Elliston - Top Tiny Tourist Town Award Nomination 2022
Situated on the shores of spectacular Waterloo Bay Elliston is known for its rugged, scenic coastline and as a great place for fishing, swimming, surfing and bush walking.
The town is ideal for families to visit and stay for a while with plenty on offer in the town and the wider District.
On arriving in Elliston, head to the Elliston Community and Visitor Information Centre where you can view the mural which encompasses the building and depicts the life of Elliston, taking in both the maritime and rich agricultural heritage. The mural was painted by the community under the guidance of renowned artists Siv Grava and John Turpie.
The staff at the Centre will assist you in planning your itinerary and also offer souvenirs, local art and craft produce, library services, book exchange, op shop and internet services.
You can obtain information on the history of Elliston township, the sculpture trail on the Clifftop Drive and any current events.
Next door to the Centre is the Trudinger Park Playground (named as a tribute to Dr Trudinger who served the community for over 18 years) and the newly constructed Pump Track. Both are within easy walking distance of the Centre so bring your bikes to try out the novice and intermediate tracks.
Stroll through the Elliston wetlands which have been developed to improve the aesthetics, increase biodiversity and provide an area for the natural flora and fauna to flourish in a natural functioning wetland.
The award winning Elliston Coastal Trail is 13.6 kilometres of walking, cycling and driving track spanning our spectacular cliff top coastline between Little Bay Surf Break and Cape Finniss. The trail can be experienced as a whole or via smaller trails: The Little Bay Trail, Clifftop Trail or Beach Loop.
The Recognition Sculpture is located at the beginning of the Trail and is an ideal place to spend a few minutes in reflection while enjoying the stunning water views.
From here you can access the Port Elliston Cemetery which offers an interesting insight to those early residents.
Follow the Trail through the town to Little Bay Beach where you can climb down the staircase and take a moment to search for shells and paddle in the clear waters, along the Esplanade and through to the historic Elliston Jetty.
The Jetty, 424 metres long, is heritage listed because of its steel pylons screwed directly into the sea floor using a horse drawn winch. Dusk is the time to catch a number of fish, including tommy ruff, squid, garfish and trevally.
Continue on to the Waterloo Bay Lookout which offers beautiful views that overlook the whole of Waterloo Bay. You may spot seals, dolphins or on occasions, whales from this spot.
At this time you can either return to the town to take the car on the next stage or continue on foot or by bicycle on the Clifftop Drive where you our artists display their sculpture creations including, osprey, salmon pole, Argo (a nautilus shell carved from granite) and more. The amazing sculpture trail is supplemented each year through a Sculpture Sponsorship Competition, run by the District Council.
From the Clifftop Drive you can also take in the superb views of the outlying islands, including Top Gallant Isles, Flinders Island, Pearson Island and part of Waldegrave Island. Bird Rock, Waterloo Bay, the Elliston township.
For the keen and experienced surfer (and mountain goat!), Blacks surf spot on the Clifftop Drive is a very popular site. It is best to speak to a local surfer about this spot, for your own safety and enjoyment.
Elliston boasts some excellent beaches including Walker’s Rock, which is part of the Lake Newland Conservation Park, just 13 kilometres from the town. Part of the Lake Newland Conservation Park, Walker’s Rock offers you the opportunity to swim, snorkel, surf and fish on one of the longest beaches on the West Coast. Access onto the beach is by 4WD, experienced drivers only.
Your accommodation hosts will greet you in true west coast fashion, whether you stay at the Elliston Apartments, Elliston Waterloo Bay Tourist Park, Elliston Caravan Park, one of the delightful holiday homes in town or campgrounds at Walker’s Rock and Sheringa. Each venue has its own special appeal and you are sure to find the ideal location.
Try Melita’s sourdough bread and Pim’s Pies, enjoy indian food from the Roadhouse or catch up with the locals at the Elliston Hotel. During the winter months the Elliston Sports Centre and Golf Club offer great home style meals.
Don’t forget to pack your camera along with beach wear and cycles – create great memories with your family to look back on and remember your visit to Elliston.