Yorke Peninsula Towns – Our Favourite Destinations!
Planning a trip to the Yorke Peninsula? Wondering where to visit? How to spend your time?
From Port Broughton at the top of the peninsula, to Marion Bay and Innes National Park at the southern tip, there’s so much to choose from. Stunning beaches, national parks, fishing spots, adventure playgrounds, historic adventures… it’s enough to keep you very busy!
If you’re looking for recommendations to add to your Yorke Peninsula bucket list, check out our favourite Yorke Peninsula towns.
Port Broughton
At the top of the peninsula is our pretty seaside town – Port Broughton. You’ll love it here. Enjoy scrumptious seafood and spectacular sunsets, book a fishing charter or go for a stroll along the Fisherman’s Bay walk.
Copper Coast
You’ve probably heard part of the Yorke Peninsula referred to as the ‘Copper Coast’. Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo are the towns that make up this part of the peninsula, named after the copper that was mined here a century ago. You can’t visit this region without at least learning a bit about our history, so prepare to step back in time.
Kadina
Image via https://www.australias.guide
History buffs will love Kadina, particularly the Kadina Historic Walk and Kadina Historic Drive. The Farmshed Museum is a hit for all ages with an extensive farm machinery collection and a history of life on the land. Matta House (pictured) is part of the exhibit. The Kadina Playground is a must-do, so if you have kids be sure to stop for a picnic and a play. Kadina’s the biggest town on the Peninsula and also a good spot for shopping.
Moonta
Image via https://www.moontatourism.org.au
The Moonta Mines Train and Museum is very popular. Take a historical train ride around the Moonta Mines then head across the road (and back in time!) to the old-fashioned Lolly Shop. In warmer months families must pay a visit to Splash Town water park, be sure to check the website for opening dates, generally late September to late April each year. Oh and don’t forget to visit the Coffee Barn and Gelataria, especially if you love pancakes and icecream. Yum.
Wallaroo
The Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum is the most popular attraction in the pretty town of Wallaroo. See George the Giant Squid (found in the belly of a whale in 1980!). You’ll also find another Adventure Playground in Wallaroo, the kids will be happy.
Maitland
Pop into Maitland and stretch your legs on the historic walking trail past heritage buildings and the Museum. Markets are open every Thursday & Friday, or check out Barley Stacks Wines for some winery fun.
Minlaton
Image via https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/
Do not miss the Watsacowie Brewery, a relaxing, rustic, boutique brewery with a large range of craft beer. Soak up the atmosphere with live music (check their website for details) and great food.
Marion Bay
Image via https://www.aussietowns.com.au/
Take a drive down to Marion Bay and check out the picturesque Marion Bay Jetty. Butler’s Beach is simply a slice of paradise. Stop at the Marion Bay Tavern for eats and drinks.
More Helpful Info about the Yorke Peninsula
When you’ve had enough of visiting Yorke Peninsula towns and popular tourist destinations, head off the beaten track and enjoy the great outdoors.
Innes National Park
Image via https://en.wikipedia.org
The Innes National Park is spectacular and there’s plenty to do for the adventurous at heart. Famous for its big surf, shipwrecks and pristine beaches, Innes National Park is an awesome spot for a day trip. Think surfing, scuba diving, fishing, bushwalking and wildlife spotting. Check out Pondalowie Bay for consistent waves or head to Chinamans for experienced surfers. There’s also ruins of the old mining town of Inneston to explore.
Loads more information here: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/
Surfing on the Yorke Peninsula
Yorke is home to world-renowned surfing spots, see https://yorkepeninsula.com.au/surfing
Bushwalking / Hiking on the Yorke Peninsula
Hikes on the Yorke Peninsula: visit https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/region/yorke-peninsula/
Diving on the Yorke Peninsula
Diving on the Yorke Peninsula: See: https://www.visityorkepeninsula.com.au/diving-and-snorkeling
We’d love for you to explore some of our favourite towns on the Yorke Peninsula. We know you’re going to have an amazing time learning about the history of our area, enjoying the great outdoors and soaking up the scenery in this beautiful part of South Australia.
If you need a place to stay, our beautiful holiday park is the place to be! Check out our range of accommodation and sites or book online today.
More Helpful Info about the Yorke Peninsula
Planning for a weekend getaway or short holiday at the Yorke Peninsula?
With a pristine coastline stretching for 700 kilometres, the Yorke Peninsula is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers and all types of travellers. You can go camping, boating, fishing, swimming, surfing, exploring the bush, engaging in wildlife encounters and so much more.
On the Yorke Peninsula, you’ll never run out of things to do. Here’s a list of the top ten activities that’ll help you get started. Enjoy!
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Take a dip at the Edithburgh Tidal Pool
Do you have your kids in tow? Why not head to the Edithburg Tidal Pool and cool down? Here, families, couples and singles alike can enjoy the relaxing ambience and fantastic views of the sea whilst basking in the soothing waters of the tide pool. There’s a dedicated section for children and another one for adults; adventurous swimmers can also head outside the pool into the sea.
Source: southaustralia.com
Aside from the toilet, shower and changing facilities, you can also have a barbecue in the nearby park and take a stroll in the lovely gardens.
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Go camping at Innes National Park
“InnesNationalPark_IMGP1170” by guillemllb is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Love camping? Then you can never go wrong if you head out to Innes National Park, which is located on the southwestern tip of the Yorke Peninsula.
Aside from being a popular camping destination on this side of Southern Australia, Innes National Park is also a great fishing and surfing site. You can also take a trek and explore the park, where you’re guaranteed to meet various interesting animals and birds. From this side of the Yorke Peninsula, you can enjoy fabulous coastal views from every angle, too.
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Learn a bit of history at the Moonta Mines Museum
source: moontatourism.org.au
Located in what was formerly known as the Moonta Mines Model School, which was erected in 1878 and closed in 1968, the Moonta Mines Museum was established by the National Trust of SA, Moonta Branch. It houses relics and thematic depictions of the Cornish miners’ way of life. There are costumes, silverware, china, various memorabilia, photographs and a furnished classroom on display.
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Swim at Splash Town Copper Coast
Source: facebook.com/splashtowncoppercoast/
Splash in the sunshine at Splash Town in Copper Coast. This water park by the sea features four large water slides, a huge tipping bucket, a kiddie slide and several gigantic mushrooms. Both children and adults can while away the time indulging in the fun and excitement of Splash Town free of cost.
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Listen to farming stories at the Farm Shed Museum
source:nationaltrust.org.au/places/the-farm-shed-museum/
Find out how farming evolved in the Yorke Peninsula. At the Farm Shed Museum, you’ll find out all about dryland farming machinery and techniques. You’ll see the stump-jump plough in action onscreen and learn all about the role of women in farming. Aside from modern farming history, you’ll also learn about the beginnings of Wallaroo Mines, Matta House and the Kadina Township. You’ll also find the Kadina Miniature Train here, so why not go for a ride?
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Play with your kids at the Wallaroo Adventure Park
Source:kidsinadelaide.com.au/wallaroo-adventure-playground/
For families with kids, a visit to the Wallaroo Adventure Park is a must.
Located across the street from the Wallaroo Town Hall along Irwin Street, this playground features a large shaded play area with toddler size play equipment, swings diggers, and more fun activities for smaller kids.There are also climbing nets and frames, monkey bars, a number of swings and slides, a supernova, two flying foxes and more for bigger kids. There’s plenty of space for everyone, and the place is well-lit even for nighttime play. Parents and carers can sit and even hold picnics here as there are benches, tables and chairs, and a drinking fountain. There are also shops nearby.
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Walk or cycle along Walk the Yorke
Source:yorkepeninsula.com.au/walk-the-yorke
The 500-kilometre long Walk the Yorke trail features fabulous scenery and various walking experiences, such as day walks, hero walks and multi-day walks. You can choose from among the 16 walking routes such as Foul Bay to Marion Bay, Port Wakefield to Port Clinton and so on. Of course, you can always take the alternative and bike through the length or sections of the trail.
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Visit the Local History Room
“Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum” by South Australian History Network is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Located in the Copper Coast Library in Kadina, the Local History Room holds a huge collection of material on the history of the Yorke Peninsula. If you’re interested in genealogical research, you will find this to be a treasure trove of data for your study. Best of all, access is free of charge during normal library hours.
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Look up “George The Giant Squid” at the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum
“Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum” by South Australian History Network is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
A curiosity both adults and kids are sure to find interesting and amazing, “George The Giant Squid” is housed in The Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum. In the late 1970s, George was found inside a whale’s stomach off the coast of Albany in Western Australia, but was donated to the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum in 1984.
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Sample some craft beer at the Watsacowie Brewing Company
Source:watsacowie.com.au
The independently owned Watsacowie Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Minlaton, South Australia’s premium barley growing region in the Southern Yorke Peninsula. It’s open to the public, so everyone is welcome to sample various ranges of beers and cider in a warm and casual environment.
You may choose to bring your own packed lunch or take-away food from neighbourhood restaurants. You can also choose to have a tasting platter to accompany your beverages. The brewery is a great venue for relaxation as they play some really cool tunes and have friendly staff ready to welcome you anytime.
Find the best place to stay
The Yorke Peninsula features plenty of accommodation options for tourists who wish to enjoy the food, sights and sounds in this part of Southern Australia. With sun, sand and sea, it’s easy to get lost in the relaxing atmosphere pervading Yorke Peninsula.
The Port Broughton Tourist Park comes highly recommended as it is only a two-hour drive from Adelaide. It’s located close to several beaches, national parks and historic sites. It also features several types of accommodation, including budget cabins, en-suite cabins, luxurious self-contained villas, and places for RVs, caravans and tents.
There are various family activity facilities, peaceful grounds and free Wi-Fi. It’s pet-friendly, too.
So, while planning for your Yorke Peninsula holiday, why not make your stay enjoyable by booking your place at the Port Broughton Tourist Park. See you soon!