Tour South Coffin Bay - Oyster, Off-road Sightseeing 4WD Full-day Tour

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Pull on waders and walk out into a Coffin Bay oyster farm, learn to shuck, and eat oysters straight from the water, then spend the rest of the day by 4WD in Coffin Bay National Park among white beaches, limestone cliffs, sand dunes and wild emus.

Days

Full day, about 8 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Small group, 7-seat 4WD

Start / finish

Coffin Bay / Coffin Bay National Park / Coffin Bay
Coffin Bay, around 4:30pm

Return

Coffin Bay, around 4:30pm

Transport

Air-conditioned 4WD with pick-up in Coffin Bay

Meals

Oyster tasting and seafood lunch

Route

Map of Tour South Coffin Bay - Oyster, Off-road Sightseeing 4WD Full-day Tour

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Included experiences

Coffin Bay oyster farm — walk out in waders and shuck fresh oysters
Golden Island lookout — view over the island and reef
Gunyah Beach track — 4WD through big sand dunes to a remote beach
Sand dunes — optional sandboarding from the top
Coffin Bay National Park — wild emus, sea eagles and white beaches

Tour South Coffin Bay - Oyster, Off-road Sightseeing 4WD Full-day Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: PICK-UP IN COFFIN BAY

Your guide collects you from your Coffin Bay accommodation at about 8:30am, after a call the day before to confirm the time. You travel in a small group in an air-conditioned 7-seat 4WD with binoculars on board. Coffin Bay got its name from Matthew Flinders, who charted this coast in 1802 and named the bay after his friend Sir Isaac Coffin of the Royal Navy, not for anything gloomy. The town sits on a maze of sheltered inlets where the cold, clean Southern Ocean water flushes in and out with the tide, which is exactly what oysters need.

THE OYSTER FARM

This is the part most people come for. At the oyster farm you hear how Coffin Bay's wild native oyster beds were fished out long ago, and how the farms today raise Pacific oysters on racks and in baskets in the shallows, where the tides bring them their food. Then you pull on waders and walk out among the leases yourself. Your guide shows you how to shuck, with the knife in at the hinge and a twist, and you eat oysters taken straight out of the water a few metres away. A seafood lunch is part of the day as well.

COFFIN BAY NATIONAL PARK

Next the 4WD heads into Coffin Bay National Park, on the peninsula west of town, running along a turquoise coast and rugged limestone cliffs. Stop on fine white sand to dip your toes in the water, and look out from the Golden Island lookout over the island and the reef below. Keep the binoculars handy: pied oystercatchers work the tideline, Pacific gulls carry the heaviest bill of any Australian gull, and white-bellied sea eagles, with a wingspan of up to two metres, ride the wind above the cliffs.

AFTERNOON: GUNYAH BEACH DUNES AND THE EMUS

The off-road part of the day follows the Gunyah Beach track through big, soft sand dunes to a remote surf beach on the Southern Ocean side. Want to try sandboarding? Ask your guide and you can ride down from the top. Coffin Bay is one of the best places in Australia to see wild emus, in the park and even wandering the streets of town. In spring the fathers lead their striped chicks around, since male emus sit on the eggs and raise the young alone. You're back at your accommodation at about 4:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Coffin Bay accommodation. The guide confirms the time and place the day before.
Departure time: Around 8:30am, back around 4:30pm.
Suits: All ages, including families. At the oyster farm you walk in the water wearing waders.
Please note: Small groups travel in a 7-seat 4WD. Sandboarding is optional and on request.

What to bring

Jacket, as it is often windy on the Lincoln coast
Hat
Water bottle
Sneakers or hiking shoes

What is included

Pick-up and drop-off at your Coffin Bay accommodation
Small-group 4WD tour with a local guide
Oyster farm visit in waders, with shucking and oyster tasting
Seafood lunch
Use of binoculars
Air-conditioned vehicle

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.