The Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park can be found at the very southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. 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. The name of this park has recently changed from Innes National Park to Dhilba Guuranda – Innes National Park and is co-managed by Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC).
Where To Stay At Innes National Park
Camping in Innes National Park
The Innes National Park is so beautiful that you don’t want to leave. Well, you don’t have to if you choose to camp! There are 8 different campsites available which need to be prebooked ahead of time. All the info you need is here. We camped at Stenhouse Bay Campground. It’s located just instead the National Park and is a great location right near Little Emu beach and Stenhouse Bay Jetty. Campsites are $24 per night.
If you prefer a cabin in nature head to Marion Bay Holiday Village cabins start from $100 a night for a 2 bedroom villa Or Marion Bay Caravan Park. Powered sites from $35 and Unpowered from $30.
Park Entry
To enter the park you need a vehicle permit. A day pass is $12.50 per day, If you are going to spend a view days at the park or camp in the park it’s cheaper to get a 2 month multiple park pass for $50. Which then you can also go explore other National Parks in South Australia. Click Here to book your park pass.
Walking Trails in Innes National park
Gym Beach Hike
11km return walk which recommends 4 hours to complete. The walking trail is fairly flat trail that has rocky terrain and sandy sections as you travel under the sand dunes. Begin the hike at Brown’s beach, there is a small section to park at the end of the road before you turn left into Brown’s Beach. You can also begin the hike at Gym’s beach where there is a camping area with great ocean views.
Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail Hike
The hike follow’s the old wooden railway line that runs from Inneston to Stenhouse Bay. We began the Hike just off Pondowlie Bay road after the Stenhouse Bay Campground. You can also begin the hike after the Horse stable Ruins along the Inneston Historic Walk at Inneston. This hike is 7.6km 3 hour return hike.
You can also extend the walk by walking around the Inneston Historic walk which is 2km circuit 1 hour return walk. The walk is well marked and takes you back to the 1900’s when this was a small signs tell the story of the close-knit community of Inneston.
Stenhouse Bay Lookout Trail
2.2km 1 hour return circuit out to 7 lookouts with some spectacular coastal view’s along the way.
Royston Head Hike
A 5km 2 hour return hike to Royston Head. The terrain is quite rocky and then becomes sandy as you head up and over a few sand dunes out to the point. You will experience amazing views of the rugged coast. There is no official lookout point, but once you head up and over a sand dune you will come out to spectacular views on the cliffs at Royston Head.
Pondalowie Boardwalk
1.2km 40 minute return. The boardwalk provides a path to the Pondalowie surf break. The boardwalk goes over the dunes to the beach which is accessed along a long viewing platform.
West Cape Headland Hike
A short hike taking in spectacular coastal views of Pondalowie Bay and Wedge Island. The 30 minute 1km loop is not not well-marked but you just need to follow the cliff edge around past the lighthouse until you get back to the starting point. The entire headland is bare so the 360 degree views stretch in all directions.
Beach’s and Lookout’s In the National Park
Shell Beach
Shell Beach is stunning white sand bay. Similar to Dolphin Beach, it’s accessed by a short walk from the car park and down a set of wooden stairs. It’s a great place to relax on the beach and go for a swim, with calm water.
Dolphin Beach
This beautiful white sand beach, clear blue water, orange stained rocks and rugged cliffs. It’s accessible just 100m from the car park, with some wooden stairs to get to the sand. Although we didn’t spot any Dolphins here keep your eyes out as you may see some in the cove.
Pondowlie Beach
We headed out to the boat wreck along the beach.
Chinaman’s Hat Lookout
Road View Point
There is a pull over lane on both sides of the road.
Cape Spencer Lighthouse
A short 600-meter return walk from the carpark out to the light house. This short walk has spectacular views from Cape Spencer, including of the Althorpe Islands.
Ethel Wreck Beach and Lookout
First head out to the lookout and see the wreck from above, Then head down the set of stairs down to the beach where you can explore the beach and the wreck.
West Cape Beach
Pondalowie Bay and Goblet Lookout
Park at the end of the road just past Pondalowie Campground. Pondalowie Bay Lookout is an easy stroll to the end looking out to Pondalowie Bay. Goblet lookout is on the other side and is a short walk to a beautiful reef.