SA’s strangest place names

By Samuel Smith
Published: Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Lots of great things have strange names. The quandong – for instance – is a delicious fruit, while back in the 90s, the Isuzu Mysterious Utility Wizard was one of Japan’s best-selling mid-sized 4WDs.

The same (lack of) logic can be applied to these SA destinations.

From the lapping azure waves of Foul Bay to lush, leafy Mount Misery, these oddly named SA spots will teach you not to judge a book by its cover.

Foul Bay, Yorke Peninsula

Three-and-a-half hour’s drive west of Adelaide, Yorke Peninsula’s Foul Bay is a surprisingly beautiful stretch of sun and surf. The bay was given its unfortunate name by an exasperated Matthew Flinders, who – legend has it – had trouble anchoring his ship in its shifting sands.

Today, Foul Bay is home to the ultra-luxurious Yondah Beach House – twice named Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards. It’s also just a 20-minute drive away from Marion Bay: one of the Yorke Peninsula’s most beautiful seaside towns.

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Foul Bay, Yorke Peninsula. Image: SATC.

Younghusband, Murray River, Lakes & Coorong

No, the sleepy town of Younghusband wasn’t named by overenthusiastic newlyweds. Instead, it received its title from William Younghusband – a businessman and politician who was one of the first promoters of the Murray River Steam Navigation Company.

Smack bang on the banks of the meandering Murray, it’s a great place to relax and unwind, glass of SA wine in-hand. Hire a riverside shack and spend your days canoeing, kayaking or water-skiing.

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Younghusband, Murray River. Image: SATC.

Mount Misery, Adelaide Hills

Part of the stunning Mount Lofty Ranges, Mount Misery boasts gorgeous, sweeping views of the Adelaide Hills. Just an hour’s drive from the CBD, near the tiny town of Cudlee Creek, the area is abundant with wildlife including kangaroos, koalas and emus.

The best way to experience Mount Misery is on a trail walk, starting from Cudlee Creek’s Croft Rd. From here, you’ll pass through parts of Montacute Conservation Park with unparalleled views of Kangaroo Creek Reservoir and the Adelaide Plains.

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Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard, near Mount Misery. Image: SATC.

Stinky Bay, Limestone Coast

Sadly, there aren’t many good things to say about poor Stinky Bay. Located on the otherwise stunning Limestone Coast, it really does reek thanks to large rotting piles of seagrass that commonly cover the northern end of the beach. Stinky Bay can be found between Lurline Point and the southern headland of Nora Creina, not that you’d want to visit.

Pongy beach aside, the Limestone Coast is an absolutely beautiful region. Top spots include the gorgeous seaside town of Robe, the bustling city of Mount Gambier and the boutique Coonawarra wine region.

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Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier. Image: SATC.

Nowhere Else Rd, Eyre Peninsula

Running from the tiny Eyre Peninsula town of Sheringa to the Tod Hwy, legend has it Nowhere Else Rd got its name back in the 19^th century. Apparently local shepherds were searching for a place to rest when they reached the base of a hill. Exhausted, with no shelter in sight, one of the men yelled, “If it’s not on the other side, it’s nowhere else!”

Follow Nowhere Else Rd to Sheringa Beach – a picture-perfect swimming spot known for its translucent waters, snow-white sand and great fishing.

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Sheringa Beach, near Nowhere Else Rd. Image: SATC.

Sheringa Beach, near Nowhere Else Rd, Eyre Peninsula. Image: SATC.

Another No Where Else Rd, Fleurieu Peninsula

Ironically, there’s another No Where Else Rd in South Australia – this one’s spelled a little differently and can be found on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

No Where Else Rd (not to be confused with Nowhere Else Rd) is just 4 minutes away from Rapid Bay – a sandy cove nestled between dramatic cliffs, boasting a huge array of marine life including the endangered leafy sea dragon.

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Rapid Bay, near No Where Else Rd, Fleurieu Peninsula. Image: SATC.

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