Yorke Peninsula Coastal Loop: Jetties, Surf and Silo Art

A road trip around South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula feels like three holidays in one. Golden fields roll down to turquoise gulfs. Family friendly jetties and rock pools sit a short drive from powerful surf breaks. Country bakeries and microbreweries anchor small towns that glow at dusk, and above them, giant water tower and silo murals tell stories of sea, salt and copper. The Yorke Peninsula Coastal Loop serves up classic Australian beach culture with a creative twist, and it is closer to Adelaide than many travelers realize.

In this guide you will find the best jetties for fishing and snorkeling, where and when to surf, the must see silo and water tower art, suggested itineraries, and practical tips to plan a seamless coastal loop. Get ready to watch sunrise over Gulf St Vincent, catch blue swimmer crabs at low tide, drop in on a friendly right at Berry Bay, and end the day with a sunset at West Cape and a local brew in hand.

Why Choose the Yorke Peninsula Coastal Loop

• Easy access from Adelaide with sealed roads almost the whole way
• A genuine coastal loop, so you are always near a beach, jetty or viewpoint
• Family friendly jetties and tidal pools on the east and north coasts
• National park wilderness, lighthouses and surf on the southwest coast
• A vibrant Water Tower and Silo Art Trail that links towns in color and story
• Fresh seafood, from Stansbury oysters to summer blue swimmer crabs
• A range of stays, from waterfront caravan parks to a lighthouse cottage
• Four seasons appeal, with different winds and swells serving different coasts

How to Plan Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

• Summer, December to February: Warm water, settled weather on the east coast, ideal for jetty swims, crabbing and long beach days. Afternoon sea breezes build on the west coast. Book early in school holidays.
• Autumn, March to May: The sweet spot for road trippers. Mild days, fewer crowds, blue swimmer crabs are still running, and surf on both coasts depending on winds.
• Winter, June to August: Crisp air, dramatic cloudscapes and reliable groundswell for west coast breaks. Great visibility for jetty diving. Pack extra layers and rain gear.
• Spring, September to November: Wildflowers in the dunes, calmer days and excellent surfing as the wind pattern starts to ease.

How Long Do You Need

• Short break: 3 to 4 days for a taste of the Copper Coast jetties, a night at Marion Bay and a quick pass through Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.
• Ideal: 6 to 8 days to complete the full loop at a relaxed pace, add surf sessions, do a night dive at Edithburgh jetty, and visit several water tower murals.
• Extended: 10 days or more if you want to add boat trips, multiple hikes and slow days in tiny coves.

Clockwise or Counterclockwise

• Clockwise from Port Wakefield: Start with the Copper Coast towns of Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta, then head down the west side for surf and national park. Finish with relaxed jetty hops on the east coast. Great if you want to build up to Innes and end with calm waters and silo art.
• Counterclockwise: Start at Ardrossan and the east coast jetties, then swing through Innes and finish with the Copper Coast. Ideal in summer when westerly sea breezes can push you toward sheltered east coast beaches in the afternoon.

Parks, Passes and Permits

• Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park entry: Purchase online through National Parks South Australia before you arrive. Camping is by advance booking only.
• Recreational fishing: South Australia does not require a general recreational fishing license, although size and bag limits apply, along with sanctuary zones in marine parks. Check current PIRSA rules before you cast a line.
• Beach driving: Only on signed beaches and only at appropriate tides. Deflate tires, carry recovery gear and check local advice.

Road Conditions and Safety

• The main loop uses sealed highways and coastal roads suitable for 2WD vehicles. Some scenic detours and access tracks are unsealed. Slow down for wildlife at dawn and dusk.
• Mobile coverage is patchy in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park and some west coast stretches. Download offline maps.
• Always check surf conditions and talk to local surf shops or rangers. Many beaches are unpatrolled.

What to Pack

• Sun essentials: broad brim hat, UPF swimwear, high SPF sunscreen and a light long sleeve shirt
• Beach and jetty kit: mask and snorkel, reef shoes, squid jigs, crab rake and measuring gauge
• Surf gear: boards for your ability, warm wetsuit in cooler months, spare legrope
• Driving extras: compressor, tire gauge, recovery strap, first aid kit, headlamp
• Photography: polarizing filter for water shots, spare batteries for jetty night dives

The Route at a Glance

Think of the Yorke Peninsula as a boot pointing west. The coastal loop traces its outline, slipping past old copper towns, wheat silos and fishing shacks, carving through national park headlands, then circling back along calmer eastern waters facing Gulf St Vincent.

Typical start: Adelaide to Port Wakefield. From here the Copper Coast Highway splits you toward Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta for the top of the loop. Continue down the west coast through Port Victoria, Port Rickaby and Corny Point. Curve into Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park and Marion Bay at the foot. Then run up the east coast through Edithburgh, Stansbury, Port Vincent and Ardrossan before closing the loop near Port Wakefield.

Highlights fall into four clusters:

1. Copper Coast: Kadina, Wallaroo, Moonta Bay and Port Hughes
2. West Coast and Surf Coast: Port Victoria, Port Rickaby, Corny Point and Daly Head
3. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park and Marion Bay
4. East Coast Jetties and Art Towns: Edithburgh, Stansbury, Port Vincent and Ardrossan

Coastal Towns and Highlights

Copper Coast Jetties: Moonta Bay, Port Hughes and Wallaroo

The Copper Triangle of Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta wears its mining history with pride. Today, it is just as famous for gentle beaches that seem designed for families, and for long jetties where you can spend an entire afternoon catching squid and people watching.

• Moonta Bay: Shallow, clear water over sand flats that glow at sunset. A long L shaped jetty is perfect for a stroll or a kid’s first catch. The coast here is sheltered in summer, so expect calm conditions, great for SUP and paddling.
• Port Hughes: A classic jetty that produces squid, tommies and garfish. There is a swim platform in season and a tidal pool for little ones. Cafe options sit right on the foreshore, and the coastal path between Port Hughes and Moonta Bay makes a scenic sunset walk.
• Wallaroo: A working port with serious maritime character. The jetty gives up squid and blue swimmer crabs in summer, and snapper when the season is open offshore. Wallaroo’s foreshore transforms during festivals and there are wide grassy spaces for picnics.

Nearby, the Moonta Mines heritage area takes you inside the copper story with museums, a tourist railway and ruins scattered across the grasslands. It is an easy cultural balance to your beach time, and great on a windy afternoon.

West Coast and Surf Shores: Port Victoria to Daly Head

Slide down the Spencer Gulf side of the peninsula as the coastline grows wilder. Epic dune backed beaches and a chain of jetties mark the way.

• Port Victoria: Once a hub for windjammers loading grain, it still boasts a photogenic jetty and calm waters that invite boating and kayaking. Island specks offshore confirm that you are in big water country.
• Port Rickaby: A pretty pocket beach beneath limestone cliffs, with a small jetty and a caravan park that opens right to the sand. Perfect for a lazy morning swim, then coffee with a view.
• Corny Point: A rugged headland crowned by a lighthouse. Explore rock pools on a low tide, then watch the swell lines march in across the reef. It is the gateway to the peninsula’s surf heart.
• Daly Head National Surfing Reserve: The first surfing reserve in South Australia, Daly Head recognizes break quality and surf culture. The reserve zone includes multiple breaks with different moods, from long held walls to punchy bowls. Respect locals, check the wind and never surf beyond your ability.
• Berry Bay North and South: Twin crescents of gleaming sand framed by cliffs. North can be a touch friendlier for intermediate surfers on smaller swells, while South often packs more power. Even without a board, the lookouts here are show stoppers.

Expect westerly sea breezes in summer. Go early for glassy conditions, then spend the afternoon exploring sheltered lagoons and jetties further north or across on the east side.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park: Wild Headlands, Lighthouses and Shipwrecks

At the southern tip the road swings into Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, a protected world of sweeping beaches, high dunes, surf points and wildlife. The Narungga name Dhilba Guuranda honors the Traditional Owners of this country, and the land rewards slow travel.

• West Cape: A short walk leads to a lighthouse and panoramic views back along the coast. The reef is alive with color on a calm day, and the beach below is a photographer’s dream at golden hour.
• Pondalowie Bay: A horseshoe bay with two campgrounds, boat launches and consistent surf. On a small day it is a favorite for learners with guidance, and on a bigger swell it turns on long running peaks.
• Ethel Beach: Famous for the visible remains of the shipwreck Ethel that rise from the sand when conditions allow. The walk down zigzags to a beach that feels like the edge of the world.
• Chinaman’s: A quality wave for experienced surfers when conditions line up. Watch first, talk to locals and never go alone.
• Inneston historic village: Wander past restored stone cottages and salt lake views, then refuel at the trailhead with a picnic. Keep an eye out for emus, kangaroos and reintroduced tammar wallabies.
• Stenhouse Bay and cable ruins: Interpretive trails explain the late stages of industrial life here. The water clarity around Stenhouse Bay can be superb on calm days.

Camping inside the park must be booked in advance. Sites range from sheltered coastal scrub to dune fringes next to the roar of the Southern Ocean.

Marion Bay and Point Turton: Perfect Bases

Just outside the park, Marion Bay makes an ideal base if you want easy access to national park trails without sacrificing a wood fired pizza and a sunset drink. The bay itself is usually calmer than open coast beaches, and the jetty here is great for a quick fish.

On the north side of the foot, Point Turton sits in a protected scoop of Hardwicke Bay. Families love the clear shallows, the jetty gives up squid and whiting, and the boat ramp is busy on calm mornings. Nearby Flaherty’s Beach has become Instagram famous for its white sandbars that stretch into turquoise water on a low tide. Drive on the beach only in signed zones and only when the sand is hard. Bring a compressor and your common sense.

The East Coast: Edithburgh, Stansbury, Port Vincent and Ardrossan

Facing Gulf St Vincent, the eastern shore is gentler, dotted with wind farms, oyster sheds, long jetties and towns that do simple pleasures very well.

• Edithburgh: A jetty that is legendary among divers for weedy seadragon sightings, colorful soft corals and beautiful night dives. The art filled water tower watches over town, and the free tidal pool is a wonderful place for a saltwater dip with kids. Boat trips head toward Troubridge Island, whose lighthouse can be visited by arrangement.
• Coobowie and Wool Bay: Quiet coves and safe swimming in most seasons, with pelicans and gulls patrolling the shallows.
• Stansbury: Famous for oyster leases that dot the bay. During events like the Stansbury Seaside Markets, the foreshore buzzes. Book an oyster farm experience in season, learn about Pacific oysters, then taste them as fresh as it gets.
• Port Vincent: Much loved by Adelaide holidaymakers for its foreshore, swimming pontoon, SUP friendly bay and the relaxed pace that is perfect for families. Dolphins sometimes cruise the channel at dawn.
• Ardrossan: Copper colored cliffs, a long jetty and some of the best rake and scoop crabbing in South Australia. On a low tide you can walk the shallows and gather blue swimmer crabs. The local museum and clifftop lookouts turn a stop into a morning well spent.

This side of the peninsula is a jetty lover’s dream. Plan short hops up the coast, with coffee and bakery stops every few hours, and end your day with a mural hunt in town.

The Yorke Peninsula Water Tower and Silo Art Trail

Yorke Peninsula’s murals celebrate sea life, farming, surf culture and local stories. They are part of a broader South Australian movement that has transformed working infrastructure into open air galleries. The result is a trail you can follow on your loop, each stop offering a photo op and a sense of place.

• Edithburgh Water Tower: Ocean blues, sea creatures and a design that nods to the area’s world class jetty diving. The vantage point also gives a sweeping view across town and the coast.
• Yorketown Water Tower: A vibrant wrap that reflects inland lakes and the town’s connection to salt and grain. It is close to the main street, so you can grab a pastry then wander up for a look.
• Minlaton Water Tower: A celebration of the district’s aviation heritage and pioneering spirit. Minlaton is the home of Captain Harry Butler’s “Red Devil”, and the tower mural adds another reason to stop.
• Stansbury and Port Vincent Water Towers: Coastal themed murals with pelicans, shells and gentle colors that mirror the calm bays. They are perfect additions to a morning of jetty walking.
• Northern gateways: As you loop, consider detours to view nearby silo and tower art in towns that frame the top of Yorke Peninsula. New pieces appear regularly, so check the latest regional arts maps or visitor center updates.

Tips for mural chasers:

• Visit early or late for flattering light and fewer people in the frame.
• Look for small details only visible up close, then step back for the big picture.
• Pair your mural stops with coffee or an ice cream in town to help support the communities commissioning the art.

Jetties You Will Love

Jetties are the social heart of many Yorke Peninsula towns. They are fishing platforms, sunset vantage points and snorkel launch pads, and they carry a nostalgic summer vibe that is hard to beat. Top picks include:

• Port Hughes Jetty: Consistent squid, handy cleaning stations and easy access for families. Clear water for snorkel drifts along the pylons.
• Moonta Bay Jetty and Foreshore: Safe, shallow swimming and a broad deck that suits prams and wheelchairs. Sunset is a ritual here.
• Wallaroo Jetty: Good fishing and a dramatic industrial backdrop. Watch for dolphins playing in the harbor mouth.
• Port Rickaby Jetty: A smaller jetty with big charm. Calm mornings are best for snorkelers.
• Port Victoria Jetty: Safe swimming and visibility that can be excellent on calm days.
• Edithburgh Jetty: South Australia’s dive darling. Bring a torch for a guided night dive. You might spot seahorses, nudibranchs and cuttlefish. Always dive to your training level and with a buddy.
• Stenhouse Bay Jetty area: Within Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Check access status and local advice before fishing here.

Jetty etiquette and safety:

• Keep the center of the jetty clear for others, use a bucket to manage your catch, and dispose of scraps responsibly.
• Wear shoes, as jetty timbers and hooks do not mix with bare feet.
• In summer, remember blue ringed octopus live around rocks and pylons. Do not handle any octopus.

Surf Breaks and Beach Time

The peninsula receives open ocean swell on the west and south, with countless nooks that change character with wind and tide. On the east and north, you will find sheltered bays that are perfect for learners on softboards and for family swims.

Where to surf:

• Daly Head National Surfing Reserve: Multiple breaks that favor SW swells and NE winds. Aim for early sessions before the sea breeze arrives in summer.
• Berry Bay North and South: Both can be magnificent. North can be kinder at smaller sizes, while South often suits confident intermediates and up.
• Pondalowie Bay: The inside can be playful on small days. Fast and serious when larger.
• Chinaman’s: For experienced riders only, with strong rips and heavy sections when on. Observe first.
• West Cape and Ethel Beach: Noted for power and rips. Spectacular for beach walks, with surf options only for the capable and cautious.

Beginner friendly spots:

• Port Hughes, Moonta Bay and Wallaroo: Gentle sand bottom beaches and sheltered corners for a softboard session.
• Port Vincent foreshore: Great for SUP and first paddles.
• Point Turton and Flaherty’s Beach: Calm, shallow waters that invite all day play.

Conditions cheat sheet:

• West coast: SW to S swells, best with light N to NE winds. Summer seabreezes are common after midday.
• East coast: Can be fun on small wind swells during westerly winds. Excellent for flat water days.
• Always check local surf reports, swell charts and tide times. Beach rips are common, and many beaches are unpatrolled.

Suggested Itineraries

A 4 Day Taste of the Loop

Day 1: Adelaide to Copper Coast

• Drive to Moonta Bay via Port Wakefield
• Swim and stroll the Moonta Bay jetty and foreshore
• Sunset fish at Port Hughes jetty
• Overnight in Moonta or Port Hughes

Day 2: West Coast to Marion Bay

• Coffee in Wallaroo, quick look at the harbor precinct
• Lunch at Port Rickaby, paddle and a jetty snorkel
• Berry Bay lookouts and a beach walk
• Sunset at West Cape in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
• Overnight in Marion Bay

Day 3: Innes National Park Immersion

• Morning surf or beach walk at Pondalowie
• Ethel Beach shipwreck and Inneston village stroll
• Afternoon relax at Marion Bay, pizza at the tavern
• Optional night dive under Edithburgh jetty if you push on, or stay a second night in Marion Bay

Day 4: East Coast Jetties and Art

• Edithburgh tidal pool dip and water tower mural stop
• Oyster tasting in Stansbury and a foreshore wander
• SUP in Port Vincent, mural stop
• Clifftop views and crabbing at Ardrossan
• Return to Adelaide

A 7 Day Full Coastal Loop

Day 1: Adelaide to Moonta Bay

• Lunch at a Copper Coast bakery, swim at Moonta Bay, sunset on the jetty

Day 2: Wallaroo and Port Victoria

• Wallaroo harbor stroll, then south to Port Victoria for a calm water paddle and jetty fishing
• Overnight Port Victoria or Port Rickaby

Day 3: Rickaby to Corny Point

• Morning at Port Rickaby, then Corny Point lighthouse and rock pools
• Afternoon surf check at Daly Head
• Overnight Corny Point or Marion Bay

Day 4: Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

• West Cape lighthouse walk, Pondalowie Bay surf or fish, Ethel Beach
• Camp inside the park or base in Marion Bay

Day 5: Marion Bay to Point Turton and Flaherty’s Beach

• Easy morning swim, coffee, then drive to Point Turton
• Low tide sandbar wander at Flaherty’s Beach
• Sunset fish from Point Turton jetty
• Overnight Point Turton

Day 6: East Coast and Water Tower Art

• Edithburgh tidal pool and jetty, mural stop
• Coobowie and Stansbury oysters, then Port Vincent for a paddle and mural
• Overnight Port Vincent or Ardrossan

Day 7: Ardrossan and Return

• Morning crabbing on the flats if tides align
• Clifftop photos and museum stop, then return to Adelaide via Port Wakefield

Where to Stay and What to Eat

Accommodation

• Coastal caravan parks: Prime beachfront sites and cabins in Moonta Bay, Port Hughes, Wallaroo, Port Victoria, Port Rickaby, Marion Bay, Point Turton, Port Vincent, Stansbury and Edithburgh. Book ahead in summer.
• National park campgrounds: Pre book sites at Pondalowie, West Cape and other park campgrounds. Facilities vary, with most sites offering a wild coastal experience.
• Holiday homes and cottages: A wide range of rentals in every town. Choose something steps from a jetty or tucked behind a dune.
• Unique stays: Keepers cottage style stays are possible by arrangement at Troubridge Island off Edithburgh. It is a memorable add on if you want a lighthouse experience.

Food and drink

• Seafood: Buy blue swimmer crabs in season, or rake your own at Ardrossan and Wallaroo. Book a Stansbury oyster farm visit and tasting when tours operate.
• Local pubs and taverns: Country portions and coastal views, from Marion Bay’s tavern to seaside hotels in Stansbury and Port Vincent.
• Bakeries and cafes: Fuel your mural stops with warm pastries and excellent coffee in Kadina, Moonta, Minlaton and Ardrossan.
• Sips: Sample craft beer at a Minlaton microbrewery, taste Yorke Peninsula wines at cellar doors near Maitland, and visit a local distillery for small batch gin with broadacre farm views.

Markets and farm gates appear throughout the year. Check local tourism pages for dates and seasonal events.

Responsible Travel and Respect for Country

The Yorke Peninsula sits on the traditional lands of the Narungga people. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park carries Narungga language in its name, which recognizes and respects living culture. As you travel:

• Leave no trace, carry a bag for beach rubbish and use the bins provided in towns and parks.
• Give wildlife space. You may see emus and kangaroos on roads at dawn and dusk.
• Protect shorebirds like hooded plovers that nest on the sand. Obey seasonal signs and keep dogs on leads where permitted.
• Respect fishing regulations and marine parks. If you are unsure, do not take.
• Drive only on signed tracks and beaches. Avoid salt pans and soft sand unless you are well prepared.

Practical Tips

• Fuel and supplies: Major towns like Kadina, Moonta, Wallaroo, Minlaton, Maitland, Yorketown, Stansbury and Ardrossan have supermarkets, fuel and hardware. Fill up before remote stretches.
• EV charging: The network is growing. Plan your stops around larger towns and check current charger status before you go.
• Connectivity: Expect patchy signal in Innes and on parts of the west coast. Download offline maps, podcasts and playlists.
• Tides: Crabbing success around Ardrossan and Wallaroo depends on tide height. Aim for low tide on gentle weather days. Carry a crab gauge and learn correct measurement and humane handling.
• Weather: Take a windproof layer even in summer for sea breezes. In winter, a warm wetsuit extends your water time.
• Safety: Many beaches are unpatrolled. Swim between the flags when lifesavers are operating, otherwise choose calm bays and avoid rips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the full coastal loop?

• The complete loop from Adelaide and back typically covers 700 to 900 kilometers depending on detours. Spread across a week, the drives between towns are short and relaxing.

Is the Yorke Peninsula good for kids?

• Absolutely. Shallow bays on the north and east coasts, safe jetties, tidal pools and short drives make it a family favorite.

Do I need a 4WD?

• No, not for the main loop and the main attractions. A 4WD helps for selected beach accesses and sand tracks, but you can experience the highlights in a standard car.

Where can I see the best sunsets?

• West Cape, Berry Bay and Corny Point are unforgettable. On the east coast, flip it for sunrise over the gulf.

What about sharks?

• You are in the ocean, so sea life is part of the environment. Most visitors never encounter sharks. Always follow local advice, avoid murky water, and avoid swimming near schools of baitfish.

The Yorke Peninsula Coastal Loop, Wrapped

Few Australian road trips pack this much variety into such an easy circuit. The Yorke Peninsula Coastal Loop serves soft sand and rock platforms, jetty life and surf lore, shipwreck stories and wind swept lighthouses. It adds a splash of color with water tower and silo art that makes each town feel personal, then invites you to end every day with a golden sky and the choice between fish and chips or a chef’s take on the local catch.

Whether you are a jetty jumper with a squid jig in your back pocket, a surfer chasing lines at Daly Head, or a traveler who loves art that rises from the landscape, the loop is your seaside lane. Book your national park entry, choose a few mural stops, throw the snorkel and softboard in the boot, and point your bonnet toward Port Wakefield. Your next great South Australia road trip is waiting on the Yorke.