Yorke Peninsula Parks and Wildlife
See the wildlife
Take a moment to slow down and appreciate life on Yorke Peninsula.
Get to know the locals. The Yorke Peninsula is home to seabirds like the pelican, white-faced heron, black-faced cormorant and flocks of seagulls. There are all sorts of furry, feathery creatures who live on the Yorke Peninsula.
You might also spot western grey kangaroos, western pygmy possums and emus. These native animals, plus the malleefowl and rare tammar wallaby, live throughout the region. Many call Innes National Park “home”.
A spectacular show
The coastal scrubland of the area is full of acacias, sheoaks and mallee brush. Visit at the right time of year and the area blooms with beautiful native plants and trees. These grow wild all over the Yorke Peninsula and put on a spectacular show.
Bushwalking
Take a good pair of shoes and set off on foot. There are lots of walking tours in the national parks and between towns. It's a great way to take in the scenery and learn more about the region.
National Parks
There are four beautiful national parks located on Yorke Peninsula, Innes National Park, Leven Beach Conservation Park, Clinton Conservation Park and Troubridge Island. Each one has its own unique flavour, from the mining history and amazing beaches at Leven, to bird species and old lighthouses.
Surrounded by 700 kilometres of rugged coastline, Yorke Peninsula features some of South Australia's best beaches. Calm, sheltered swimming beaches are at Stansbury, Port Vincent, Marion Bay, Point Turton, Black Point and Coobowie.
For surfing, spend some time in Innes National Park.
Beaches like Chinaman's Beach, West Cape, Pondalowie Bay, Richards Beach and Ethel Wreck are all great spots. They have varied breaks to suit your level of experience. There are some great surfing beaches outside the national park.
Swim safely
Many of these beaches have strong rips and strong currents. Please check with the closest Visitor Information Centre for information about beaches and weather conditions.
If you're more interested in what lives under the water, Yorke Peninsula also features great fishing beaches. Try your luck at Hardwicke Bay, Wattle Point near Edithburgh, Wallaroo, Port Hughes or Moonta Bay. It is legal to fish in national parks but the usual restrictions (size, boat/bag limits) apply.
Follow the trails
For a great lesson in the area's history, check out the two underwater maritime heritage trails, Wardang Island trail and the Investigator Strait Shipwreck Trail. Get waterproof trail books from the Visitor Information Centres in Kadina and Minlaton.
The Samphire Coast contains Clinton Conservation Park, which is home to more than 60,000 migratory shorebirds. Follow the Samphire Discovery Trail, where you can learn more about this amazing area.
Explore this beautiful region. Visit the national parks.
Things to do
Here are some great ideas for you to try while you’re in the area
What's On
There are plenty of events on in the Yorke Peninsula.
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