Feature image credit: Innes National Park – All About Adventure
Nothing says summer quite like a road trip along the seaside, and Yorke Peninsula’s coastal road trip offers just that.
Covering more than 700km, the Coastal Way Road Trip has a line up so good it’ll have you asking, “are we there yet?” before every stop.
The five-day trip features the Peninsula’s best beaches, bakeries, breweries and everything in-between so, we’ve curated a list of the Coastal Way Road Trip’s highlights, so all you have to worry about is packing the car.
Ardrossan
This coastal town is home to the Ardrossan Bakery (where you can pick up a famed honey log) and a small yet sweet retail offering including Bella Yorke Boutique and J28.
Ardrossan also offers a lookout providing a scenic, birds eye view over Yorke Peninsula, making it the perfect place to start your trip.
Port Vincent
As a peaceful port featuring crystal clear waters, Port Vincent is home to regular sailing on Sundays, with the local Sailing Club occasionally offering “come and try” sessions.
Here, you can also grab a feed at the Port Vincent Kiosk which serves up fish and chips, hamburgers and mouth-watering hot donuts right on the waters edge.
Stansbury
Less than 15 minutes south from Port Vincent you’ll find this seaside town for the food enthusiasts. Stansbury serves up local oysters at Pacific Estate Oysters & Southern Yorke Oysters; Pacific Estate Oysters also allows you to collect oysters with their “Deckie For a Day” experience.
You’ll also find the Dalrymple Hotel, which dubs itself as the Peninsula’s “best foodie pub,” plating up dishes including chargrilled chicken and pan-seared barramundi.
Edithburgh
As a popular family holiday destination, Edithburgh has a museum focusing on its vibrant coastal history, a playground and a Native Flora Park where you may be lucky enough to spot some local wildlife. You can also stop by the amazing water tank art that represents this! The Location Café offers all-day dining and great coffee, ideal for a stop off.
Marion Bay
As the entryway to Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Marion Bay is a picturesque surfing spot. Coastal artworks are on display in the town’s relaxed local art gallery, Studio Surf, where you can grab a barista-made coffee or immerse yourself in a silver jewellery workshop.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Marion Bay Ocean Safari will take you out onto the water where you may spot the local pod of dolphins.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
This popular spot is a hit among adventure seekers and Instagrammers alike. With a breathtaking view over what locals call WOW Hill, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park provides the perfect environment for bushwalking, scuba diving and surfing. There are also plenty of rock pools to be discovered and wildlife!
If you want to camp within the park, there are plenty of spots just make sure you book ahead and stock up on supplies at the Marion Bay General Store beforehand because there are no shops within the park. And remember to take all of your rubbish out with you because there are no bins!
Warooka
The inland town of Warooka is small but definitely worth visiting. If you’re a bit of an art aficionado, Warooka’s Baker Bros Top Shop has something for you. The shop showcases local art including ceramics, glassware, driftwood sculptures, photography, oil and acrylic paintings, hand-made furniture and lamps, and hand-made homewares all created by the locals.
Minlaton
As home to some of the Peninsula’s best food and beverages, in Minlaton you can quench your thirst with a beer from micro-brewery, Watsacowie.
Here, you’ll also find curated and fabulous homewares at 5Five7Five and Home @ Minlaton. Ye Olde Cafe is a gourmet-style cafe that is perfect to stop an refule.
Moonta
Moonta itself is a haven for foodies, with an array of dining options and quaint retail offerings including the popular, Wrecks and Relics. Take a stroll along the main street of Moonta and find antiques, gifts, cafes, and hotels. Moonta is famous for its Cornish pasties, so why not grab one from the famous Cornish Kitchen and see what all the fuss is about!
The Moonta Mines National Heritage Area can be explored via the Moonta Mines Walking trails, or the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway. The Moonta Mines Tourist Office, located in the former Railway Station, is a helpful stop for additional information.
Kadina
In yet another road trip stop ideal for families, Kadina offers a range of activities to entertain both the little and the big kids. The Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre is home to the Farm Shed Museum, a collection of interpretive farming displays, a Putt-Putt Golf Course, miniature train rides and an indoor play centre.
Kadina is also home to Ducatoon Park Horse Stud where you can see newborn foals or experience a tour of the farm by Peter and Valmai. Explore the artworks through the town’s streets with wall murals on historic buildings, or follow the Fairy Door Trail (be sure to look close to the ground for these colourful pieces).
Wallaroo
For those looking to indulge in some quality food and beverages, Wallaroo is the place to be. Wallaroo’s The Bond Store is home to a distillery, restaurant and craft brewery, and North Beach Kitchen is the best place to sink your teeth into a crab roll made with local Blue Swimmer Crabs, iceberg lettuce and kewpie mayo.
Port Broughton
Port Broughton works as both the start or finish of the Coastal Way, depending on which highway you come in on. Stop by the Port Broughton Hotel or Barnes Seafood for fish and chips, or take a stroll around the town. The Port Broughton Tourist Park is the epitome of family-friendly accommodation with heaps of activities for the kids including waterslides.
Keen to learn more? Visit https://yorkepeninsula.com.au/
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