Point Labatt, 55 km south of Streaky Bay on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, is the best place to view Australian sea lions. These fascinating animals - Australia's only permanent mainland colony - can be seen in their natural habitat from a clifftop viewing platform. The reefs around the foot of the cliffs here provide a resting place for the sea-lions, which have often spent several weeks at sea catching fish before returning here to rest and play.

The cliff top viewing area about 50 metres above the colony provides a view of the sea-lions and other coastal wildlife. Binoculars and/or a telephoto lens are recommended for enhanced viewing. Point Labatt has exposed headlands, sheltered bays and is also known for bird life including the Osprey and the Whitebellied Sea-eagle. The Point Labatt Conservation Park was dedicated to protect the sea-lion colony. The Aquatic Reserve below the cliffs is a prohibited area. Penalties apply for illegal entry into the Aquatic Reserve.

Off South Australia's West Coast, in the Great Australian Bight, are several colonies of the Australian sea-lion. Found in no other country in the world, they are one of the rarest seals and Australia's most endangered marine mammals. The sea-lion colony at Point Labatt is the only permanent breeding colony on the mainland. All other colonies occur on the offshore islands.

A visit to Pt. Labatt could be included as part of a day trip through the area along a scenic route out of the township of Streaky Bay called Westall Way Loop. Pack a picnic or snacks to have along the way as there are no food or drink outlets along the way. Murphys Haystacks and Mount Westall are some of the many local attractions worth visiting along the way.

Location: 50 kilometres south of Streaky Bay on the Calca Peninsula, Point Labatt is accessible by an unsealed road via Sceale Bay or Calca. Simply follow the road signs. The roads are regularly graded, however, care should be taken as the surface can be loose and slippery. There are also grids to be crossed on the Peninsula Road.