14 Things To Do in The Yorke Peninsula

Regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in South Australia, the Yorke Peninsula is a stretch of land North-West of Adelaide, boasting almost 700km of pristine coast, world-famous beaches, gentle rolling hills, cosy accommodation in charming towns, and some of the freshest produce the state – and the country - has to offer.

A 90-minute drive from Adelaide, the Yorke Peninsula is a dreamy port of call for those craving a reprieve from the city, a weekend away with family or friends, or just a good old-fashioned joyful road trip, where nature shines and you can breathe in that crisp ocean air. It may be tricky to know where to even begin, which is why we’ve rounded up a pretty extensive list of things to do in the Yorke Peninsula – start making notes and load up the car, quickly! 

Cycle around the region

Copper Trails Bike Hire is a small biking experience service operating in the Yorke Peninsula. They offer a variety of bikes for personal hire, including modern E-Bikes...and it's a fantastic way to get active and explore. 

They are continuously developing small local group tours as more infrastructure is developed within the Copper Coast, and more broadly the Yorke Peninsula.

For people who choose to cycle it up, it's also a fantastic opportunity to be immersed in the local food and culture of the region. 

40 George Street, Moonta

Go on an Ocean Safari tour to see dolphins leap out of the water

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Yorke Peninsula and discover the breathtaking views Mother Nature has to offer as Marion Bay Ocean Safari seeks out the region's vibrant marine life.

This scenic coastal tour and wildlife experience is operated by the dedicated and highly experienced team at Reef Encounters Fishing Charters - and it's one of the best things to do in the Yorke Peninsula. 

Set against the stunning backdrop of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, this tour offers an abundance of exciting sightseeing opportunities to view impressive wildlife, marine life, and panoramic views. 

Pondalowie Fisherman's Village, Inneston

Stand on the clifftops at Balgowan Beach

Balgowan is a small sleepy town located south of Moonta Bay...and it's sneakily got one of the coolest beaches in the Yorke Peninsula. 

It's a cracking fishing spot, where you can book a fishing charter leaving from the beach; a popular thing to do in the Yorke Peninsula, no matter the season. Or, if you have your own, launch your boat at high tide.

The cliffs of Balgowan Beach are particularly stunning. Head up to the top for a sunrise or sunset you won't soon forget. 

Balgowan, Yorke Peninsula

Walk the Yorke and find the beauty below

If staying active on a trip is your style, Walk the Yorke covers almost 500km of cycling and walking trails – all you have to do is choose your starting point, grab your walking shoes and camera and get those steps in. You’ll earn that glass of wine at the end of the day, after challenging yourself on trails that provide epic views. The kids will love a slightly less challenging walk along Whyalla Jetty. Designed to stand out, the jetty features a unique circular design not seen anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere. The visitor centre has brochures with more information, but we suggest simply walking the jetty on a sunny day, trying to spot sea creatures below as you go.

Visit Moonta Bay Jetty

This long 'L' shaped jetty is well worth the visit when it comes to things to do in the Yorke Peninsula. Whether it's a simple jetty stroll, to view a spectacular sunset or even for a spot of fishing, there are a wealth of cute activities to be had here. There is even a swimming enclosure off the side of the jetty.

On the south side of the jetty the beach expands all the way to Port Hughes.

Bay Road, Moonta Bay

Visit one of Australia's best beaches

Nope – that isn’t a typo! In 2022, the truly breathtaking Flaherty Beach, found right at the top of the peninsula, was awarded a top four place on a list of best beaches in Australia by Tourism Australia. It’s not hard to see why. Home to some of the whitest sand and clearest water you'll ever see, you can walk through shallow postcard-perfect blue water across sand banks that seem to go on forever. It’s a gem that locals love, and we're proud that South Australia gets to call this beautiful spot its own.

But the great beaches don’t stop there – you can also visit Ethel Beach, surrounded by rugged cliffs – and named so after the ship that made its final resting place just off shore; and Shell Beach, which offers stunning views of neighbouring Browns Beach when you climb atop the dunes.

Then there's Dolphin Bay, Pondalowie Bay and Cap Clairout at the Corny Point Lighthouse...the bounty of beautiful seascapes are endless!

There's a reason why taking a summer swim or brisk beach walk is an absolute essential on the list of things to do in the Yorke Peninsula. 

Settle in for an afternoon tasting session

It wouldn’t be very South Australian of us if we didn’t mention somewhere to get a drink when talking about things to do in the Yorke Peninsula. Fortunately for those who love a good drop of wine or a crisp lager, there's a host of amazing wineries and breweries to be found here. 

Award winning Barley Stacks Wine is open 7 days a week, offering wine tastings, electric car chargers. and tasty pizzas and cheese platters at the cellar door. Try the Shiraz or Chardonnay from this family-run winery and enjoy a laidback afternoon.

Sunny Hill Distillery is a go-to for smooth spirits. Vodka, rum and whiskey are what these guys do best, and the tasting room is the perfect place to visit with friends and try the extensive list of creative cocktails. Comfortable seating and a easy breezy vibe will make it only to easy to settle in for the long haul, but then you'd be remiss not to head a little further south to Wastacowie Brewery – the first independently owned microbrewery on the Yorke Peninsula. Close to the glistening coast, you can sit back and enjoy several varieties of beer brewed in house. Dogs are welcome, and on weekends there is usually a food truck on site to keep customers well fed.

Last but certainly not least, The Bond Store at Wallaroo is an exciting restaurant, microbrewery and distillery all in one – so you're bound to find a drink and meal you fancy. With a focus on creating an environment where everyone feels at home, this is the kind of place you won't want to leave, but when you do it'll likely be with a few new friends made.

Enjoy nature at its finest in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

There’s nothing better for the soul than time spent in nature. It allows you to take a moment to reset and reflect as you leave your everyday stress behind and relish the calm and quiet around you. We believe one of the best things to do in the Yorke Peninsula is to make your way through Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. It's the perfect place for every kind of outdoor activity, with camping, fishing, hiking and surfing opportunities available in abundance. There are lighthouses to visit and beaches to swim at, the gorgeous blue water of Lake Inneston to admire, plus the abandoned township of Inneston to wander through. If you are brave enough to scuba dive, there are also 20 shipwrecks off the coast to explore.

Did we mention the fabulous rock pool adventures you can have here? Rock pools are an underrated gem, and Shell Beach is home to some magical ones. While it may take a small trek over a rocky surface to get there, the calm conditions, crystal-clear water and rich biodiversity of the pools will take your breath away. To put it simply – there is no shortage of beauty to uncover in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.

Open daily, $13 entry per vehicle

Bring the kids along for some family fun 

With endless amounts of sea, sand and surf, the Yorke Peninsula is a playground the whole family can enjoy, with so much for kids to see and do.. While the beach is our pick of the best way to spend the day with the little ones, that’s not all there is on offer.

During the summer months Splash Town at Moonta Bay is the place to be, a water park by the ocean that's a seriously fun way to cool down. There's also an 18-hole mini golf course on the Copper Coast, or you can all bundle aboard The Moonta Mines Tourist Railway.

Don't forget to make a splash at Edithburgh Tidal Pool

If the kids love the ocean but are perhaps a little scared of what creatures may be sharing the water with them, or aren’t yet strong swimmers, the Edithburgh Tidal Pool is another obvious winner for things to don in the Yorke Peninsula. The only tidal pool in South Australia, the area is complete with toilets, lawn area, and BBQ facilities. 

7 O'Halloran Parade, Edithburgh

Stay in some seriously luxurious accommodation

Is glamping your style? Or do you prefer sturdy walls and all your creature comforts? Wherever you prefer to rest your head at the end of a busy day, there is a place for you in the Yorke Peninsula.

For some rustic coastal luxury in an original beach house, Love and Mutiny is an elevated shack from the 1950’s that welcomes all guests warmly. The colourful home is complete with interiors designed by Read and Hall; trust us, as soon as you step inside you will be delighted by the thought and detail that has gone into the space. 360-degree views and kilometres of beachfront are also waiting for you. 

If glamping tickles your fancy, allow the team at Bayside Glamping to look after you in comfort and style. Tents are fitted with a queen size bed, fairy lights and amenities, so you’ll sleep soundly. There is also a new tiny cabin nearby that runs off solar power and rainwater, encouraging guests to go completely off the grid.

Or perhaps Yondah Beach House is more your idea of heaven, since this architecturally designed home is located on 300 acres of coastal land, and provides access to a private beach. With views extending over to the majestic Kangaroo Island, a roaring fire and striking clifftop position that's perfect for spotting whales and dolphins, this is a dream stay for groups up to 6 (8 with two added rollaways). 

Visit the Pink Lakes region

Less than two hours’ drive from Adelaide, Yorke Peninsula's Lake Bumbunga has bubble gum shores Barbie herself could only dream about. It draws an eclectic crowd, from casual photographers to high-end fashion brands. Located in Lochiel, the lake is known to change colour from pink, to white, to blue, depending on the salinity of the water throughout the year. 

But it's not just Lake Bumbunga that catches the eyes of locals and visitors alike. The town of Yorketown is surrounded by over 200 salt lakes, that combine to form the Yorke Peninsula Salt Lake Trail. These lakes span the colour spectrum from purple to blue, orange to white, silver to pink. Follow the trail across 4 selected routes, and travel past some of the best vantage points for that perfect photo opportunity. It's one of the coolest things to do in the Yorke Peninsula. 

Tee-off with a round of golf

Okay, we know this one might not be for everyone, but with many golf courses around, it really is one of the most popular things to do in the Yorke Peninsula – particularly as the sun starts shining. You can go for a relaxed and casual hit at Port Broughton Golf Club or Edithburgh Golf Club, but for a memorable day on the green you can’t look past the Copperclub at the Dunes in Port Hughes.

Recognised as one of the best golf courses in South Australia, Copperclub is a Greg Norman designed beauty offering visitors and members a pristine place to play by the coast. When you’ve completed your round on the green, head to The Deck for a refreshing beverage and a meal as you soak up the views of Cape Elizabeth. 

Join a fishing charter, or farm for fresh oysters

We weren’t exaggerating when we said the Yorke Pensinsula is home to some seriously fresh food – and the seafood in particular is top tier in this part of the world. This explains why taking a fishing charter out or visiting an oyster farm are some of the more popular things to do in the Yorke Peninsula. Take a drive to Pacific Estate Oysters in Stansbury to experience being a ‘Deckie for a Day’ and learn everything there is to know about oysters – including how they grow, sustainable farming and most importantly just how good a fresh oyster tastes straight out of the water. You can stay dry on board or jump in the shallows and find your own oysters to shuck.

If oysters aren’t your thing but throwing out a line is, join Reef Encounters Fishing Charter at Pondalowie Bay for a day out on the water, with experienced and friendly staff who will be there to guide you in catching your dinner for the evening. The waters here are brimming with snapper, kingfish, whiting, flathead and gummy sharks – just to name a few.

The Yorke Peninsula is one of the most picturesque regions of South Australia to explore, but the beauty in this state doesn’t stop here. Why not discover some of the best winter holiday destinations in South Australia, or plan a getaway to the sublime Kangaroo Island?