversized Art
Explore the Coastline and Local History
Plan Your Eyre Peninsula Road Trip
Whether you're looking for exhilarating hikes along dramatic cliffs, peaceful woodland walks, or serene moments on white sandy beaches, Lincoln National Park offers unforgettable experiences. The park overlooks Boston Bay, Australia's largest natural harbour, and features iconic spots like Stamford Hill with panoramic views, the wind-sculpted Sleaford-Wanna sand dunes, and locations such as Spalding Cove and Donington Point.
Explore trails for all fitness levels, enjoy camping in designated areas, fish at Sleaford Bay, or encounter wildlife like emus and sea eagles. Entry is free until April 2026, making now the perfect time to discover the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area and experience this remarkable destination firsthand.
Most people assume the Tumby Bay jetty is just for fishing, but they are missing the real show happening right beneath the planks.
I’m talking about the Leafy Sea Dragons. Spotting one is a rare Eyre Peninsula privilege and honestly the main reason serious divers put Tumby Bay on their map.
You can’t list things to do in Tumby Bay without driving over to the Colour Tumby Silo Art in nearby Cummins.
These aren't just paintings; they are giants. The street art scene here has totally changed the vibe of the region. If you want a photo that screams "South Australia road trip," this is exactly where you need to be standing.
The massive grain silos in nearby Cummins.
Colourful murals scattered.
The annual Colour Tumby Street Art Festival (dates vary).
But the art and marine life are just the start. The real vibe—and one of the best things to do in Tumby Bay—is discovered by walking its coastline and touching its past.
The Tumby Bay Mangrove Boardwalk is an effortless, scenic stroll. It is fully accessible, so you can easily push a stroller or wheelchair through the quiet greenery without any trouble.
Then there is the jetty. It serves as a dive spot, but fishing is the real draw. Casting a line for King George Whiting is a classic local activity you must try.
The Tumby Bay National Trust Museum acts as a small, genuine time capsule of the region.
It is the kind of authentic spot that tells the pioneer story, far from glossy tourist exhibits. It captures the coastal town's soul. The Koppio Smithy Museum is another historic option nearby if you want more.
Relaxing on Ski Beach or Salt Creek Beach.
Fishing for King George Whiting from the jetty.
Birdwatching along the foreshore trail.
Tumby Bay is a killer base, but it’s also the perfect starting point to explore a little further.
While ticking off the best things to do in Tumby Bay, don't ignore its neighbor. Port Lincoln is just a 34-minute drive away and totally worth the detour.
It offers a vibrant energy that perfectly complements Tumby’s chill vibe. Trust me, this quick trip pays off.
Heading that way? There’s one non-negotiable stop for your caffeine fix. Seriously, do not skip this.
L’ Anse French Café serves authentic flat whites and flaky pastries without the tourist trap feel. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and soak up the local lifestyle.
Activity Type |
Best For… |
Location |
| Marine Life | Spotting the unique Leafy Sea Dragon | Tumby Bay Jetty |
| Public Art | Instagram-worthy giant murals | Cummins & Tumby Bay |
| Coastal Walk | Easy and accessible nature stroll | Mangrove Boardwalk |
| Local Brunch | Authentic coffee and pastries | L’Anse French Café in Port Lincoln |
From vibrant silo art to quiet mangrove boardwalks, Tumby Bay offers the perfect slow-travel pace. It’s an essential stop on your Eyre Peninsula road trip to connect with local life. Take your time exploring these hidden gems, then continue south to Port Lincoln to refuel with exceptional coffee and fresh pastries.
Absolutely, especially if you are looking to slow down and escape the usual tourist traps. It is an authentic coastal gem where you can combine unique experiences like spotting the elusive Leafy Sea Dragon under the jetty with viewing world-class street art. It is the kind of place that feels genuine and unhurried.
Beyond the vibe, it serves as a fantastic base for exploring the Eyre Peninsula. You get the quiet charm of a small town while being just a short drive from the culinary delights of Port Lincoln. It is definitely worth adding to your road trip itinerary for a few days of relaxation.
The town is a brilliant mix of oversized art and underwater wonders. The "Colour Tumby" Silo Art is the headline act, offering a massive, Instagram-worthy mural that defines the landscape. For a touch of history, the National Trust Museum offers a deep dive into the region's pioneer past without feeling overwhelming.
Nature lovers have plenty to do, from walking the accessible Mangrove Boardwalk to snorkeling around the jetty. If you are a foodie, use Tumby as your launchpad to hit up nearby spots like Anse French Café in Port Lincoln for a proper brunch and a flat white.
Yes, the calm waters around the bay are great for a refreshing dip, particularly near the jetty and along the main foreshore. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors to cool off, snorkel, or just float around on a sunny afternoon.
Just remember that this is the Southern Ocean, so the water can be a bit crisp! It is perfect for waking you up before you head out for a coffee or a lazy afternoon exploring the coastline.
"Lovely little French cafe. Owner was super lovely. Food was tasty and the pancakes looked like a work of art! Coffee was great also! We came around 11am and a lot of the pastries were sold out and we managed to get the last serving of pancakes. So suggest going earlier if you want to try all the options. At 11.30 you can order some savoury options. Would definitely recommend!"
"The perfection of the croissants and cafe took me straight back to a renowned Boulangerie in Dijon. To mix it up a bit i had a raspberry croissant which you would expect in a Pâtisserie. Do take the time to indulge as it is truly worth it. C'est absolument délicieux!"
"Never thought a simple croissant could make me come back two days in a row, and even take a few to-go before leaving Port Lincoln! If you're visiting, this place is a must-try. Every dish is delicious, but don't miss the croissants – they're a game changer! The Chili Scrambled Eggs are creamy with just the right amount of spice, and the Truffle Mushroom is perfectly rich and savory. The Croissant Madame is an absolute feast with truffle sauce, cheese, and a runny egg. Make sure to arrive early, as they're always busy!"
"A charming French patisserie with absolutely delightful and flavorful creations! The croissants are also truly fabulous: light and full of taste. The service is warm and personal, making every visit feel special. I treated myself here for three days in a row and each time was pure joy. Many heartfelt thanks and see you again soon!"
"We recently had breakfast while staying in Port Lincoln. It was amazing! I had the best scrambled eggs I had ever eaten and hubby had the breakfast board and he was very satisfied, although he also ate half of mine as they were very generous servings. We also purchased 4 of their award winning croissants and they were also delicious. If you are visiting Port Lincoln do yourself a favour and stop in."
"The new spring menu is out and it is absolutely delicious!!! 5 stars just doesn't seem enough to give as a review!! My personal favourite is the Nduja & Fennel Sausage Ragu pasta! A great amount of heat with out of this world flavor. My husband raved about the Smoked Fish Croquette, and that bearnaise sauce deserves a standing ovation! The Pistachio cube is heaven on earth, that pairs beautifully with a hot coffee. Both of the owners Grace and Marvin go out of their way to make you feel welcome!"
"Always amazing! Every visit feels special. The food is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, and the coffee is rich and perfectly made. What really makes this café stand out is the people, Pierre and Brendon went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and cared for. Their kindness, genuine smiles, and attention to detail made our time here unforgettable. Thank you for making every visit such a pleasure!"
"A Port Lincoln must do!! Probably the most delicious croissant and pan au chocolat I've had other than in Paris. I've been to Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne and Sydney and these were far better! Flaky, buttery deliciousness. Coffee was good too. If you're after a quick takeaway coffee and croissant you won't get better. You can also see the pastry chef working the laminator through the window in store. 10/10."
"The perfect gem in Port Lincoln! Excellent quality, one of the best croissants in Australia, and absolutely delicious vegetarian options. Great concept all along - the team definitely deserve their multiple awards"
"A French Bakery......like kryptonite to Superman 😄 breakfast of Kings not to be missed. Once you've conquered the full fat delicious breaky you must take some pastry souvenirs 😋 Service was great, venue cosy and the star food sensational!!"