A Yorke Peninsula road trip is the one and only way to see the best of what “Yorkes” has to offer. With a reliable vehicle you can explore many of the great attractions and things to do on Yorke Peninsula. From the mining history of the Copper Coast to the surfing beaches and beautiful coast line at the “Heel” of the Yorke Peninsula. I have put together the perfect Itinerary to see the best parts of the Yorke Peninsula.
Getting Around and Camping
If you choose to travel by car there are lots of hotels to choose from along the route that will be the perfect place to stay over. If you are looking for more of an adventurous road trip then we highly recommend renting a campervan or bring your motorhome/caravan. There are lots of great camping grounds along the Yorke Peninsula. Most of the camping grounds are run by the local council which you can purchase a couple of different passes or they are $20 per night. There are free campgrounds for overnight stays in Moonta (72 hour stop over), Maitland (24 hour stop over), Warooka (48 hour stop over) and Curramulka Rv stop is inland off the coast of the Yorke Peninsula and is $7 per night. Camping at Innes National Park is $24 per night. A great base camp to explore was Stenhouse Bay.
Day 1- Moonta Bay
The Copper Coast is only a 1.5hour drive from Adelaide, making it the perfect place to begin your road trip around the Yorke Peninsula. The Copper Coast consists of the three towns of Moonta, Wallaroo and Kadina. The area is rich in mining history Make sure you head to the Moonta Mines which is only a 5 minute drive from the donation campground in Moonta. Another great place to explore is the Port Hughes to Simms cove trail. Leave Adelaide early so you can spend the whole day exploring the sights and beaches in Moonta, Moonta Bay and Port Hughes.
Day 2- Kadina and Wallaroo
Staying at Moonta for 2 nights is a great base to explore the Copper Coast, On day two take a drive out to Kadina and ride/ walk the 8km one way rail trail to Wallaroo. Explore Wallaroo and head into the Bond store to try the local beer. Explore the jetty in Wallaroo and North beach. Have some delicious Fish ‘n’ Chips at the Boat Shed for lunch.
Day 3
On day 3 drive out to Balgowan it is about a 30 minute drive from Moonta. Explore Balgowan for the day and walk along the cliff top trail for some spectacular views. In the afternoon either relax and camp at Bamboos or Tiparra Rocks, both are $20 per night Or continue to Maitland to the Free RV overnight campground.
Day 4- Port Victoria
On day 4 head out to Port Victoria, If you camped in Balgowan stop past Point Pearce along the way. The road is a dirt road to Port Victoria. If you stayed in Maitland it is 15 minute drive along sealed roads. Spend the Morning exploring Port Victoria including the trails. There are two great trails one towards Rifle Butts Beach and the other one goes out past the Caravan park along the ‘Walk the Yorke’ Trail. In the afternoon continue driving to Warooka Oval to the free camp. Along the way stop at Wauraltee Beach.
Day 5- Corny Point
Today make your way to the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula. First head out to Flaherty’s beach, then to Point Turton and spend the morning in this area. Next head out to Corny point Lighthouse and Berry beach. Tonight either stay at Daly head campground Or make your way into Innes National Park. Spend 2 nights exploring the park. Click Here for the best places to see in Innes National Park.
Day 6- Explore Innes National Park
With gorgeous sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and plenty of wildlife. This park is a perfect place to spend a few days getting lost in nature. You can explore a lot of the main sites in one day but, if you have more time to spare, we recommend spending multiple days here to really explore this area. We recommend spending two nights at Stenhouse bay. Best Places to visit are Ethel Wreck, Cape Spencer Lighthouse, The Royston Head Hike and discovering as many beaches as you can. Its also worth seeing the Boat Wreck down at Pondalowie Beach
Day 7- Marion Bay- Edithburgh
Follow the scenic route from Marion Bay there is signs along the way but you follow the coast most the way around. Past Troubridge light house, Kemp Bay, Port Moorowie and Foul bay. This is also part of the ‘walk the Yorke’ trail. Just before Foul Bay stop past Kangaroo Island Lookout and Meehan Hill Lookout.
Explore the trails
Spend the afternoon in Edithburgh and Explore the trails.
-Edithburgh to Mosiac Trail the walk to Sultana Point is an easy trail and can be done as a short walk. The trail is also known as the mosaic trail which is 8.9km return walk.
-Coastal Trail to The Estuary is an easy 6km one way trail along a made trail.
For 1 night stay at the Edithburgh caravan Park. Powered sites from $40 and unpowered from $30 per night. or one of the Council Bush camps for $20 per night.
Day 9- Edithburgh to Ardrossan
Today head along the coast to Ardrossan although the drive is only 1 hour. Make sure to stop along the way. If you have a bike or feel like a walk there is a few good spots along the ‘Walk the Yorke’ Trail worth stopping at. From Edithburgh head past Wool Bay on the way to Port Vincent. Spend the rest of the morning Port Vincent.
Trails to explore
– Walk the Yorke trail from Port Vincent marina to Port Vincent golf club. 4km return trail.
A beautiful walk along the clifftop and head back along the lower path back to the marina. Follow walk the Yorke signs after you pass the Port Vincent Lookout.
-Ralph Munro Cliff top trail-1.6km return easy walk
At the beginning of the trail there is a set of stairs before getting to the top from there it is an easy walk with beautiful views. You can continue along the trail which connects walk the Yorke trail. This walk is 11km return from Port Vincent to Just past Deep gully. The trails ends at a beautiful Beach.
Port Vincent
In the afternoon head out to Port Julia and make your last stop at Rouges Point head to the end of Chapman Road. This section of the ‘Walk The Yorke’ Trail was our favourite and had the best cliff top walk. Rogues Point to Pine Point 9.1km (2 hours 17 mins). Although the track kind of just ends for cyclists at Muloowurtie Point. Unless you are willing to wheel your bike down the valley and up a very sandy steep track. I wouldn’t recommend the track, If you are willing defiantly scope it out before you attempt it. After the Gully the track is back to fine gravel into Pine Point.
For your Final night stay at the Free overnight campground in town. It can get very busy and there is only 3 spots. If there is no spots left head to the Caravan Park for your Last night. Powered sites from $40 and unpowered from $30 per night
Day 10- Ardrossan to Adelaide
On the way back to Adelaide stop Past the town of Clinton. There is a great section here of the ‘Walk The Yorke’ trail along the cliff tops. This is the second section of the trail. It begins in Clinton and ends in Ardrossan. Walk The Yorke is designed to be walked in one section (27.8km) but can be walked in 2 sections. The 2 sections are Clinton to Price 7.8km (1 hour 57 mins), and Price to Ardrossan 20km (5 hours). We completed the beautiful scenic clifftop trail from Port Clinton into Price.
The drive back to Adelaide from Ardrossan is under 2 hours.
