6 AWESOME THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS ON THE YORKE PENINSULA
Plus, where to eat and stay!
Welcome one of South Australia’s best kept secrets: the Yorke Peninsula. This charming slice of paradise nestled between Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent (just a few hours’ drive from Adelaide) is all things bright and beautiful – a kaleidoscope of untouched beaches and a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions. With its sweeping farming landscapes, it's where you can introduce your kids to Australia's heartland, and with 700km of coastline, aquatic adventures are always at your fingertips. Whether your family loves surfing, fishing, or merely splashing around, Yorke Peninsula has got you covered.
And let’s not forget, the Yorke Peninsula's crowning glory – the Innes National Park. This natural haven is a vibrant tableau of rugged coastlines, native wildlife, and diverse flora. As you explore its picturesque walking trails, catch a glimpse of a playful dolphin or a soaring osprey, creating unforgettable encounters with nature for your little ones.
From building sandcastles on the deserted coastline, taking a dip in hidden rockpools teeming with marine life, to partaking in the thrill of the catch and savoring your fresh-from-the-sea meal under the twinkling stars, the Yorke offers a plethora of unforgettable moments. Coupled with its stunning natural beauty, the region’s friendly locals and the array of wildlife you’re likely to encounter along the way, the Yorke Peninsula becomes an irresistible destination for a family adventure. These are just a handful of the many reasons why Yorke should earn a top spot on your family’s must-see list.
Picture: Ben Goode. Supplied by SA Tourism.
1. Explore Innes National Park
Located at the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is full of hidden gems. You can go jetty jumping at Stenhouse Bay, shipwreck spotting at Ethels Beach, rock pool hunting at Shell Beach, fishing at Browns Beach or visit the old-township of Inneston.
A favourite among families is Dolphin Bay (pictured above) as it is one of the safest spots to take a dip on the Yorke. Boasting dramatic red and black granite boulders, white sand and turquoise waters, it is also one of the most beautiful. As the name suggests, you’re also likely to spot dolphins frolicking in the waters here and kangaroos often lounge on the beach.
You can choose to camp in the park or day trip - you can’t go wrong either way.
Where: The national park is on the south-west tip of Yorke Peninsula about 300km west of Adelaide.
Cost: A vehicle entry permit is $11 or $9 (concession).
More info: National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
2. Go dolphin spotting at Corny Point
Named because it resembles a corn on the foot of the peninsula, Corny Point is brimming with empty, under-the-radar gems. Head to the 1881 Corny Point Lighthouse and start an adventure along the coastline to see the spectacular beaches including Berry Bay and Gravel Bay. Make sure you keep an eye out for dolphins who love to surf the waves here. We saw huge pods of dolphins surfing the waves here. Our girls loved it.
Where: Corny Point Road, Corny Point.
Cost: Free.
Picture: Adam Bruzzone. Supplied by SA Tourism Commission.
3. Spend the day at Marion Bay
Marion Bay is the gateway to the spectacular Innes National Park and it offers plenty of fun for the entire family. There’s a sheltered swimming beach, a surf beach with plenty of top spots to cast a line. Walk down the ink-stained jetty that’s known for its big squid or see how you go beach or rock fishing. Head to the Marion Bay Tavern for a local seafood feast or a wood-fired pizza.
Where: Marion Bay is 300km from Adelaide.
Cost: Free.
Picture: SA Tourism Commission.
4. Make a splash at Moonta Bay
Located on the picturesque beachside town of Moonta Bay, you’ll find this fantastic council-run water park. Kids of all ages will love this free playground which includes four big water slides, one smaller slide and a large bucket that tips water. Across the road is a family-friendly beach with shallow water and safe shark-netted area for swimming.
Where: 167 Bay Road, Moonta Bay.
When: Opening times vary so it’s best to check the Splash Town Copper Coast Facebook Page before heading there.
Cost: Free.
More info: Splash Town - Copper Coast | Facebook
5. Look for huge rays at Magazine Bay
Covered in pebbles and home to a little cave with gorgeous views, this bay is a hit with little (and big) explorers who like searching for natural treasures. This under-the-radar beach isn’t featured in travel magazines (and we couldn’t even find it on Google) but it’s a gem we think you should definitely check out when on the Yorke. Keep an eye out for the big rays who calls this bay home.
Where: North Coast Road, Pt Turton.
Cost: Free.
6. Drive along Flaherty’s Beach
This beach, which stretches between Point Turton and Hardwicke Bay is the ultimate playground for little ones. Think kilometers of white sand and a seemingly endless stretch of perfectly clear, shallow water. You can take the 4WD on the beach here making it even more family friendly. No lugging the kids, the umbrella and a million bags to this gorgeous spot.
Where: Flaherty’s Beach is about 232km from Adelaide (about 2.5 hrs drive).
Cost: Free.
7. Moonta Mines Tourist Railway
Located in the historic copper mining town of Moonta, the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway is a fascinating place to delve into the region's past. The whole family can enjoy a 50 minute scenic ride on the vintage train while learning about the copper mining history of South Australia. There is also a museum here that features a variety of exhibits, showcasing old mining equipment and providing hands-on experiences to engage curious minds.
Where: Blanche Terrace, Moonta.
When: Visit the Moonta Visitor Information Centre website for current train times.
Cost: Price for adults is $12 each and price for children is $5 each.
Whether it’s tasting the regions finest produce at a specialty restaurant, digging into a hearty pub meal or simply watching the sunset with traditional fish and chips, you’re sure to find something to tempt your appetite on the Yorke Peninsula.
Bond Store
New kids on the block, the Bond Store is a brewery, distillery and restaurant. Sounds like a good combo to us! Just a stone’s throw from the beach, the Bond Store offers tasty food and a selection of beer including South Australian craft brews. If you’re not a beer drinker, head downstairs to the gin bar.
Where: 13 Owen Terrace, Wallaroo.
More info: Bond Store Wallaroo
Watsacowie Brewing Company
Sample craft brews created with local barley while overlooking the farmland on the southern end of the Yorke in the small town of Minlaton. These guys were the first brewery to open on the Yorke Peninsula bringing craft beer to the region. It is open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm.
Where: 9 Depot Road, Minlaton.
More info: Watsacowie Brewing Company
Sunny Hill Distillery
Feel like a craft spirit made onsite while enjoying stunning views of the Spencer Gulf? Yes please! Yorke Peninsula’s first micro-distillery produce spirits, including gin and vodka using 100 per cent local crops.
Where: 8658 Upper Yorke Road, Arthurton.
More info: www.sunnyhilldistillery.com.au
Inland Sea Restaurant
Head here to feast on freshly cooked lobster or maybe try a seafood platter. These guys specialise in locally caught seafood but also offer a range of other dishes as well. Tucked away 4kms from Warooka the Inland Sea Seafood Restaurant offers the perfect setting for a casual dinner through to a special occasion.
Where: 4km west of Warooka. 5km south of Point Turton.
More info: InlandSea Restaurant
SUPERMARKETS
Yorketown Supermarket – 14 Warooka Road, Yorketown.
Minlaton Foodland - 14 Main Street, Minlaton.
FoodWorks - 42 Main Street Minlaton.
The Yorke Peninsula is a caravan and camping nirvana, but it also boasts a diverse selection of hotels, motels, farm stays and luxury beachfront accommodation. Each promises a unique blend of comfort and a dash of Yorke Peninsula magic! There are also 19 low-cost camps to choose from whre you’ll often find yourself only sharing camp with a few of the local emus or roos. So, whether you want to camp under a twinkling canvas of stars or luxuriate in one-of-a-kind accommodations, there is something for everyone on the Yorke.
Redwing Farm Stay
If you’re travelling without a caravan, this farm stay is a perfect way to get the kids outdoors and introduce them to farm life. You can even choose to stay in Little Patty - a vintage caravan, with all the mod-cons of course! Other accommodation options are the renovated Barn or Shearers’ Quarters. Spend the day pottering around the farm, feeding animals, riding bikes, playing giant outdoor games, looking for eggs in the poultry yard and then kick back with a glass of wine around the fire pit.
Where: 226 Pipeline Rd, Weetulta.
More info: Redwing Farm
The Seagate Motel and Function Centre
It's not a flashy beach house or a sprawling caravan park, The Seagate Motel is about simple comfort and warm hospitality. Located in the charming town of Moonta, the Seagate Motel is your perfect base to explore the stunning sights of the Peninsula. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and fitted with all the amenities your family needs to feel right at home. The Motel has a lovely outdoor area, and swimming pool.
Where: 171 Bay Road, Moonta Bay.
More info: Seagate Motel
FOR CARAVANS:
Point Turton Caravan Park
If you like the idea of water views and being steps away from a jetty where you can catch yourself some King Whiting or squid for dinner, then you’re in luck. Point Turton Caravan Park offers exactly that plus more. There’s a boat ramp and netted swimming area under the jetty for safe swimming. There’s also a communal area with a wood-fired pizza oven! When it comes to accommodation options, they have plenty on offer including two-bedroom luxepods, deluxe cabins and powered sites.
Where: Bayview Rd, Point Turton.
More info: Point Turton Caravan Park
The Marion Bay Caravan Park
Located just five minutes from the stunning Innes National Park, spend your days exploring before returning to the comfort of this caravan park. The park is also just a short stroll from a sheltered beach and jetty. Along with shady caravan sites, the park also offers modern self-contained units, a camp kitchen and most importantly, a playground to keep the little ones entertained.
Where: 17 Willyama Drive, Marion Bay.
More info: Marion Bay Caravan Park
Wallaroo Holiday Park
This beachfront holiday park offers tent and van sites plus newly renovated cabins to accommodate families of all sizes. Wake up each day, step out your front door and walk just 20m to one of Australia’s safest and cleanest beaches to go for a swim or head to the boat ramp and jetty just 2km away. The park also has a playground, jumping pillow, recreation area, camp kitchen and free WiFi.
Where: 1 Pamir Court, Wallaroo.
More info: Wallaroo Holiday Park
LOW COST-CAMPS:
There are many low-cost spots to camp on the Yorke Peninsula - 19 to be exact. You’ll need a permit to camp at these places which costs $10 per night, $50 per week, $150 per month or $500 for an annual permit.
Click the link below to book a permit and find out more about each camp:
Yorke Peninsula Visitor Information - Campground Locations (visityorkepeninsula.com.au)
For dump point and water locations, click here: Yorke Peninsula Visitor Information - Self-Contained Camping (visityorkepeninsula.com.au)
FOR A BIT OF LUXURY:
Yondah Beach House
Perched elegantly on a cliff on 300acres with the Southern Ocean as its backdrop, Yondah offers breathtaking views of Kangaroo Island. Whether you're witnessing the fiery sunsets from the deck or spotting a playful pod of dolphins from your window, the visual delights are unending. The interior is a spacious haven of chic decor and top-notch amenities. It offers three deluxe bedrooms, three designer bathrooms and four separate decks! The fully-equipped gourmet kitchen allows you to dish up a storm, while the comfy living area is perfect for those cosy family movie nights. But Yondah Beach House isn't all about staying indoors. With private beach access, your family can have their own little seaside adventure. Build sandcastles, frolic in the waves, or just laze around soaking up the sun - it's your beach, your rules! To top it all, the house is pet-friendly. So, you can bring along your furry family member to share the holiday fun.
More info: Home - Yondah Beach House