Our Top Things to See and Do on the Yorke Peninsula

Beloved by all kinds of travellers, from families to fishers, the Yorke Peninsula is one of South Australia’s premier coastal destinations. It takes around two hours to drive there from Adelaide, which makes it achievable to enjoy an extended weekend trip from the city or spend multiple days digging into every nook and cranny of this nature wonderland.

Image Credit: Cape Spencer - Adam Edwards

If you’re in the mood to explore spectacular beaches, natural wonders, and one of SA’s most impressive national parks, here’s more than 20 things to do on the Yorke Peninsula, along with a selection of welcoming G’day Parks to call home on your seaside getaway.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

Image Credit: Dolphin Beach - Ben Goode

You can’t visit the Yorke Peninsula without stopping at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Located at the southern tip of the peninsula near Marion Bay, it's an unforgettable showcase of raw natural beauty in the Great Outdoors. You’ll see native wildlife, rugged cliffs, and glistening beaches. Once you've got your entry pass, get ready to spot friendly dolphins (maybe even at the dreamy Dolphin Beach), cover scenic hiking trails, and visit the crumbling shipwreck at Ethel Beach.

Moonta Mines

Image Credit: Moonta Mines Tourist Railway - Copper Coast Council

The Moonta Mines are an important historic site within this former copper-mining town. Wander the museum, walk through the National Trust-listed Miner’s Cottage and Heritage Garden, and take a ride on the tourist railway. While in town, don’t miss the local art gallery, sweet shop, and secret garden.

Yorke Peninsula Beaches

Image Credit: Flaherty Beach - roamingaus

Swimming, taking it easy, and walking along the sand are essential activities on the Yorke Peninsula. Flaherty Beach is widely regarded as one of the state’s best, while the neighbouring Hardwicke Bay and Port Turton are equally remarkable. The pristine beaches at Moonta Bay, Simms Cove, and Port Hughes are simply astounding, and there’s loads of fun to be had around Tiddy Widdy Beach, Wallaroo, Port Broughton, Port Rickaby, and Port Vincent.

Surfing

Image Credit: Yorke Peninsula - Kane Overall

The southern Yorke Peninsula is renowned for surf, especially in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. As a starting point, experienced surfers should tackle the breaks at Berry Bay, Pondalowie Bay, and Daly Head.

Jetties

Image Credit: Moonta Bay Jetty - Copper Coast Council

With every town you visit on the Yorke Peninsula, there are jetties waiting to be strolled. Along with being wonderful spots to watch the sunrise, sunlight, or sunset over the water, they make top-notch fishing locations. Highlights include the Moonta Bay Jetty, Wallaroo Jetty, Port Germein Jetty, and the Edithburgh Jetty.

Corny Point Lighthouse

Image Credit: Corny Point - Ben Goode

Along with jetties, you’ll also see a fair few lighthouses around the place, but the Corny Point Lighthouse takes the cake. Get there at sunset hour for the most spectacular view of your getaway.

Under the Sea

Image Credit: Point Turton - Cook Family Adventures

The Yorke Peninsula is a beautiful place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Be amazed by the incredible marine life found beneath the jetties or obtain a permit to dive the historic Zanoni shipwreck.

Art Trail

The Yorke Peninsula is no stranger to public art; in fact, there’s a whole trail winding past incredible murals like the Stansbury Water Tower Art, Bute Silo Art, and the Port Vincent Water Tower Art. For something extra special, make sure you catch the nightly Wallaroo Silo Light Show.

Distilleries, Wineries, and Breweries

Image Credit: Sunny Hill Distillery - Yorke Peninsula Tourism

When you're feeling thirsty, there are plenty of places to get a drink in the Yorke Peninsula. Taste spirits at Sunny Hill Distillery in Arthurton, go for a wine tasting at Barley Stacks Wines near Maitland, or check out the microbreweries and tap houses at Watsacowie Brewing Company in Minlaton and Hedonbar Brewing Company in Kadina.

Yorke Peninsula Salt Lake Trail

Image Credit: Salt Lake - @Mitch.Toft

The lakes along the Yorke Peninsula Salt Lake Trail are famous for turning bright pink, but no two days are the same. Based on the lake’s salinity and season, they could be pink, orange, blue, silver, or white! Follow one of the peninsula’s four self-driving routes or head towards Lochiel to see Lake Bumbunga.

Museums

You’ll find a variety of museums dotted around the Yorke Peninsula, including the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum, the Farm Shed Heritage Museum, the Ardrossan Heritage Museum, and the Bublacowie Military Museum.

Markets

Fill your cup (and tote bag) at weekend markets around the Yorke Peninsula. Depending on your travel dates, you could be in town for events like the Stansbury Seaside Markets, Rotary Kadina Markets, Wallaroo Lions Markets, and Moonta Queen Square Markets.

Fishing

Image Credit: Browns Beach - South Australian Tourism Commission

Beach, jetty, rock, and boat fishing is a way of life around here. You could end up with snapper, salmon, or even squid to add a burst of fresh flavour to your night's dinner. Test out the local hotspots or sign up for a charter to get the insider intel.

Pacific Estate Oysters

Image Credit: Pacific Estate Oysters - Frame

Spend a few hours on a working oyster boat with Pacific Estate Oysters' ‘Deckie For a Day’ experience. Pluck oysters straight from the sea, learn how to shuck them, and along the way, you’ll pick up nuggets of info about how oysters are grown and farmed.

Walk the Yorke

Image Credit: Coobowie - South Australian Tourism Commission

Up for a challenge? Lace up your shoes to tackle the Walk the Yorke Trail. Split into 16 sections, you can trek for multiple days on this 500-kilometre-long trail that traces the rugged coast to beaches, coves, and lighthouses.

Cycling

Image Credit: Copper Trails Bike Hire - Yorke Peninsula Tourism

Get off your feet and ride around the Yorke Peninsula. Copper Trails Bike Hire are based in Moonta, where it's possible to hire bikes on an hourly or full-day rate. It’s up to you whether you want to go electric or rely on your own pedal power.

Heritage Trails

Image Credit: Queen Square - Copper Coast Council

Blend your daily walk or gentle bike ride with learning more about the local towns and their history. There are lots of heritage and memorial trails, including the Vietnam War Memorial Walk (in Edithburgh), Wallaroo Historical Walking Trail, and Moonta Heritage Trail.

Edithburgh Tidal Pool

The Edithburgh Tidal Pool is a great option for year-round safe swimming, with shallow and naturally fed ocean waters. The pool is surrounded by a mural painted by local artist Darryl Lewis, and there are nearby picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and amenities.

Play Golf

Image Credit: Edithburgh Golf Club - South Australian Tourism Commission

There is a golf course for every day of the week around here. Start with the scenic Edithburgh Golf Club and the premier Copperclub Golf Club, then try the local courses in locations like Yorketown, Port Broughton, and Ardrossan! Plus, families can play putt putt next to the Kadina Visitor Centre.

4WD Adventures

Image Credit: Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park - South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone

If you’re arriving with a high-clearance vehicle, the peninsula is a fantastic spot to go beach driving. Check out North Beach in Wallaroo or the stretch between Flaherty’s Beach and Point Turton.  

Little Farmer Tours at Tarnasey Farm

Image Credit: Tarnasey Farm - Yorke Peninsula Tourism

When travelling with kids, especially ones who love animals, a Little Farmer Tour at Tarnasey Farm is an essential hands-on experience. Children can meet and feed the farm’s animals, receiving an immersive introduction to life on the farm.

Clare Valley

Image Credit: Skillogalee - Skillogalee Estate

No matter where you’re staying in the Yorke Peninsula, the stunning Clare Valley Wine Region is only a day trip away. Spend leisurely hours cycling along the Riesling Trail, stopping at cellar doors for wine tastings and gourmet lunches (and hey, if you want to stay overnight, just check in at Discovery Parks - Clare).

Where to stay?

Port Broughton Tourist Park

Port Broughton Tourist Park has something to appeal to every traveller. Families love the splash park, swimming pool, mini golf, ninja playground, bouncing pillow, and pump track. Coastal explorers come for the waterfront cabins and sites, direct beach access, and the on-site kiosk to get their favourite holiday snacks without having to leave the shoreline. Last but not least, four-legged travellers especially appreciate the pet-friendly cabins!

Wallaroo Beachfront Tourist Park

To get as close as possible to the historic Wallaroo Jetty, it’s got to be Wallaroo Beachfront Tourist Park. Enjoy direct access to the charming Office Beach, with features including laundry, camp kitchen, fish cleaning facilities, and BBQs. The park has a wide range of powered sites and self-contained accommodation named after local fish and wildlife. Our top pick is a King George Cabin or Seahorse Cabin so that you can always keep an eye on the ocean.

Wallaroo Holiday Park

Walk straight from the park to the gorgeous expanse of North Beach at Wallaroo Holiday Park. An on-site kiosk and tour desk will help your trip go as smoothly as possible, plus there is a boat ramp, playground, and sports facilities to add extra fun to your holiday. For the best view, book a beachfront powered site or apartment, then all you've got to do is buy the happy hour drinks and snacks.

Edithburgh Caravan Park

Edithburgh Caravan Park has direct beach access, right next to a boat ramp, ready for fishing adventures. Out of all their powered and unpowered sites, the opportunity to camp right on the foreshore is too good to resist. They also have modern waterfront cabins with a full kitchen and large covered deck overlooking the sea. It’s an awesome place to bring your pets, with deluxe pet-friendly cabins so everyone can enjoy the ocean views. Facilities include a playground, tour desk, camp kitchen, BBQs, and guest laundry.

Stansbury Caravan Park

Roll up right beside the water’s edge at Stansbury Caravan Park. If you want to book self-contained accommodation, you can’t ignore their waterfront deluxe or luxury villas. When you’re not relaxing with uninterrupted views of Oyster Bay, wander straight down to the shore or use the boat ramp to go fishing. There’s laundry, camp kitchen, and BBQ facilities for your convenience, and play equipment for little ones.

Ardrossan Caravan Park

The beach is just down the street at Ardrossan Caravan Park. Stay in one of their light-filled and modern Seaview Villas (with accessible cabins available) or breathe in the sea breeze on a powered camping site. Facilities include a playground, camp kitchen, BBQs, and laundry, with seasonal campfires permitted. Beyond being SA’s blue swimmer crab capital, Ardrossan is just two hours away from the Adelaide CBD, so the park makes an excellent home base for a weekend trip to the Yorke.

Enjoy the coolest Yorke Peninsula attractions – and caravan parks – on your next getaway

Image Credit: Pondalowie Bay - South Australian Tourism Commission

Ready to start filling your camera roll with white sandy beaches, pink lakes, and turquoise waves? The G’day Parks app is the easiest way to book your road trip along the Yorke Peninsula coastline. Search and book in minutes through your smartphone, with handy filters to help you find the cabin or site that’s right for you. Then, it’s all about sun, surf, and seafood.