Baird Bay: Ron experiences some real nature on the Eyre Peninsula in the West Coast region of South Australia

Backpackers are an ever-increasing part of the tourism market. As Aussie kids take their gap year and head overseas their international cousins do likewise and make for our shores. They come for a natural wildlife experience and many find it on the back roads of Eyre Peninsula.

We jumped on boards a Nullarbor Traveller bus with a group of backpackers who were bound for an eco adventure with an international reputation. Google Baird Bay and you'll come to a remote part of Eyre Peninsula - a good 750 kilometres from Adelaide. It's that remoteness which explains its appeal.

It's here, on Allan Payne's boat "The Investigator" that the United Nations of intrepid travellers head off to the outer reaches of this massive shallow bay.

Many South Aussies know the charms of Baird Bay but over the past ten years in particular it's been become a hot spot for a growing international market so we thought we'd take a look through fresh eyes. On board the Investigator is a group of backpackers from Italy, France and Germany and a few Aussies as well.

In the distance we can see Cape Bradstock and the surrounding reefs which offer protection from the pounding surf. For a pod of dolphins, the calmer waters mean they can rest up after feeding out to sea… along with those other great hunters known to occasionally frequent these waters - sharks. As we don our snorkels and hop in the water, Allan reminds us to stay close to his crewmembers as they carry Shark Shields.

Back in the boats and we're soon heading to our ultimate destination… the seal colony at Baird Bay. Low tide means we have to leave The Investigator and navigate our way through the shallows to within metres of a big male seal and his brood… before closing in on the shallow pool - tailor made for a close encounter with these amazing creatures.

Allan's been bringing people in here for the last 15 years. The Australian Sea Lions are amazing creatures. They are extremely acrobatic under the water and with one flick of the fin and they're gone. But if you play with them they'll interact. When you see them like this it's hard to imagine they were once hunted to near extinction in South Australian waters such was the value of their skins and seal oil.

A true "nature" experience is what you'll get at Baird Bay. To book with Allan Payne contact 8626 5017 Should you want to hop on board a Nullarbor Traveller experience then log onto their website. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

Published 31st August 2008