AROUND YORKETOWN
Yorketown visitor information outlet, located in the SYP Community Telecentre on Stansbury Road, can provide information on the town walk as well as maps and brochures for the local area.
About Yorketown
Yorketown is at a junction of five roads that once lead to pastoral runs, all approximately equal distance away. Now a small rural community at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, there are two hotels, a large playground and a variety of shops including a supermarket. In the early days, the area was known as ‘Weaners Flat’, because it was where the pastoralists separated the lambs from the ewes. The town was settled in 1872 with the name Yorketown being adopted in 1872.
Yorketown Historical Society
Located in the old Courthouse Building on Edithburgh Road and only open on Fridays from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm the Yorketown Historic Society has quite consciously focused on early photographs of the settlement, social life and industries in the local area. It has over 1,000 photographs in its collection. For more information contact (08) 8852 1035.
St Columba’s Catholic Church
Located at 53 Warooka Road and built in 1903, St. Columba’s is a standout building in this small town. Its size suggests a level of prosperity which was common for the Yorke Peninsula’s wheat farmers at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Salt Lakes
The main attraction is the more than 200 salt lakes which surround the town. They have been mined for their salt and like many salt lakes in wheatbelt areas (which stretch from Western Australia to western Victoria) they are vulnerable to pink algae and consequently can acquire a gentle and quite stunning pink hue under specific climatic conditions. The colouration of these saline lakes is particularly impressive on overcast days. It is caused by carotene from a type of algae.
Bublacowie Military Museum
The Bublacowie Military Museum between Yorketown and Minlaton is owned and operated by Chris, a decorated veteran of conflicts in Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. The museum occupies the grounds of the former Bublacowie one teacher school. The school itself was closed in 1943 and recently renovated into a charming residence.
The museum keeps alive the memories of the sacrifices made by so many and helps young people learn about Australia’s military history. There are American pistols, German lugers, machine guns, armament shells of all shapes and sizes, and a ghostly World War 1 gas mask. Although the focus is on military memorabilia, the diversity of exhibits is amazing.
The venue is set on two acres of native trees and shrubs, in the midst of the very rich wheat and barley growing area of Yorke Peninsula.
AROUND YORKE PEININSULA
Bushwalks, cliff top and shoreline rambles, unique geology trails, a wonderful array of birdlife, history and heritage… it all awaits you on peaceful, unspoilt Yorke Peninsula…
Family Fun and Free Stuff
On Yorke Peninsula, you’re never far from water. It’s about a 30 minute drive from coast to coast or, in other words, just a short drive to your next beach adventure. Fish, swim, surf, dive, snorkel, kayak, sail, build sandcastles or go beachcombing…the choices are endless. Whether it’s enjoying a train ride, visiting a farm of a different kind, discovering the region’s past or being thrilled by a spooky adventure… there’s plenty of family fun to be had on the Yorke Peninsula.
Innes National Park
One of South Australia’s most spectacular parks is the Innes National Park. Located on the ‘toe’ of Yorke Peninsula. Enjoy one of the many walking trails within the park, ranging from 10 minutes to three hours. It is a great place to enjoy the best of the beach and the bush. You can dive, surf, bushwalk, bird-watch or just relax and enjoy the 9200 hectares of Australian flora and fauna. The Innes National Park is also one of Australia’s premier surfing destinations and hosts some prestigious surfing competitions.
Agriculture
There are many other activities on offer across the Yorke Peninsula. With a history steeped in agriculture the Yorke Peninsula Home Grown Trail is your ticket for a behind-the-scenes view as locals welcome you to their farms and businesses. Discover their produce and products and share their working lives. They’ll show you what they do and how they do it, getting things grown, harvested, and taken to the world. From award winning studs and innovative livestock enterprises to handmade paper, a marine study centre, and the regions first cellar door. There are lots of experiences to be had on the Home Grown Trail from seeing new born foals and feeding baby alpacas to watching sheepdogs in action… or you can even be a ‘farmer for the day’.
History and Heritage
Indulge yourself in the rich history and heritage, and experience the unique culture Yorke Peninsula has to offer. Yorke Peninsula is steeped in history from Aboriginal culture that began thousands of years before European settlement to our maritime, mining, agriculture and aviation history. Shipwrecks, lighthouses, historic ports and jetties were integral to our past and an era when windjammers rolled on their moorings and towns bustled with sailors and farmers delivering their cargo. The regions many museums provide you with a vivid insight into Yorke Peninsula’s fascinating history with the Bublacowie Military Museum just out of Yorketown being a ‘must visit’ destination.
Other
From arts and crafts created by talented local artists to world class golf, markets, shopping, cinemas and geocaching…there’s an attraction or experience for everyone on Yorke Peninsula. From Aboriginal Cultural Tours to deep sea fishing charters, Innes National Park or an oyster farm… See the sights, hear the stories, hook into some amazing fishing action or learn to surf on a Yorke Peninsula tour
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Yorke Peninsula Tourism Site