Sceale Bay

Sceale Bay, South Australia

Sceale Bay (pronounced "Scale Bay") is a small town 32 km south of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. With a permanent population of only 28, the town's numbers increase by threefold over the summer holiday period. The town is primarily an isolated holiday destination, with nothing in the way of commerce or industry occurring in its bounds.

History

The town was initially proclaimed under the name of Yanera in October 1888, but had been earlier named Sceale Bay by Captain Bloomfield Douglas of the Royal Navy, therefore most people continued calling it by that name. Yanera was officially renamed Sceale Bay in 1940. A jetty was built to service the coastal traders in 1910, but despite a fierce fight to save it, was demolished in 1972.

Geography

The township of Sceale Bay lies on the bay of the same name. The protected waters of the bay have long sandy beaches with minimal swell. However the exposed coast surrounding the bay feels the full force of the Southern Ocean swells. Cliffs and diverse rock formations can be found on the coast bordering the bay. Inland is highly unremarkable for the most part, with agricultural land dominating the scenery. Murphy's Haystacks are only a few minutes drive form the township.

In July 2006, Sceale Bay Conservation Park was established to aid in the protection of native flora and fauna, particularly the seal colony located in the bay.

Tourism

The town is a minor tourist destination, but the small size of the town and restricted accommodation keeps numbers low. A caravan park exists in the town, as well as a new general store that provides petrol, take away food, gourmet coffee, fishing and camping needs and bottle shop.

Fishing is the areas major attraction, with boat, rock and beach fishing all possible in the vicinity of the town. All year round the deep reefs hold Snapper, Trevally, Nannygai, Whiting, Kingfish and in the summer, Bluefin Tuna congregate on the offshore lumps. Whiting, Tommy Ruff and Salmon can be caught in the calmer protected waters. A boat ramp is located in Sceale Bay.