South Australian Tourism Commission
South Australia
Yorke PeninsulaOne big coastal playground steeped in maritime history, the Yorke Peninsula is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors and seeking out adventure.
Just over an hour's drive from Adelaide, the Yorke Peninsula has a wealth of experiences waiting for you. With its distinctive “boot” shape, the Yorke Peninsula boasts more than 700 kilometres of coastline. It's easy to find the perfect beach to get away from the rat race. You might even find a well kept secret fishing spot or perfect swell to surf. With the waters of Gulf St Vincent on the east and Spencer Gulf on the west, fresh seafood is everywhere you turn! Dine on blue swimmer crabs plucked fresh from the sea or try your luck at catching your own fish from a jetty. The ocean provides great fun and history. At the turn of the twentieth century, many ships sank along the treacherous coast. Learn about the boats and crews at the local museums or dive at sunken vessels. The Yorke Peninsula features historic towns and landmarks. The town of Minlaton is known in some circles as the "barley capital of the world". The region's rich limestone soil makes it some of the best farmland in Australia. The region's parks give you a chance to take in the picture postcard beauty of the region. There are native plants and animals in abundance. You can spend your nights in a holiday home, caravan park or out camping. You'll find something for every budget and holiday plan. There are two accredited Visitor Information Centres on the Yorke Peninsula. These centres are open seven days a week and will provide you with any information you might need for your travels. From the Hummock Ranges in the east, across to Port Broughton in the north, Yorke Peninsula is the traditional home of the Adjahdura people. In 1919, World War One pilot Captain Harry Butler, made the first airmail flight from Adelaide to the Yorke Peninsula. He was the first man to fly over water in the southern hemisphere. Captain Butler's Red Devil Bristol monoplane rests in a display hangar in Minlaton. It is believed to be the only genuine one of its kind left in the world.
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Things to do
Cape Spencer Lighthouse
The short walk (approximately one hour return) to the Cape Spencer Lighthouse takes in spectacular views of the offshore islands. The lighthouse not only provides safe passage for vessels today but also offers an insight into the past. A visit to Cape Spencer gives you the opportunity to learn about the area's maritime heritage by reading the maritime signs at the lighthouse itself. The walk also provides a unique opportunity to view the rugged cliff lines along the southern coast of Innes National Park.
Take Hillocks Drive
Hillocks Drive embraces several kilometers of spectacular, rugged coastline interspersed with quiet, sandy beaches and rock pools. A photographer's delight, well known for rock and surf fishing and a haven from the pressures of city living. Hillocks Drive is located 16 kilometers from Marion Bay and 3.5 hours from Adelaide. Hillocks Ocean Pod provides a glamour camping experience. The contemporary accommodation is nestled amongst bushland with spectacular ocean views. Beds for 4, perfect for 2. Hillocks Drive is best known for bush camping. Camping areas are spacious and cater for a variety of different camping styles. Hillocks Homestead is a spacious four-bedroom farmhouse located at the gateway to Hillocks Drive and caravans are available at Butler's Beach.
Innes National Park
Coastal landscapes with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches provide the backdrop of Innes National Park. Discover fantastic opportunities to enjoy camping, bushwalking, fishing, maritime history, and surfing. Innes National Park is a favourite for camping, fishing and surfing. Bushwalking is a great way to discover the park, with trails ranging from 30-minute strolls to four-hour treks. You’ll spot an abundance of birds and animals while you catch some of the best coastal views in South Australia. All of the park is accessible by 2WD, so it’s perfect for day visits and a paradise for beach lovers. There is something for everyone at Innes. Visit one of the lighthouses and the shipwreck of the Ethel to learn about the tumultuous maritime history of South Australia. Explore historic Inneston, an abandoned township surrounded by bushland. Take a stroll from your campsite down to the beach for a spot of fishing, or base yourself in one of the restored heritage cottages dotted throughout historic Inneston.
Inneston Historic Walk
Visit the historic Inneston village, once a thriving mining town in the early 1900's, and explore the ruins of an abandoned gypsum town along the Inneston Historic Walk. A very popular walk, starting from just inside the gate at the Inneston car park. Inneston Historic Walk is a four-kilometer return walking trail taking approximately two hours. Be aware of unstable ruins and make sure you carry enough water. This well-marked trail takes the visitor back to the gypsum-mining era from 1913 to 1930, where interpretive signs tell the story of the close-knit community of Inneston village. Once home to around 200 people, Inneston was completely self-sufficient, having its own school, post office, bakery, general store and tennis court. The lonely ruins stand proudly as a reminder of those bygone days. Make the most of your visit and stay in one of the heritage cottages available at the old Inneston Township. Dotted among the ruins are several self-contained miners' lodges that have been restored back to their original charm. Engineers and Managers lodges offer stunning views across Inneston Lake and Shepherds Hut is situated close to beautiful Shell Beach. Wake up to wildlife on your doorstep with campsites nearby.
Take a ride on the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway
Departing from the platform adjacent to the Moonta Mines Museum, the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway is a guided tour of the historic Moonta Mines National Heritage Area. During this time revised train times are as follows: The train runs - Wednesday - 1pm and 2pm, Saturday and Sunday - 12 noon, 1.30pm , 3 pm. South Australian School and Public Holidays - 12.00noon, 1.30 am, 3.00 pm daily. Please note: train rides are subject to the weather. Featuring extensive commentary from local drivers, passengers are taken past many historic landmarks of the former mining operations, including the reservoir, ore sorting floors, and through a tunnel in Ryans Tailings Heap. It visits the former Precipitation Works, which was set up in 1900 to recover additional copper from the tailings heaps, a process which continued until 1943. (note due to Covid-19 Regulations - no stop to disembark during the journey) Bookings are not required for individuals. Board the Tourist Train adjacent to the Museum. Ticket Office is open half an hour prior to the train trip. EFTPOS facilities are available. Bookings for groups are available Proudly maintained and operated by volunteers of the National Trust of SA Moonta Branch.
Walk the Yorke Trail
Walk the Yorke Leisure Trail follows Yorke Peninsula's spectacular coastline for a 500 kilometer walk or ride, meandering through samphire flats and mangroves, wandering through native vegetation, a haven for bird lovers, spotting dolphins playing in the water... what better way to experience Yorke Peninsula's pristine environment! The trail includes views from rugged cliffs, strolls along pristine beaches and through secluded coves, windswept sand dunes, and historic lighthouses. It even provides a peek into some of Australia's most productive farming land. Infrastructure includes trail markers, bollards, and bench seats. Shelters have rainwater tanks attached, and picnic settings are placed in picturesque spots. Interpretive signs have been installed at various locations along the trail, telling the stories of the local area. A number of Progress Associations and school students have been involved in the design of these signs. The Nharangga people have also provided some of their Dreamtime stories, sharing a fascinating insight into their ancient culture. Walk all or, or any part of it, there's a section for everyone. You'll find further information on the website, and topographical maps are available from Yorke Peninsula Council.
West Cape Lookout
Opened in 2008, the West Cape day visitor area in Innes National Park offers a range of fantastic visitor facilities. The area now includes a walking trail, boardwalk to the beach, picnic shelter and tables, toilets and improved bus and car parking facilities, accessible by a sealed road. Its biggest drawcard however, is the new West Cape Lookout where you can soak up magnificent 306-degree views of the coastline and vast mallee landscapes. Please note: park entry is bookable online prior to arrival.
Gain insight on an Aboriginal Cultural Tour
Sharing Culture - from the coast, to vines, to giants in ancient lands, come walk together in the footsteps of our ancestors. Gain a unique insight into one of the world's oldest living cultures. Share Dreaming and Creation stories that bring the landscape to life. Connect with nature and the environment. Outbush and Coastal Aboriginal cultural experiences of the Mid North, Clare Valley, Burra, Southern Flinders Ranges and Yorke Peninsula regions in South Australia. Discover the secrets of South Australia’s ancient lands, hidden natural jewels and stunning landscapes - from rugged earth gorges to pristine untouched beaches. Visit ancient archaeological sites, spectacular coastal areas, ancient bushland where giants once roamed and some of the oldest Aboriginal rock engravings on earth. Experience the deep spiritual and physical connection Aboriginal people have with their country. Gain a wealth of knowledge about Aboriginal heritage, culture, traditions and beliefs - the heart, soul and spirit of this land. 20 Tourism Awards (Aboriginal, Heritage and Cultural Tourism) . 3 x South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame (2012, 2015, 2018). 3 x National Accreditations: Tourism Australia, Eco Tourism Australia, ROC Respecting our Culture. SA National Parks Accredited. Aboriginal Tourism Champion, Tourism Australia. 100 percent Aboriginal-owned.
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