Baird Bay South Australia |
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The isolated waters of Baird Bay
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Coordinates | 33°05′S 134°13′E / 33.083°S 134.217°ECoordinates: 33°05′S 134°13′E / 33.083°S 134.217°E |
Postcode(s) | 5671 |
Elevation | 1 m (3 ft) |
Location | 50 km (31 mi) South West of Streaky Bay |
LGA(s) | District Council of Streaky Bay |
State electorate(s) | Flinders |
Federal Division(s) | Grey |
Baird Bay (formerly Beard's Bay) is a small fishing village located 50 kilometres (31 miles) South of Streaky Bay on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. It is situated on the east coast of a bay named Baird Bay which opens into the north end of Anxious Bay.
The towns and the associated bay are named after James Baird, who settled on the shores of Anxious Bay in 1850 before being speared by local Aboriginals on 2 November 1850.
Although the township is small, Baird Bay has garnered considerable tourist attention due to its Australian sea lion colony, with local tour guides giving interactive swimming sessions with the sea lions and dolphins. This has become one of the main tourist attractions on the Eyre Peninsula. The isolated town has very limited facilities, with only a few houses, a camping ground and boat ramp. The nearest town for supplies is Streaky Bay, around 50 kilometres (31 miles) away.
The remote waters of Baird Bay are also excellent for recreational fishing, as well as a number of other water based activities such scuba diving and snorkelling.