Cleve & Surrounds

Take the self-guided Heritage Walking Trail to discover the area’s history, visit the heritage listed Yeldulknie Weir by car, or follow the 5km Yeldulknie Weir Trail there and get some exercise on the way. There are plenty of trails scattered around the weir, and you can enjoy the lovely picnic and BBQ facilities as well as camp by donation.

The nearby Darke Peak Hotel is a great place to visit for some traditional Aussie pub culture, and it’s also an ideal stop while on the way to or from Carappee Hill, the highest point in the region. For 4X4 enthusiasts, the Darke Peak Range track gets progressively more difficult and will give you excellent views over the surrounding 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.

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!

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?