Baird Bay Seaside Villas
On South Australia’s rugged Eyre Peninsula is a charming fishing village, so teeming with natural wonder, its impact on visitors is immediate and visceral. At first, a sense of peaceful escape and seclusion; but then, a contrasting impulse of excitement for an adventure that awaits. Thoughtfully appointed Seaside Villas provide a home from which to encounter the magic of a coastal safari: swimming with wild sealions and dolphins, exploring delicate aquatic ecosystems, witnessing the majesty of Mother Nature at sunset, and sharing stories with some of Australia’s most gifted and passionate field guides. The journey is accented with flavours from an internationally acclaimed chef, crafted simply and skilfully from the region’s finest natural ingredients, some of which you may help forage… and catch!
You may eventually leave Baird Bay, but it will never leave you.
Tucked away on South Australia’s rugged Eyre Peninsula, Baird Bay Seaside Villas—Selki and Eko—offer a retreat unlike any other. These thoughtfully designed villas, featuring a four-bedroom two-storey and a three-bedroom single-storey villa, serve as the perfect base for an unforgettable coastal safari. Surrounded by nature’s unspoiled beauty, the villas provide a tranquil escape, with each space carefully crafted to reflect the wild, dramatic landscape of Australia’s southern coast.
Inside, the neutral, textured palette—featuring sea grass, linen, and timber—creates a calming atmosphere that invites you to unwind. The villas are a celebration of the region’s authenticity, with local Indigenous artworks and handmade details adding a rich, personal touch to every corner. Guests can indulge in the quiet luxury of their private sanctuary, or embark on thrilling safari-style adventures that take you from the calm water of the bay to the untouched coastline.
Swim with wild sea lions and dolphins, explore the delicate marine ecosystems, and witness stunning sunsets with the guidance of passionate local experts. After a day of adventure, unwind with a meal prepared by an internationally acclaimed chef, who brings the flavours of the region to life using local, seasonal ingredients—some of which you may help forage and catch.
Baird Bay Seaside Villas offer more than just a place to stay; they offer an invitation to experience nature up close and in a way that leaves a lasting mark. Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure, or a combination of both, this is barefoot luxury at its finest — refined by thoughtful craftsmanship, local artistry, and the wild beauty of the Eyre Peninsula.
What's included:
- Villa accommodation
- Guided experiences
- All gourmet dining
- A premium selection of wines, beers and spirits
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Transfers ex-Streaky Bay
Selkie
1x King bed, equal access ensuite bathroom
1x King bed, ensuite bathroom
1x King bed, ensuite bathroom
Open plan living area with kitchen and dining area
*2x king beds can be converted into 2x twin beds
Maximum capacity: 6 guests
Portable cot (crib) available upon request
Eko
1x King bed, ensuite bathroom with a courtyard (downstairs)
1x King bed, ensuite bathroom with a courtyard (downstairs)
1x King bed, ensuite bathroom (upstairs)
1x King bed, ensuite bathroom (upstairs)
Open plan living area with kitchen and dining area
*3x King beds can be converted into 2x twin beds
Maximum capacity: 8 guests
Portable cot (crib) available upon request
Hosted Experiences
Join a team of expert guides for a coastal safari that connects you to the land, the sea, and the wildlife that calls this place home. This is a chance to explore the Eyre Peninsula in a way that goes beyond sightseeing—engaging with the environment and its creatures on a deeper level. From swimming with wild sea lions to experiencing the vast, rugged coastline, every moment of this journey invites you to discover something new about delicate ecosystems of Australia.
Swim with Wild Sea Lions and Dolphins
Embark on a half-day intimate tour for the opportunity to interact with some of the most intelligent marine mammals on earth, in their home, at their invitation. Swim with wild sea lions and dolphins in the safe and shallow waters of Baird Bay. Begin at Jones Island, the natural home and habitat of our sea lion friends. Join their aquatic playtime in the calm and protected rockpools surrounding their home. Finish your aquatic adventure in another nearby rockpool to experience ultimate tranquillity, swimming alongside friendly dolphins.
Nature Walk
A two to three-hour immersive bush experience that invites the land to welcome you, creating a deep sense of place and tranquillity. As you breathe in the clean air and digitally detox, our knowledgeable guides facilitate a journey focused on the interactions between local flora and fauna, and the climatic conditions shaping them. This guided exploration is not just about observing—it’s an active participation in the wilderness, awakening all senses through sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. Culminate your experience by incorporating foraged ingredients into a meal back at the villa or in a natural setting, truly integrating the day’s discoveries into a memorable feast.
Boma Dining Experience
An interactive fireside dining experience crafted by our in-house private chef that promises a sensory journey under the stars. Centred around the primal allure of a crackling fire, this dining adventure showcases locally sourced, native ingredients in dishes that are unique to our region. Take in the mastery of harnessing the energy of fire to enhance each meal, creating an intimate theatre of flavours and aromas. As the night deepens, enjoy stargazing and a fine South Australian red, while the distant ocean’s rhythmic breathing adds to the meditative ambiance. Embrace the silence, the majesty of the expansive sky, and the sensory feast that makes this unforgettable dining experience.
Kayak and Charter Fishing
Dive into an engaging kayak fishing adventure where you do more than just cast a line. Whether paddling out to a nearby sandbar or wading through the shallows, each excursion is designed for you to actively participate. With a focus on the natural synergy of nutrient flows, tidal movements, and moon phases, you’ll gain an insightful look at the local marine life and their behaviours. Depending on the day’s conditions, you might find yourself at one of several prime locations, each offering a different backdrop for a beach BBQ as a private chef prepares the freshest catch right before your eyes, creating a memorable beachside culinary experience.
Or head further afield aboard a private charter, to fish within the bay. There is also the opportunity to anchor up and wild harvest abalone and crayfish. Head back ashore for a waterside cook-up as your private chef prepares the catch of the day, while pelicans wait patiently nearby for a share of the feast.
Baird Bay Headland Tour
Embark on a captivating journey around Baird Bay and the surrounding peninsula, guided through both stunning natural landscapes and the local community’s daily life. Begin your adventure at Point Labbatt Conservation Park, perched atop the dramatic cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. Here, you can observe Australian sea lions and long nose fur seals frolicking in natural rock pools below, while raptors soar overhead and the dark waves of the Southern Ocean relentlessly sculpt the coastline.
Venture inland through nearby farmland, offering a glimpse into the main industry of the locals and an opportunity to spot reptiles and large macropods, especially active during the late afternoon. Continue to the vast Yanerbie Sandhills for a short walk among the impressive dunes, exploring terrestrial wildlife and engaging in track and sight activities. Delve into the delicate interactions of fresh water, animal movement, and bird breeding, gaining insights into nature’s intricate signals and our ecological responsibilities.
The tour provides incredible photographic opportunities throughout, allowing you to capture the profound peace and majestic beauty of this unique region. Conclude your experience with a leisurely lunch in Streaky Bay or return to the comfort of the villas, feeling enriched and deeply connected to this extraordinary part of the world.
Westall Way Loop Drive
Journey along the Eyre Peninsula’s Westall Way Loop. Start with a snorkelling session at Smooth Pools, where you can spot the world’s smallest sea stars, exclusive to this region. Next, walk across the striking orange granite formations at the Granites.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Drift, overlooking the Streaky Bay jetty. After lunch, visit Jeff Schmucker’s crab shed for a direct look at the life of a commercial fisherman and big-wave surfer. You’ll learn about local fishing techniques and the coastal lifestyle that shapes this community.
End your day by taking some fresh catches back to your accommodation, where your private chef will prepare a delicious dinner featuring your selections.
Surfing and Beach Picnic Lunch
An excursion that begins with a visit to Sceale Bay, where between November and May, guests can participate in a surf lesson with a local surf expert.
Out of the surf, explore the surrounding coastline, watch the surf pros in action. Enjoy some time on the sand and finish with a casual beach picnic lunch.
Meet the Team
Brendon Bevan
Lead Guide
As the Lead Guide at Baird Bay, Brendon Bevan serves as a profound link between guests and the natural world. With a career spanning more than 25 years, including pivotal roles managing some of Australia’s premium lodges like Arkaba Conservancy, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, and Bamurru Plains, Brendon brings a holistic and deeply informed perspective to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
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Originally honing his expertise in Southern Africa’s game lodges, Brendon possesses a unique understanding of the natural world, allowing him to enrich guest interactions with insightful narratives and respectful wildlife encounters. His intimate knowledge of Australia’s diverse ecosystems has seen him host guests across the nation—from the rugged Flinders Ranges to the remote expanses of Arnhem Land—creating memorable experiences that highlight the delicate connection between humans and nature.
At Baird Bay, Brendon transforms ordinary encounters into meaningful adventures. Guests are not merely observers, but become part of the environment, swimming alongside wild sea lions and dolphins under his guidance. These immersive experiences are designed to deepen guests’ appreciation for marine life and inspire ongoing stewardship of the natural world.
In addition to guiding, Brendon is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of private guides, developing a comprehensive training program that emphasises sustainable practices and exceptional guest service. His commitment to excellence in guiding and conservation makes Brendon Bevan not only a distinguished figure in Australian eco-tourism but also a visionary in shaping its future.
Kat Bevan
Lodge Manager
With nearly two decades of expertise in managing and guiding at some of Australia’s most renowned luxury lodges, Kat Bevan is a distinguished leader in the hospitality industry. Originating from the rugged coasts of Scotland, Kat ventured to Australia in 2006, where she quickly established herself as a pivotal member of the founding team at Bamurru Plains. Over three years, she played a crucial role…
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…in helping to define the guest experience, solidifying its reputation as a premier luxury destination. In 2009, Kat transitioned to Arkaba Conservancy, where she assisted in the development of the renowned Arkaba Walk, enriching the eco-tourism landscape with her innovative vision.
Kat’s tenure at Seven Spirit Bay in Arnhem Land marked a significant chapter where, alongside her professional duties, she embraced the challenges of raising her two young sons in a remote setting. This experience deepened her connection to the natural environment, a passion she brings to her role at Baird Bay. Kat excels in connecting guests with the subtleties of nature that might otherwise remain unseen, enriching their understanding through her keen insights into local flora, fauna, and the intricate balance between climatic forces.
Her profound appreciation for nature is not just a professional asset, but a personal creed. At Baird Bay, Kat continues to inspire guests with her deep-seated knowledge and enthusiasm, crafting unforgettable experiences that highlight the symbiotic relationship between nature and humanity.
Calvin Von Niebel
Head Chef
Baird Bay Experience Head Chef Calvin Von Niebel is a South African born chef, classically trained in British gastropubs and top restaurants. Calvin has previously held positions as the former Head Chef of Arkaba Conservancy and the Executive Chef and Group Development Chef for the Ottolenghi across its seven London restaurants, some of Britain’s much-acclaimed dining destinations.
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Originally from Durban, Calvin credits his grandmothers for their influence in his cooking – his English granny for her recipes, preserves and jams, and his South African grandmother for her love of spicy food and curries. Under the mentorship of Yotam Ottolenghi, Sami Tamimi and Ramael Scully, Calvin’s style of cooking has found a unique voice that combines his South African heritage with his experience of living and cooking in the UK and South East Asia, and now Australia.
Outside of the kitchen, Calvin is an accomplished scuba diver and enjoys tending to his own kitchen garden. Most days you can find Calvin cleaning off his muddy boots after a long walk with his wife and dogs.