South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the state! This is of course completely understandable, because the sandy coastline which is surrounded by vivid blue seas will take your breath away the minute you arrive. There are a multitude of recreational activities on offer, or you can simply cast a line from one of the many jetties and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
The ninety minute drive here west from Adelaide is a picturesque one, making the Yorke Peninsula a perfect destination for a self drive holiday. The road conditions are excellent, and the towns and nearby attractions are close to each other, making them easy to get to. The endless photo opportunities along the way will also surprise you.
The climate has a certain Mediterranean appeal, which is suitable for locals and tourists alike. Unlike many other regions of Australia, all seasons can be enjoyed here, with 7 degrees the lowest temperature in winter and 30 degrees the highest in summer. It really doesn’t get much better than this!
This region is overflowing with quaint towns to visit, with each offering something to draw the visitor in. Black Point is a popular seaside town with an abundance of water activities on offer, as well as plenty of local attractions. Ardrossan has a different flavour, with incredible scenery and cliff top lookouts just the start of this amazing town. Coobowie is another fantastic holiday destination and is ideal for families, as is Marion Bay which is located near the Innes National Park.
Kadina is the largest town in the Peninsula and a great place to stock up on supplies or base yourself for exploration of the neighbouring attractions. Moonta Bay is an old mining town with lovely stone buildings and is also worth a visit. Wallaroo is also popular with locals as a family holiday retreat.
A must-see of the area would have to be the Innes National Park, which can be found on the south west tip of the peninsula. This park depicts the bushland and natural beauty that graces the entire coastline. There are plenty of bush walks leading through wild terrain and ending in panoramic views of the coastline and Southern Ocean.
The wildlife is prolific here, attracting enthusiasts such as keen photographers and bird watchers, who like to capture this wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is also home to plenty of grey kangaroos and emus usually spotted through the trees, or in the camping grounds.
Innes is also highly regarded as a world class surfing destination. The incredible beaches here are popular with divers from all over the globe. The wildflowers are also beautiful here in spring and autumn. If you do nothing else, include this town on your itinerary for an enjoyable self-drive experience.
If you have the time, take a day trip over to Troubridge Island,an ideal destination for those who want to get away in a short amount of time. It is a peaceful, rugged and isolated oasis, with an old fashioned lighthouse adding to the charm of this amazing island.
Leven Beach is another famous spot, and is most popular for beach fishing. It is regarded as one of the most pristine beaches on the peninsula, so the adjoining Burners Beach campground is worth considering to enjoy this treasure a little longer.
The Samphire Coast is a unique and diverse stretch of the peninsula which deserves attention as one of the elite bird watching locations in South Australia. You will find every species of bird imaginable here, and the area is also popular for crabbing and fishing. The whole area stretches from Port Wakefield down to St Kilda, making for a stunning driving experience.
Wherever you travel you will be welcomed by friendly locals who will be happy to direct you on to a hidden beach, or a lookout that you must see. Your holiday to the Yorke Peninsula will be one filled with relaxation and wonderful memories to share with your loved ones.
