Tumby Bay: Street Art and Sea Breezes
We rolled into Tumby Bay on our way toward the busier pace of Port Lincoln, and it turned out to be the soft landing we didn’t know we needed. The town has an easy calm to it. Wide streets, sea breeze drifting through, and a feeling that no one here is in much of a hurry.
The old jetty might be closed these days, but it still pulls you in. Its long timber frame stretches into the bay like a line drawn across the water, perfect for photos in the shifting morning light. We weren’t the only ones trying to find the sweet spot; every angle makes the water look clearer, and the sky look bigger.
The real surprise was the street art. Tumby Bay has built a bit of a reputation for it, and it’s well earned. Murals pop up around corners, along shopfronts, down side streets with bright colours, quiet details, and big coastal themes. The whole town feels like it’s curated with a light hand. We wandered slowly, letting each piece reveal itself, and loved how the art gives the town a sense of personality without shouting for attention.
Later in the day, we ducked inland to Yeldulknie Weir. Once the town’s water supply, it’s now a peaceful place for a walk. Open sky, quiet tracks, and a sense of space that settles you without trying. It’s an easy detour and worth the few minutes’ drive.
Tumby Bay gave us a gentle start to this stretch of the Eyre Peninsula. creative, calm, and quietly beautiful. We didn’t rush it, and the town rewarded us for slowing down.
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Tumby Bay
A coastal town on the Eyre Peninsula known for murals, calm beaches, and that classic South Australian light. Simple, welcoming, and a good spot to pause before pushing on to busier places.
How to Get There
Tumby Bay sits on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, about 50 km north of Port Lincoln. It’s an easy run along the Lincoln Highway with sealed access the whole way.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Checked out the closed Tumby Bay Jetty for photos.
Walked the town to see the murals.
Tumby Bay silo art (located north of town, near the highway).
Visited Yeldulknie Weir for a quiet inland wander.
Other highlights nearby:
Foreshore walking trail along the bay.
Local history museum (seasonal).
Fishing spots along the coast.
Nearby coastal towns like Port Neill for more quiet beaches.
When to Visit
Late summer to early autumn gives the clearest water and calmest days. Winter brings crisp mornings and good light for photography. Like much of the Eyre, the weather can swing quickly, so pack for a range.
Final Thoughts
Tumby Bay doesn’t try to impress you; it simply is what it is. Easy, colourful, welcoming. A slow stop that settles under your skin in its own quiet way.
What’s Nearby
From here, the road leads south into Port Lincoln’s seafood buzz or north toward the quieter pace of the mid-Eyre. Plenty of small towns, viewpoints, and detours are worth taking.
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Fast Facts
Location: Tumby Bay, SA
Distance: 50 km north of Port Lincoln
Traditional Owners: Barngarla People
Access: Fully sealed via Lincoln Highway
Facilities: Shops, bakery, fuel, caravan park, foreshore facilities
Walking Track: Foreshore paths and Yeldulknie Weir trails
Dog Friendly: Yes, in town and along the foreshore
Best Time to Visit: Summer–autumn for beach days
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Pelicans: They stare into your soul and want your chips.
The Jetty Breeze: Strong enough to test your hat loyalty.
Art Appreciation Overload: Easy to lose track of time in front of the murals.
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