Imagine wallowing in the shallows and catching blue swimmer crabs, diving for crayfish & scallops just off-shore, or throwing out a line and hooking garfish, tommy ruffs and King George whiting. Dotted with historic jetties and off shore hot spots, the Yorke Peninsula is a fisherman’s fantasy. Should fishing not be your thing, never fear for there is plenty more to see and do. Surf the breaks of Chinaman's and Pondalowie Bay; grab a waterproof map marking a scuba diving trail to eight shipwrecks around Wardang Island off Port Victoria; or Hike through tranquil coastal mallee in the 9,200-hectare Innes National Park, keeping a lookout for emus, kangaroos, 90 species of birds, and Southern Right Whales in winter. If all this seems too much hard work, you can always simply relax with a book under a beach umbrella on a footprint free beach. Accommodation is plentiful and diverse - from lazy beach shacks to luxury apartments & villas; and the food is incredibly fresh – especially the seafood.
When to Visit Yorke Peninsula
Like most of coastal South Australia, the Yorke Peninsula has a temperate climate, with neither the extremes of cold nor heat. In summer, sea breezes moderate the summer heat, with average temperatures averaging 15°C minimum to 30°C maximum. Winters are mild with temperatures averaging between 7°C minimum to 16°C maximum. Winter is also the time when the Peninsula gets most of its rain. During the spring and autumn months temperatures average around the high teens – low twenties.
Getting Around Yorke Peninsula
The tip of the Yorke Peninsula, (Port Wakefield), is a 90 minute drive from Adelaide via Highway one. From there begin your journey westward. Coach companies operate regular services to towns on the peninsula from Adelaide, and there are a number of organized tours you can join. The easiest way to get around however is with your own vehicle. The peninsula is never more than 50 kilometres across, and in most spots much less. The road conditions are good with easy driving and close proximity between towns and attractions.