The Yorke Peninsula is a STUNNING place to visit with the kids. If you haven’t been there yet, you just do not know what you’re missing. Family memories are made here. Only an hour and a half drive from Adelaide you’ll come across beautiful towns like Ardrossan with Pt Vincent and Edithburgh beyond that. Make your way to the end of the peninsula and you’ll be in the spectacular Innes National Park and Marion Bay, or cut across the middle to spots like Moonta there are SO MANY options for beautiful beaches, fantastic family fishing spots, farms and farm stays, country boutique shopping, playgrounds, water parks, shipwrecks, award winning ice cream and heaps more!
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
- Check out Innes National Park
Over 9000 hectares of stunning coastline provide the backdrop to Innes National Park, a great spot for camping, fishing, surfing, shipwreck searching, mining history, wildlife spotting or bushwalking a section of the new “Walk the Yorke” trail that follows the coastline of the Yorke Peninsula (see below). Perfect for a cosy winter campfire or a salty summer in the ocean! - Hit the Beach
Yorkes’ has a beach spot for everyone and for every weather forecast.. Pumping waves at Chinaman’s and Ethels Wreck for the board riders, toddler friendly wading pools at Penguin Point, great learn to surf waves at Berry Bay to the tidal swimming pool at Edithburgh or the pristine white sand beaches of Black Point, Flaherty’s Beach, North Beach or Parsons. You cant beat a jetty jump and swim (to re live your own childhood glory days if nothing else). There are even some fabulous driving beaches and beaches that you can grab a permit and camp on or very near. - Walk The Yorke
The new (ish) Walk the Yorke walking trails follow the coastline of the Yorke Peninsula and provide a number of trail options from the 15 minute easy Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk to the multi day walks with overnight camping options. If you’ve got older kids up for the challenge, what a great school holiday experience to go back to school with. More info here - Go shipwreck hunting
The Yorke peninsula is dotted with shipwrecks dating back to the 1840’s. One of the best sections of coast is the Investigator Strait Shipwreck Trail that runs from the southern Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. 26 vessels are know to lie in this stretch of water with more still waiting to be discovered! Download the trail brochure or get more information check from the Environment SA website here - Explore the YP Art Trail Most recently know for the colourful addition of five water tower murals, you can also discover mosaic creations, statues, photo opportunities and visit quaint galleries and studios where you can commission paintings, jewellery, ceramics and other art works direct from local makers. all over Yorkes.. There are quaint galleries, studios like the one at
PLACES TO PLAY
The Copper Coast Indoor Play Centre
Part of the Copper Coast Tourism Centre at 50 Mines Road, Kadina and offers a fun, safe, awesome play environment for the young family and is suitable for children ten years and under. Entrance fees are under 12 months free, 1-2 years $3- and 3-10 years $5- Open weekdays 10am to 4pm, Sat/Sun/Public Holidays 10.30am to 2pm. There is a small café selling hot and cold food and drinks. Don’t forget to wear socks. Also located within the Copper Coast Tourism Centre are an accredited Visitor Information Centre, The Farm Shed Museum and every 1st and 3rd Sunday the miniature trains run.
Website: www.farmshed.net.au
Facebook: /coppercoastindoorplaycentre
Splash Town at Moonta Bay
Splash Town, Moonta Bay
Offers free entry to a whole lot of fun! Located near the jetty, with its safe swimming enclosure and great beaches, Splash Town offers racer slides, water mushrooms, tipping bucket and wading pools. There are changing and toilet facilities on site. Located next to it is a shaded playground and bbq’s with shelter shed. Hours up until Easter are daily 12noon to 4pm. Latest times, or any closures, are available on their website or facebook page below. Oh and did we mention it’s FREE!
Website: https://www.coppercoast.sa.gov.au/
Facebook: /Splash-Town-1075873692430713
The Wallaroo Adventure Playground
Located opposite the Wallaroo Town Hall in the centre of town in Irwin Street. The recently upgraded playground includes a flying fox, climbing net, nest seat swing, a supernova, octopus see saw and slides . The playground is partly shaded, has tables and chairs and a picnic area and is close to public toilets.
Moonta Mines museum, train and Old Lolly Shop
If you’re in the area and have younger kids (or those who love trains or lollies!) pay Moonta Mines a visit. Families will enjoy the tourist railway, which runs daily (10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2pm) in school holidays and public holidays, and Wednesdays (2pm), Saturdays and Sundays (1, 2 & 3pm) in term time. The train ride includes some great commentary about the local area and mines, a stop and approx 45min train ride. Cost is $12 for Adults and $5 for school aged Children. Under school aged are free.
There is also a Museum displaying 14 rooms of different aspects of life in the area for Cornish miners’ 100+ years ago. Includes lots of artifacts and memorabilia including sportsware, costumes and an old school classroom. Cost is $8 for Adults and $4 for school aged Children. Under school aged are free. Open 1-4pm daily or 11am-4pm during SA school holidays.
Next door to the museum and tourist railway don’t miss the chance to stop at The Old Lolly Shop In then historic town post office. All your childhood favourites are there and th kids love the chance to spend a couple of dollars choosing what they want too – all run by volunteers!
Enquires to Moonta Tourist Office (08) 8825 1891 or check the area website here.
WHERE TO STAY
Redwing Barn Farm Stay
Situated on a working farm only ten minutes from Moonta on The Copper Coast, Redwing Barn Farmstay is the perfect place to get away from it all and relax in your fully self contained 1950s, fully renovated barn.
The barn has been lovingly renovated to offer comfort and style to its guests, as well as all the mod cons, plus bundles of character. The two bedroom property has a queen bed in one room, and your choice of 2 x king singles or 1 king bed in the other. There is also a single fold out bed available to cater for families of 5.
The property also features large outdoor decking area, original polished floorboards throughout, two person indoor spa bath, airconditioning, combustion fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, open plan living and lawned area for the kids!
Cooked and contintental breakfast provisions can be supplied (at an extra cost of $10 per person per day) and the stocked pantry makes cooking at home easy. You even have complimentary chocolates on your arrival. All your linen is also included in your stay, so all you really need to bring are some carrots for the animals!
Redwing Barn offers a unique experience for everyone! From feeding the many friendly farm animals, strolling the working farm, or just enjoying the tranquility and beautiful views of the surrounding farmland, you are sure to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
McGee and the kids watching over the cows (while I drink coffee on the deck!) 
WHERE TO EAT
Coffee Barn and Gelataria at Moonta
So this place just got voted the number 6 best spot for Ice Cream in the WHOLE OF AUSTRALIA you guys! It’s good, it’s REALLY good with Trip advisor reviews like “The best gelati I’ve ever tasted! This is a really quirky place and it has an amazing range of delicious home made gelati. You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t go while in Moonta!”
They also have great coffee, milkshakes a whole range of sweet and savoury pancakes and lots of other goodies to fill the gaps between the icecream.
You’ll find it on the corner of Maitland Street and Warren Street in Moonta. It’ll be that shop with the line up out the door!
Check them out on Facebook
Marion Bay Tavern
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and award winning tavern meals or delicious wood fire pizza while the kids can choose from the “Grommets Menu”
Eat inside or watch the kids playing on the grass while you enjoy a refreshing cold bevvy under the Bali hut (watch out for the emus!)
Open for meals 7 days a week – Lunch 12.00 – 2.00pm | Dinner 6.00 – 8.00pm
Watsacowie Brewing Company
Located in Minlaton, the Watsacowie Brewery is a top spot for a visit while in the Yorke Peninsula. With a fantastic range of beers to sit any taste, their brewery is a cosy space to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The kids enjoyed a mineral water, a game of footy on the tv, and throwing the ball to Jazz the red kelpie. There is also a little outdoor play corner in the front with a sandpit that can be kept a watchful eye on if you’re sitting out front (but isn’t fenced to the carpark so you’ll need to take care). The adults loved the SYP pale (Southern Pale Ale), Jazzy Red Ale and the refreshing apple and ginger cider. In September 2019 they’re just about to open an outdoor area out the back to enjoy the beers in the sun on and gorgeous lazy afternoon – we will be back! Open most Thursday-Sunday 11am-6pm but check their Facebook page to be sure.
9 Depot Road, Minlaton, South Australia
Phone: (08) 8822 7117
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If you're heading on a family holiday to the Yorke Peninsula and want all of the top tips from the locals, make sure to drop into the Visitor Information Providers that can be found in many of the towns that you will pass through. They're run by passionate locals who will tell you all of the hidden gems, best places to eat and activities to match your families interests. Many also provide free internet and WIFI hotspots, destination merchandise and even local produce! . Call in a pick up a brochure, map or souvenir to take home. OR if you want to get all the info BEFORE you head off call the 'Freecall' number 1800 654 991 during business hours, or visit www.yorkepeninsula.com.au to start your planning for a fantastic Yorke Peninsula with Kids trip! Here's where you'll find them ACREDITED VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre, Kadina (Accredited South Australian Tourist Commission Visitor Information) 50 Mines Road, KadinaPhone 1800 654 991 *This amazing hub packs a punch and little wonder was a recent award winner at the Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards. Not only can you get excellent local info here, you can play put put, check out The Farm Shed…
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