It’s probably safe to say most South Australians have a favourite holiday memory of time spent on the Yorke Peninsula. With an array of attractions ranging from fishing and swimming to farmers’ markets and distilleries, Yorke Peninsula is the holiday destination that keeps on giving.
Holidays on Yorkes and the easy laidback lifestyle draw visitors back year after year. Holiday in beachside caravan parks or bush camping sites within walking distance to sandy beaches.
Heading north from Adelaide, you can be on the Copper Coast Highway in less than an hour and a half. Load the car full of water toys, the beach cricket set and fishing gear and set yourself up comfortably on your own piece of paradise somewhere along the 700 plus kilometres of coastline.
Many people visit Yorkes for the fishing. Consistent catches from the jetties include King George whiting, tommies, bream, garfish, mullet, as well as squid, and blue swimmer crabs. With more than 20 boat ramps, it’s a popular destination for boaties to catch schooling fish like garfish, and kidney thumping whiting.
Beach fishing is another popular pastime for anyone to try their hand at, especially when it can be as easy as taking a few steps away from your accommodation to the water’s edge. Days don’t begin much better than watching the sunrise over water. Dolphins and pelicans also cruise by at the start of the day. For some of the best fishing try Port Hughes, Moonta Bay, Edithburgh, Wallaroo and Port Vincent.
When the fish are off the bite it’s a good time to discover what’s on offer away from the coast. These days Yorke Peninsula has diversified from its grain and cereal cropping farms. Craft breweries and a distillery are now part of the scene. They may be small but they are making top quality drinks, and winning awards in the process.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the region where the stump jump plough originated from is still being innovative in agriculture. Not only are they producing their own beers, wines and spirits, but Yorke Peninsula grain makes up a piece of most Australian beers. Visit Sunny Hill Distillery Arthurton, Watsacowie Brewing Minlaton, Barley Stacks Wines Maitland. Not only do they make good drops but they are also family and pet friendly.
Every town on Yorke Peninsula has its own reason for visitors to return and you can easily have a day touring and taking scenic inland roads to visit a few favourites as you crisscross the peninsula. Building ruins and remnants of the peninsula’s history sit right alongside modern windfarms and thriving agriculture.
On weekends many of the towns hold farmers markets where you can buy locally made and grown produce, arts, and crafts. As you drive through towns keep an eye out for colourful murals adorning buildings that depict the history of towns. For markets and murals visit Stansbury, Wallaroo and Kadina.
Wherever you drive you’re never far from spectacular coastal scenery, a bright blue ocean and white sandy beaches. As peaceful as it can look at times, this coast has had a treacherous past. 85 shipwrecks are dotted around the coastline, some which can be seen protruding from their watery graves at low tide. In the case of one, the Ethel wreck, its metal bones rest on the beach in Innes National Park.
As you take a coastal drive, look for a number of unique looking lighthouses. None are more so than the Troubridge Hill Lighthouse. This imposing 32 metre structure is constructed of custom made wedge shaped clay bricks. Visit Edithburgh, Marion Bay and Innes National Park for wild coastal views and birdlife. Always keep your eyes peeled for roaming wildlife in this natural scrub area too.
Staying on the Yorke Peninsula offers you the option of seeing the sunrise over water every morning. Because it averages a mere 40 kilometres from one side to the other, it’s also possible to watch the sun sink into the water every evening.
Yorkes is serenity personified. With activities for the whole family to love, no arm twisting will be necessary to visit.
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