Yorke Peninsula Itinerary

Welcome to the Yorke Peninsula, the ultimate coastal destination.

Just over an hour’s drive away from Adelaide and home to a whopping 700 kilometres of pristine coast, the Yorke Peninsula is one of South Australia’s most accessible seaside escapes. Spend your days swimming, surfing, fishing, camping and bush walking with our Yorke Peninsula itinerary including the best places to stay, eat and things to do on the Yorke Peninsula.

Where to stay

The Klein Pod, Stansbury

Soak up those slow summer moments at The Klein Pod – a two-person accommodation haven located in Stansbury. Immerse yourself into privacy in paradise and roll out of bed to the sounds of nature. With a private outdoor shower and daybed on the deck, relax and watch the day roll by as you overlook the patterns of the sand changing with the tides.

Love and Mutiny, Chinaman Wells

A gorgeous 1950's shack with 360 views of Chinaman Wells, Love and Mutiny is the ultimate beachfront holiday destination in the Yorke Peninsula. Watch the tide roll in from bed, put a record on or have a cocktail by the wood fire - this beach house is unlike any other. Sleeping up to four guests, the eclectic interiors situated in the quiet township of Chinaman Wells provides a truly unique and relaxing getaway all year round.

My Sister and the Sea, Marion Bay

For another dreamy seaside escape, check into My Sister & The Sea - a picture perfect coastal cottage in Marion Bay. The white weatherboard cottage evokes memories of endless summer days in the sun, and is the perfect spot to create many more. Sprawl out in the sun on the outdoor deck, sink into the heated outdoor bath, stroll down to the beach or explore Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park on your doorstep. The cottage is fully equipped and sleeps up to six guests.

Bayside Glamping and Tiny Home, Marion Bay

Cosy up by the coast in a charming seaside tiny home at Bayside. Nestled within walking distance of Marion Bay and on the doorstep of Innes National Park, the off-grid tiny home is the ultimate couples retreat on the Yorke Peninsula. Soak in views of the surrounding native grassland from every window, climb the ladder and retreat to your loft-style bedroom, sip your morning coffee on the deck with kangaroos and emus for company, then cook breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen before venturing out to explore. Solar powered, rainwater reliant and with a natural composting toilet, your stay will have minimal impact on the pristine surrounding environment. There's also an equally dreamy glamping option.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Bond Store, Wallaroo

A microbrewery, distillery and restaurant... a stone's throw from the beach? The Bond Store in Wallaroo is an idyllic spot for a long lunch on the coast. Towering stainless steel brewing tanks provide the backdrop for the bar and restaurant, with 12 tap options available including craft brews from around South Australia and a selection brewed right on site. The gin bar, complete with a 500L copper still called Ginger, awaits downstairs in the cellar. 

Watsacowie Brewing Company, Minlaton

Sitting centre-stage to the Yorke Peninsula and surrounded by golden fields of barley, Minlaton is home to Watsacowie Brewing Company. Pouring brews created with local barley, sip your way through their impressive selection of craft beers with a tasting paddle, or opt for a cider or wine paired with platter from the cellar door. Stay for a few sips set to a soundtrack of live music on weekends or kick-back on one of the Yorke Peninsula's beautiful beaches with your own supplies.

Coopers Alehouse Restaurant, Wallaroo

You don't have to roam far on the Yorke Peninsula for a good country pub, and Coopers Alehouse is one of the best. Sitting in prime position on the sheltered west coast at Wallaroo, here lunch with a view overlooking the marina awaits. Taste your way through the Yorke Peninsula's famous fresh seafood with a seafood platter complete with oysters, prawns, scallops and fish paired with a cold beer.

WHAT TO SEE

Beaches, Yorke Peninsula

Sheltered bays, snow-white sand and clear, turquoise waters await on the Yorke Peninsula. Surrounded by 700km of pristine coastline, the Yorke Peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and most of the time you'll have them all to yourself. From impressive swells favoured by surfers, to calm coves perfect for a family day at the beach, reefs packed with aquatic life best explored snorkelling or diving or long stretches of powdered sand to lounge around, there's a patch of paradise for every beach bum to call their own. Pack your bathers, sunscreen and beach towel and start exploring with our guide to five of the best beaches on the Yorke Peninsula.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula

Located at the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is a natural playground, brimming with beautiful beaches, outstanding surf and dramatic cliffs. You could easily spend a day exploring without seeing another soul. Must-visit spots are Ethel Beach, Dolphin Bay and Cape Spencer Lighthouse. See our top 5 Yorke Peninsula beaches for more.

Inneston Lake, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

The eye-piercing blue waters of Inneston Lake give the Maldives a run for its money. Best enjoyed on a sunny summer's day when the waters are at their bluest, this remote salt lake is one of the Yorke Peninsula's best kept secrets. Tucked in the heart of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, this patch of paradise is plonked in an abandoned historical town and is surrounded by rugged wilderness, epic coastline and abundant wildlife. For more epic blue waters, check out our guide to the best beach paradise destinations in South Australia.

Shell Beach, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

 Another hidden gem in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, a mermaid wouldn’t look out of place lolling about in the sun-drenched waters of the Blue Hole rock pool. Follow the powdery-white sand along Shell Beach to your very own private seaside pool where crystal clear, sheltered waters on the edge of the Southern Ocean await. Wait for low tide and calm weather, then dive into the secluded beachside rockpool and explore an underwater world of fish, coral, crabs and starfish. Pack your swag and extend your stay in paradise; there’s a campground tucked just off Shell Beach. For more hidden swimming spots, check out our guide to the best secluded swimming holes in South Australia.

WHAT TO DO

Aboriginal Cultural Tour, Yorke Peninsula

Experience the deep spiritual and physical connection Aboriginal people have with their country on an Aboriginal Cultural Tour run by Quenten Agius. Explore the Yorke Peninsula's rugged earth gorges, pristine untouched beaches and ancient archaeological sites. Share Dreaming and Creation stories that bring the landscape to life, while connecting with nature and the environment. 

Marion Bay Ocean Safari, Marion Bay 

See the Yorke Peninsula from the sea, on a Marion Bay Ocean Safari. With some of South Australia’s most sensational coastal scenery, marvel at the impressive wildlife and panoramic views of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Learn from the highly experience staff about the coastlines, wildlife and marine life and enjoy a day on the sea with three cruise options available, departing from Pondolowie Bay.

Yorketown Salt Lake Trail, Yorketown

Ever seen a pink lake in real life? A stop through Yorketown will have you checking pink lakes off your bucket list with the Salt Lake Trail. Lakes that were once harvested for commercial salt production, are now a photographers delight with over 200 salt lakes ranging from pinks to shades of white.

Linger longer

Three days is just enough time to soak-up the Yorke Peninsula sun, but there’s so much more to explore. Check out our Yorke Peninsula guide and extend your stay.