Yorke Peninsula

Introducing Yorke Peninsula

Wild and enigmatic Innes National Park inhabits the southern tip of this mostly agricultural peninsula. Every October experienced surfers compete in the Cutloose RipCurl Yorke’s Classic. For everyone else, the emus, kangaroos, ospreys and sea eagles, and southern right whales and dolphins passing by its coastline, are highlights of this unspoilt park. Around the rest of the peninsula, Adelaidians head for beaches tucked behind farmlands and families gather at holiday shacks to enjoy the solitude and fishing. Visitors from further afield head to the historic so-called Copper Triangle – Moonta (the mine), Wallaroo (the smelter) and Kadina (the service town). Largely settled by Cornish miners, the area drove the regional economy following a copper boom in the early 1860s.

Adjahdura Land (0429-367 121; www.adjahdura.com.au) runs highly commended Aboriginal cultural tours of the Yorke Peninsula exploring the fascinating and incredibly long association with the land of local indigenous groups – walk the land with the traditional owners on one-day tours ($100/15 for adults/children).

The regional visitor centre (1800 654 991, 08-8821 2333; www.coppercoast.sa.gov.au; 50 Moonta Rd, Kadina; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3.30pm Sat & Sun) is in Kadina.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009