If you’re looking for a holiday destination which offers sand, sea and sightseeing, you really can’t go past the Yorke Peninsula. Just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, there’s something for everyone amongst this spectacular coastal playground.
Yorke Peninsula offers pristine beaches, national parks, fishing, boating and wildlife aplenty. Not just for the nature lovers though – Yorkes is really making its mark in the department of all things food, wine and culture as well. A visit to Yorkes will grant you 700 kms of glorious coastline to discover, seaside towns to peruse and breweries to whet the whistle when you’re ready to kick back and relax!
If a local vacay is on the horizon, check out some of these new activities on offer in the Yorke Peninsula. There’s plenty to see, explore and experience in this sensational part of our state, as well as the opportunity to slow down, reconnect and simply take in all its wonders.
To the YP, we say a big Yes Please!
Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Learn all about the rich Indigenous culture of the region’s Nharangga people with Shane Warrior, a local Nharangga Kokatha man. Shane will take you on an educational walking tour from a significant cultural site on the edge of Minlaton, with the option to participate in a traditional bush tucker lunch! He’ll divulge his ancestral knowledge, share ancient traditions and explain his community’s intimate connection to the land. The incredible expertise and skills of the Nharangga people were developed over tens of thousands of years and this unique experience will leave you with a true appreciation of the understanding and respect they have for their environment.
Image Credit :: groundedypartfestival
Join Kim Yau, passionate fisherman and culinary master, to discover the simple pleasure of catching your own seafood and then joining him in the kitchen to turn it into a feast! With a range of experiences to suit all levels and ages, you’ll soon discover Kim’s connection to the sea is as deep as the waters themselves. After meeting Kim near Ardrossan, he’ll quickly have you enthralled with his knowledge of fishing techniques, different marine species and the ecosystems surrounding them. With the ability to turn even the simplest catch into a gourmet delight, embarking on a voyage of discovery with Kim really is a win-win situation for both your fishing prowess and your palate!
Image Credit :: Catch n Cook World tour
Explore Yorke Peninsula’s stunning coast from an entirely new perspective — from the open ocean! With permanent mooring at Port Vincent and Edithburgh, Brindabella Sailing opens up the world of sailing to all with its beautifully appointed 80ft maxi yacht and offers a range of unforgettable experiences. From day trips, marine park expeditions or extended overnight luxury voyages, you’ll discover the breathtaking beauty and natural wonders of Yorke Peninsula’s coastline from the comforts of this impressive vessel.
Brindabella sleeps up to 12 people for an overnight experience. Just imagine watching the sunset from the endless open waters, waking up to the gentle sound of water lapping against your floating abode and spending the day exploring secluded beaches and hidden coves. What an unforgettable ocean experience!
Image Credit :: Brindabella Sailing
Enjoy the stunning views from Sunny Hill Distillery while you explore their range of vodka, gin and whiskey. This family friendly venue in Arthurton provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for locals and tourists to come together and enjoy house made spirits, cocktails and local craft beer. They also offer share platters which incorporate a variety of South Australian goodies, but you are also very welcome to bring your own picnic and enjoy it on the large deck or expansive lawn within their grounds. Distillery tours and private tastings are available and bookings are recommended if you have a preference for seating. Keep an eye out on the events page for their ‘Food and Music’ weekends, which are always a hit!
Image Credit :: Sunny Hill Distillery
The Bond Store Wallaroo produces a range of award winning spirits and beer at their onsite micro-brewery and distillery. But that’s not all — they also operate a bustling, contemporary restaurant with a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal, local produce.
A gleaming 500L copper still, (affectionately named Ginger) really steals the show in the gin bar downstairs where you’ll be able to sample Bond Store’s unique blends of gins and liquors. If beer is your bevvy of choice, the brewery bar has 12 taps of site-made beers on offer. The only problem you’ll face at Bond Store Wallaroo is where to start, (and where to finish)!
Image Credit :: Bond Store Wallaroo
Barley Stacks Wines was the first commercial vineyard and winery to be established on the traditional barley belt of the Yorke Peninsula. So you really can say they’ve gone against the ‘grain!’
Just a short drive from the historic town of Maitland, Barley Stack’s cellar door exudes rich Australian history and guests are guaranteed to receive a memorable Aussie experience. Their friendly team of cellar door experts invite you to taste and purchase their range and will provide an informative overview of the wines and which foods pair best with each one. Catering to every taste, their cellar door also offers a range of beer, cider and spirits. They also have pizzas and cheese platters available to purchase. If you thought it couldn’t get better — Barley Stacks Wines also prides themselves on being child and pet friendly. Any venue that welcomes pets and has a kids’ corner gets a thumbs up from us!
Image Credit :: Barley Stacks Wines
The kids will be catered for at Tarnasey Farm where they’ll be able to get up close and personal with a range of friendly (and sometimes cheeky) farm animals. Located in Wallaroo, Tarnasey Farm’s ‘Little Farmer’ tours operate at 10am every day (except for Christmas Day and Good Friday) and will have the kids enthralled with their hands-on experiences with ponies, pigs, lambs, goats, cows, ducks and even an alpaca. They might even be lucky enough to collect a few eggs from the chooks!
Image Credit :: Tarnasey Farm
The stunning rock pools at Hillocks Drive, Marion Bay are a must if you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience. The rock pools’ crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life make for a snorkeler’s paradise, but you’ll get just as much enjoyment by simply sitting on the edge with your feet in the water and soaking in the natural beauty surrounding you.
Image Credit :: Walking SA
Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat
Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat offers the perfect getaway for couples or small groups to relax, recharge and awaken their inner creative genius. Located in the small agricultural town of Warooka, Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat offers a variety of tailored packages to provide you with a relaxing and recharging experience. Best of all, you’ll be surrounded by the charm of the beautifully restored stone homestead and its stunning grounds.
Image Credit :: Ballara Art and Lifestyle Retreat
Yorke Peninsula has also developed a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a diverse range of immersive experiences available. Join renowned Aboriginal artist Sonya Rankine for a weaving workshop, craft your own heirloom with silversmith Jasmine Swales, or learn the art of glass bead blowing at Meant to Bead. The GROUNDED and FLAME festivals also showcase a variety of local artists so whatever your creative interests may be, Yorke’s has you covered!
