Elliston & Surrounds

South of Elliston, Locks Well offers one of those views that stays with you. A 283 step staircase leads down to a secluded stretch of beach, a favourite spot for keen fishers. Nearby, Cummings Monument at Kiana is well worth the detour, and the camping and beach at Sheringa are a great spot to set up for a few days, with bookings required online. If you're chasing something truly off-grid, Flinders Island Eco Escape delivers the ultimate private island experience. You can read about their conservation focused safe haven project here.

Further northwest of Elliston, Venus Bay and Port Kenny offer an easy going coastal escape where life slows down in the best possible way. Port Kenny is known for its classic country pub, serving up fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere, especially when there is live music on. Just off the highway, Venus Bay is a popular holiday destination, with the Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park, which also houses the local Post Office, takeaway and gift shop, and the General Store offering takeaway, meals and supplies. Keep an eye out for local Western King Prawns from the West Coast Prawn Fishery on the menu. While you are in town, take a moment to see Pauly the Pelican, a much loved statue that honours a local fishing family, whose story continues today with the family still running vessels out of Venus Bay. Wander the South Head Walking Trail for sweeping coastal views, visit the striking Needle Eye rock formation, or spend your days fishing, boating and enjoying the water.

The Elliston Coastal Trail spans 13.6 km along the clifftop between Little Bay Surf Break and Cape Finnis. The trail can be explored on foot or by car, offering spectacular coastal views at every turn. If 13 km feels like too much, the trail can easily be experienced in sections, with the Clifftop Trail at 6.5 km, the Beach Loop at 5.7 km and the Little Bay Trail at 2.4 km. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, with parking available at key points. Large sculptures are dotted along the trail, including the giant pair of thongs and the distinctive head sculptures, providing great photo opportunities. The Recognition Sculpture at Little Bay Surf Break is also a significant stop. It recognises the massacre of Indigenous people at Waterloo Bay and offers a place for quiet reflection on our shared history.

Between Elliston and Venus Bay lies Talia, where the coastline really shows off. Before heading out to explore, it's worth checking tides and conditions, as this stretch can be unpredictable and safety should always come first. About 40km northwest of Elliston, you will find The Woolshed, a large cavern carved into the granite cliffs by relentless wave action. A walkway and steps lead to viewing areas where you can take in its honeycombed ceiling, dark crevices and nearby blowholes. It is an impressive sight, best appreciated from above, as the terrain inside the cave is steep and can be dangerous. Not far away, the Tub is another striking formation, a vast crater in the cliff connected to the sea by a tunnel and shaped over time by the same powerful forces. It is a favourite for those seeking a bit of adventure when conditions allow, with views extending south along Talia Beach. The surrounding coastline is just as rewarding, with Talia Beach stretching around 20 km toward Walker's Rock and offering excellent beach and rock fishing. At low tide, nearby rockpools create natural "mini bathtubs", while the sand dunes behind the beach provide space to explore or try sandboarding.