Our unforgettable Holidays.

We have been coming to Modra's Apartments (formally Tumby Bayside Holiday Units) for a number of years and it is always a delight to meet the friendly owners, Norm and Jenny, who go out of their way to make your holiday enjoyable.

The units, recently renovated, are bright and cheerful with a brand new fully tiled luxury bathroom which deserves a higher star rating to what they have at present. They are amongst the best we have stayed in, spotlessly clean, fully equipped kitchen, roomy and comfortable and surrounded by lovely gardens including new BBQ area and Fish Cleaning table. The location is ideal, close to the beach, marina and boat ramp at the back door.

What we did.

Using the comprehensive information folder which is handed to us as we pick up our key, there is plenty to do in Tumby Bay, lots of history in the town itself, a mangrove walk and lots of drives can be taken to places like Cummins, Coffin Bay, Port Lincoln and numerous places in between.

What we loved.

Tumby Bay is a lovely friendly coastal town, great for families or the fisher folk, excellent boating facilities, a great bakery and the quality of the accommodation and the friendly hosts.

- Brian and Ruth, Adelaide

 

 

From start to finish, our recent holiday away, turned into absolutely the most memorable experience ever.
Making it a marvelous way to celebrate my Husband Trevor Bannigan’s 75th Birthday.

We were even offered an extra day, making it 6 fantastic days, spent relaxing in the lovely picturesque, peaceful, unspoilt, sheltered bay on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, in the township of Tumby Bay.

Very often when your traveling the thing that can spoil a whole holiday, can be the terribly uncomfortable beds. However! at Modra’s Apartments they were just ‘Great’. Fully self-contained accommodation, also with under cover parking, complimented by fantastic service, oodles of bargain gift vouchers, provided courtesy of Damian and Kristy Modra, and wonderful, thoughtful friendly folk, everywhere that we went…

Yes! Tumby Bay has it all in spades! Interesting little craft shop, a museum, art gallery, yummy bakery, great meals at both hotels, takeaway’s, coffee shops, and a great selection of other local gift shopping, in short a very interesting place with lots to see and do… Our accommodation wasn’t far away, from their lovely new Tumby Bay Marina.

Another most interesting place was their Skills Centre Building, where they are among other things beginning to grow and market olives. It’s a very large Building, with lots to see inside, it is also used for the School children’s cooking, and is a catering Function place too! In addition it had some wonderful displays of C.W.A needlework. While I looked around, Trevor was shown an interesting new touch screen tourist presentation. Then later taken outside to see the new Olive Marketing operation, which is still being completed.

In spite of some rainy weather, Trevor and I still managed to cram some wonderful sight seeing all over the place into those few short days. Our whole trip away, was a bit of a nostalgic trip, for my Husband Trevor Bannigan formally from Adelaide. As in his younger days, Trevor was a keen yachting enthusiast, and a crew member in eighteen–“ Port Lincoln Yatch Races”. Trevor also was in three – “Sydney To Hobart Yatch Races too! .So we made a trip over to Port Lincoln, had at great meal at the Marina Hotel, bought some opals and did some wonderful sight seeing, at Winters Hill… before traveling out further to Sleaford Bay to view the ocean, and take some great ocean photographs.

Another day, we went over to Coffin Bay, and we also travelled out further to Point Avoid, and took shots of the main island in the middle of the turbulent sea, this place certainly lives up to it’s deadly reputation as a place in the sea to avoid…. Also more terrific ocean views at Golden Island, Yangie Bay National park.

One night in Tumby Bay, we had the most scrumptious King George Seafood Special Pizza, the best Pizza, I’ve ever eaten. Literally handfuls of freshly caught seafood. Courtesy of George Barber’s takeaway.

Another day we took a trip out into the rolling hills of Koppio, with their magnificent gum trees, and found the most delightful village property Koppio Museum, set out in a similar fashion to Olde Tailem Town at Tailem Bend .SA.

However for Trevor the icing on the cake, was the surprising Birthday gift, of a meal voucher, from Damian and Kristy Modra, completed by a second dessert Birthday gift voucher, from the management (Steve White & Sharon Rogers) of the Seabreeze Hotel. Which just topped off his birthday perfectly… The meals were great, and it became one of our favourite eating-places.

Another highlight of our trip for Trevor was the opportunity on our return trip home, to call into the Whyalla Maritime Museum, to see the H.M.A.S. Whyalla, that his father served on, as a Commissioned Engineer in W.W. 2.
His visit there also enabled Trevor to receive a special commemoration certificate and important documentation concerning his Father’s tour of duty, which had also included time as a minesweeper after the W.W.2. for 3 years.

Our Tumby Bay Holiday was part of an Travel Auction package, I’ve made a successful bid twice now and been lucky enough to have been selected both times… Because Tumby Bay was so far away, we split our journey home into several days. Thanks to all the towns’ folk at Tumby Bay who just made our Holiday away so PERFECT….

	Windy Hill Olives Address: Scion Skills Centre, Bratten Way, Tumby Bay Open: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm Home of the world famous chocolate liqueur olives. Unique – Amazing – Tempting Tasting this unique Tumby Bay product is a must do for every visitor to Eyre Peninsula.  The ancient Greek methods produce some of the best flavours and lowest salt levels in the world.
	Koppio Smithy Museum Address: Koppio Road, near Calderwoods Road, 2km northwest of Koppio Website: www.koppiosmithymuseum.com.au Open: Tue - Sun 10.00am to 5.00pm, public holidays and all school holidays, 10.00am to 5.00pm The rolling hills of Koppio at the bottom end of Eyre Peninsula are part of a standard tourist drive for any visitor to nearby Port Lincoln. This is classic farming country with good rainfall, and plenty or top grazing land. It looks a picture now, but for the pioneers who built this blacksmith's shop, old Tom Brennand and his wife Adeline, opening up the country was sheer hard work. "Tom Brennand came over from Lochiel in 1903 when the whole pastoral area was broken up into farm settlements". Tom established the Koppio blacksmiths shop at what was then a remote crossing, confident that the passing parade of horse and bullock teams would provide plenty of business. He was right, and soon the Brennand's had built their own stone cottage, a lasting monument to their pioneering spirit. Not that such spirit has always been given the appreciation it deserves, after all, this was the smithy back in 1967and the cottage didn't look much better. But now thanks to the efforts of history lovers like Norm Jericho and Betty Duns, the Koppio Smithy is the centre piece of a truly remarkable museum which has just grown and grown. It'' not so much a museum, but a village, which building by building, tells the story of the early days of the Peninsula. This 1890's pug and pine cottage was slowly crumbling in a field near Cummins, about sixty kilometers away, until these two got hold of it.
	Tumby Bay Fishing Charter, Sir Joseph Banks Group of Islands (Known by locals as "the groups") David Hamilton is the Skipper of the Cathy Jan. David grew up on the family farm at Point Bollingbroke just out of Tumby Bay. He has always been a keen recreational fisherman and had spent some time commercially fishing for tuna in lower Spencer Gulf David operated as a commercial fisherman for 12 years fishing the Sir Joseph Banks Group and has detailed knowledge of the Group and surrounding areas. After selling his commercial license some years ago it was always his dream to be able to share his experience and knowledge while returning to the waters he calls home. Come aboard, meet David and have a day to remember.
	Mangrove Interpretive Boardwalk Enjoy a nature walk over Tumby Bay's Mangrove Boardwalk where you will see a range of habitats including a tidal estuarine creek, mud flats, salt marshes and sand dunes. The marshes are used as a natural nursery and spawning ground for some of the fish species found in the area. Tumby Bay’s mangrove boardwalk and nature walk is a fascinating coastal environment and features the most southerly stand of mangroves in Australia. See a range of coastal habitats including a tidal estuarine creek, mud flats, salt marshes and sand dunes...within these habitats you will see plants unique to these coastal environments. The Interpretive Mangrove Boardwalk is found near the causeway and the southern end of the bay, a short distance from the town centre.
	Cliffs and Dunes Adventure - Wilderness Wanders Phil Porter is a 5th generation local and keen to show you the best of our regional wilderness. Take a day to discover the beauty and fun of the outdoors with a guided coastal walk of spectacular proportions, followed by a scenic and fun 4WD through the awesome dunes within the Lincoln National Park. A delicious lunch of local produce and the best in customer service. A true must do and not to be missed. Read more about Wilderness Wanders and Port Lincoln National Park.

For more information about "things to see and do" in Tumby Bay visit www.tumbybay.com

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The Gold Factory

A unique high definition custom gold and silver casting facility accessible to the public.

Open: Mon to Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sat 9:00 am - 12:00pm
Address: 1 Johns Street Tumby Bay
Phone: (08) 8688 2631

Website: www.thegoldfactory.com.au

We specialize in creating one of a kind jewellery pieces from rings to pendants with all work being performed at the factory from wax works to diamond setting.

All designs are created consulting with the customer in our studio, this guarantee’s customer satisfaction of design and all wax works are crafted free of charge, so any design alterations can be made easily and quickly.

The Gold Factory wins the Marie Claire People's Choice award.

The most prestigious awards in Australia for the entire jewellery industry.

Australia's number one fashion magazine, Marie Claire was the media partner for the 2010 Jewellers Association of Australia awards.

The win piece is called Aqua Aurum and was designed by Mr Trenberth to re-create the natural beauty of an abalone shell accentuated with seahorses, sea urchins and star fish.

The necklace is made from solid 18 karat yellow and white gold set with brilliant white diamonds and includes an Argyle pink diamond set as the centre feature in a white gold sea urchin.

"The night was very exciting and we are thrilled to win this award and to be recognised nationally by leading designers and manufacturers as having a very unique and exceptional style of jewellery," Dale Trenberth said.

"The Gold Factory is very proud to showcase a unique style of jewellery design to the fashion and jewellery industry that is being designed and produced here in South Australia."

The Rotunda Art Gallery

A centre for local artists to work and display their passion for art.

 Open: Mon to Wed 10:00 am to 12:00 pm or by appointment
Address: The foreshore Tumby Bay

Excell Blacksmith and Engineering Museum

 Open: 4th Sunday of every month 2.00pm - 4.oopm

            2nd Sunday of every month September to April

            and by appointment

Phone.   08 8688 2101  Ah. 8688 2717

Home of the famous Brattenising Plough, patented and built in Tumby Bay and widely used around the state of South Australia.

The museum is in the original working 1935 state with original DC welders, Forge, Wheelright section, plus an upsetting machine.

Plan your holiday around opening days. A must see.

 

 

National Trust CL Alexander Memorial Museum

 

A must visit for anyone interested in History of South Australia and Eyre Peninsula, or grew up in the area.

The Museum is housed in an old school building, and has many collections of memorabilia of transport, churches, agriculture, war and many of Mathew Flinders maps letters and drawings.

Open. Phone for current opening times

Phone: 08 8688 2760 or 08 8688 2050

 

For more information about "things to see and do" in Tumby Bay visit www.tumbybay.com

Wilderness Wanders A vast selection of driving, 4WD, walking and over night tours. Phone: (08) 8684 5001 Website: www.wildernesswanders.com.au

Wilderness Wanders There’s something wildly memorable about these small group eco adventures. Award winning 4WD, walking and wildlife tours with a local knowledgeable guide who shares the inside secrets of the Eyre Peninsula. A great choice for exploring beyond the tourist tracks and discovering the best that the region offers, with sandboarding the massive dunes, interaction with rescued kangaroos and native wildlife, and discovering the intricacies of our local industries and culture just some of the great options. You'll be amazed at the neighboring raw and stunning coastal beauty and wilderness parks that most people miss. Comfortable, stress free adventures that will create special holiday memories for all the family.

	Coastal Drive near Tumby Bay - Self Drive South of Tumby bay are some magnificent beaches and stunning country side. Second Creek is a natural tidal estuary into the mangrove coastal eco-system, nursery of the sea with an abundant and diverse range of seafood and bird life. The Beach south of Trinity Haven was a filming location for the Australian Movie Light Horseman. The famous naked horse back scene in particular. Moonlight bay and the sandhills are great fun to climb for all ages.
	West and South West of Tumby Bay - Self Drive Koppio Hills scenic drive takes you through farming country where you can view magnificent gum trees, prolific bird life and abundant wild flowers in Spring. Drive South towards Port Lincoln, visiting the small townships of Louth Bay and North Shields, turn right onto Hyde Road, up into the hills with a magnificent coastal view behind you and the rural farming and vineyard view over the hills.
	North of Tumby Bay - Self Drive Take a scenic coastal drive connecting the Tumby Bay and Port Neill townships. Along the way visit beautiful beaches and bays. Lipson Cove and Lipson Island Sanctuary is a popular fishing and camping spot. Toilets available. On low summer tide you can wade across to the island to view the birds. Please check tides first.

 

 

For more information about "things to see and do" in Tumby Bay visit www.tumbybay.com

 

Download a Tourism Drive Map or collect one from reception on arrival.

Dellacoline Estate Wines   

Address: 31 Whillas Road Port Lincoln Open: Wed - Sun 11.00am - 4.00pm Website: www.delacollinewines.com.au The cool coastal climate and limestone country of Delacolline Estate produces wines of excellent and distinctive full bodied character. From the heated alfresco deck enjoy beautiful views to the sea and hills, grape vines and lavender. Indulge in a glass of great wine or cappuccino whilst relaxing in stunning surrounds.

Lincoln Estate Wines   

Address: Clarks Lane Greenpatch. 25 minutes from Tumby Bay Open: 7 days 10am - 5pm Website: www.lincolnestatewines.com.au Port Lincoln on South Australia's west coast, globally recognised for its Bluefin Tuna and array of fresh seafood, now boasts yet another jewel from this bountiful region. Years of dedication and a love of both sea and its surrounds, combined with Eyre Peninsula's wonderfully clear and piercing sunlight, its crisp fresh ocean air and deep fertile soils, have all culminated to produce what are wonderous and exceptional wines from a place of truly unspoilt beauty. 100% Estate Grown by the Turvey Family - we hope you enjoy it.

 

Boston Bay Wines  

Address: Lincoln Highway. 25 minutes from Tumby Bay Open: 7 days 12am - 4pm Website: www.bostonbaywines.com.au Imagine a place where you can sample fine Eyre Peninsula Wines, surrounded by vineyards and a breathtaking vista of cruising yachts, blue seas, and perhaps a whale. Good soils, a gentle climate, and meticulous attention of winemakers David O’Leary and Nick Walker results in true special wines.

 

For more information about "things to see and do" in Tumby Bay visit www.tumbybay.com

	Tumby Bay Foreshore. 4km walk From Tumby Bay Marina walk along the front of the shacks all the way to the hospital. 2km each way (Allow 40-60 minutes return) Easy grade. Access can be at either end or any where along the track. The track is suitable for strollers and assisted wheelchair access. There are many playgrounds and places to rest and relax along the way.
	Tumby Bay Island - Self Walk Tour On low summer tides you can wade across to Tumby Island on the sandbar, to see the birdlife and interesting rock formations. Please check with tides before venturing across to the island.
For more information about "things to see and do" in Tumby Bay visit www.tumbybay.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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