Cleve & Surrounds

Just out of Cleve, Yeldulknie Conservation Park is a bit of a local gem—where mallee woodlands, winding trails and the occasional surprise waterfall come together. Home to the much-loved "Waterfall Walk," this easy 4km return hike (starting from Mangalo Road) is especially rewarding after rain, when the creek and falls spring to life.

The park also ties in beautifully with the heritage-listed Yeldulknie Weir—explore it by car, wander the self-guided Heritage Walking Trail, or take the 5km Weir Trail for a little extra adventure. With plenty of tracks, picnic and BBQ facilities, and even camping by donation, it's an easy place to linger a little longer.

From there, keep the day rolling with a stop at the nearby Darke Peak Hotel for a dose of classic Aussie pub culture, or tackle the Darke Peak Range track for sweeping views across the countryside.

Arno Bay is less than a 20-minute drive away from Cleve and is a popular destination with locals too. It's a peaceful place to get away from it all, with sandy beaches, great fishing (it's the home of the South Australian Kingfish) and an award-winning mangrove boardwalk. This is the place to bring a book and disconnect from it all – grab a takeaway coffee or fish and chips from the local Jetty Café and stop by Redbanks Beach to breathe in the sea air.

Back in Cleve, keep an eye out for the town's quirky collection of life-sized sculptures crafted from reclaimed metal by local farmer and artist Peter "Turtle" Crosby—meet Bonny the Clydesdale, Redgie the Wedgie and Rodney the Roo, and there's more. Don't forget to snap a photo with these much-loved local characters. 

It’s not a secret but it’s definitely one of the lesser-known spots on the Eyre Peninsula – the Arno Bay Estuary Boardwalk is an incredible example of the diverse nature in the region. Follow the boardwalk as it meanders through dense mangroves, mudflats and grass habitats. Take your towel and swim in the creek or go a step further and bring the kayaks. There are also seating areas for picnics and spots to stop and fish. The boardwalk itself is wheelchair accessible and is constantly being upgraded with recycled plastic products to improve its longevity. Did we mention its award-winning?

The view from the top of Carappee Hill is spectacular, because it’s the highest point on the Eyre Peninsula! Overlooking rolling farmland, you can see the seasonal change that occurs by visiting at different times of the year. It’s just a 4km hike return, but with a steep incline, so keep that in mind if you want to conquer the summit. The trail is marked but keep an eye out for the start of the trail when driving on Carappee Hill Road as it can be hard to spot. When you reach the top of the hill, don’t forget to add your name to the visitor’s book!