The South Australia’s wilderness escape for adventurous spirits
G’day, intrepid travelers! Prepare to venture into the heart of nowhere, a place so remote it makes you question if it’s a dot on the map or just a mirage in the vast Australian outback. Welcome to Fowlers Bay in South Australia, a town where emus outnumber humans, the local pub doubles as the community hub, and the stars throw a nightly celestial gala.
As we were making our way up the Eyre Peninsula’s west coast we decided to spend a couple of days in Fowlers bay to rest before the big drive through the Nullarbor. From the moment we saw the few house scattered around this breathtaking landscape we knew this place was long forgotten by most people in Australia and most probably in the entire world.
Fowlers Bay, or as the locals affectionately call it, “The Emu’s Roost,” is a haven for those seeking an offbeat adventure far from the beaten track. Here, the emus hold the keys to the town, strolling through the streets with an air of nonchalant authority. Engage in a staring contest with these avian locals, and you might just find yourself enlisted in an impromptu dance-off – consider it a rite of passage.
The Fowlers Bay Pub, a rustic watering hole that’s more community center than ale dispenser, is where the stories flow as freely as the beer. Locals gather to share tales of fishing triumphs that could rival Hemingway’s adventures, off-road escapades that border on the mythical, and the day the wind blew so hard it rearranged the town’s tumbleweed decor. If the walls of this pub could talk, they’d have enough material for a soap opera that would make “Days of Our Lives” seem mundane.
Our first night was a little rough as we the campground offer limited protection to the blasted south easterly winds and even if we were tucked away in a corner next to the camp kitchen we had to rent an small studio for the following nights. After nearly a month on the road this was a treat well deserved and we finally got to truly embrace the beauty of this place.
The beaches of Fowlers Bay stretch endlessly, offering a windswept paradise for those seeking solitude by the sea. Be prepared for an exfoliation session courtesy of the relentless coastal winds – sand in places you didn’t know existed is practically a badge of honor. The town’s unofficial mascot, sand, follows you everywhere, a gritty reminder of the untamed beauty that defines Fowlers Bay.
As the sun bids adieu, Fowlers Bay transforms into an astronomical wonderland. With minimal light pollution, stargazing becomes a nightly ritual. Lay back, pick out constellations, and let the cosmos be your canvas. You might find yourself pondering life’s mysteries while wondering if the emus are gazing at the same celestial spectacle.
For the adventurous souls with a four-wheel-drive spirit, Fowlers Bay is an off-road playground that leads to destinations unknown. Follow dusty tracks that seem to lead to the middle of nowhere – and they probably do. It’s a journey where you might discover hidden gems or find yourself in a standoff with a curious kangaroo. It’s all part of the Fowlers Bay charm – the charm of unpredictability.
We were only brave enough to navigate through the dunes by foot and tried our luck at sliding down the dunes with one of the board found at the campsite reception. Lots of fun and definitely a great cardio exercise. Take a hike in the sand dunes and explore the natural beauty of this long lost paradise, the view from the top is definitely worth it.
So, fellow wanderers, pack your sense of humor, your best emu dance moves, and a willingness to embrace the dusty and delightful. Fowlers Bay awaits, a town where emus rule, the pub is the town therapist, and the stars throw a nightly soiree. Cheers to the wild, the windswept, and the downright emu-tastic Fowlers Bay!
Forever Traveling, Claire & Chris.
What to do in Fowlers Bay:
- Surf down the sand dunes: Or at least try to climb it up! This for sure the most exercise you will get down here but it comes with a heck of a view ! and if you’re lucky you might find yourself sliding down the dune next to a bush chook.
- Fishing from the old jetty: Get ready to fight with the wind but this spot is great if you want to enjoy fresh calamaris for diner. A stunning view of the sand dunes in the background and the open ocean ahead, even if you don’t catch anything you’ll still feel good down here.
- 4wding tracks: Fowlers Bay is the open door to a world of sand dunes and 4wd tracks running along the coastline. We unfortunately weren’t ready for this kind of tracks at the time we visited Fowlers Bay but we will definitely be back down here some day to check it out. You can find a little more info here.
- Enjoy the peace and serenity: It may be very windy during the day but when night comes the sky light up and everything else feels very insignificant all of a sudden. This is the kind of place where writers would come isolate to give birth to their best seller, a forgotten rock facing the south easterlies in an endless duel.
Greetings from 
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