Eyre Peninsula Early Beginnings
Aboriginal people have populated the Eyre Peninsula for many thousands of years, from the desert dwellers in the far west of the Peninsula to the coastal inhabitants.
There are many dreaming stories about the development of the culture, unique geology and wildlife. This oral history has been passed down through many generations. Currently there are many language groups in the region with the four major population centres of Aboriginal people being Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Yalata and Koonibba.
The local Aboriginal population continues to make a substantial contribution to the Eyre Peninsula communities; this includes business, land management, arts, sport and cultural activities. Today there are three Aboriginal owned and operated tourism experiences on Eyre Peninsula.
Kuju Arts and Crafts Gallery (Port Lincoln) Kuju is an art workshop open to the public, and has authentic Aboriginal art and crafts for sale. The artists work on the site so visitors can meet with them, view their artwork and ask questions. The art ranges from small craft items, jewellery to silk canvas paintings both framed and unframed.
Several successful exhibitions have been held with many artworks purchased by collectors both nationally and internationally.
Ceduna Aboriginal Arts & Culture Centre
Authentic Aboriginal and contemporary arts are available at the Ceduna Aboriginal Arts & Culture Centre. On display is an extensive range of Aboriginal arts, including original paintings, quality didgeridoos, boomerangs and gifts created and supplied by local urban and traditional Aboriginal artists.
Head of Bight
Whale watching at Head of Bight, on the Yalata Aboriginal lands, is recognised as one of South Australia's key tourism attractions. The viewing platforms and boardwalks are on the top of the Bunder Cliffs that stand 70 metres straight up from the ocean. Each year, pods of up to 100 Southern Right Whales gather in the area as part of their annual migration.
Head of Bight is about 300 kilometres west of Ceduna on the edge of the Nullarbor Plain. Head of Bight has an Interpretive Centre, ablution facilities and parking available for standard vehicles and caravans. Opening hours are 8am-5pm between May and October. Admission is payable at theInterpretive Centre.
Download a map
See the fascinating Aboriginal Language Group map for the Eyre Peninsula [PDF 1.9 mb].
Take a Tour
Experience more of Aboriginal South Australia on a tour - see our Aboriginal Tours page for details and great ideas.
