Best Time To Visit Yorke Peninsula, South Australia 2024
Yorke Peninsula is a real hidden gem, no matter what time of the year you visit. However, direct from a local, I’ll let you know what is the best time to visit Yorke Peninsula in South Australia.
If you get the timing wrong, you’ll either need your snow gear or your swimming gear. OK, maybe snow gear is an exaggeration, but it can get cold.
Quick answer: Plan a visit a few times throughout the year to experience the complete picture.
Let’s look at the different times of the year and what activities you enjoy doing, so you can plan your perfect getaway.
Overall Best time to visit the York Peninsula
I love the beaches, and our kids love the splash park, so summer is our usual go-to. However, the Yorke Peninsula can get very hot, and if you’re rural, the flies can get annoying. November would be my pick, not too hot, not too cold. On average, the weather sits between 14 degrees – 26 degrees (timeanddate.com).
Here’s when you can get sneaky if you don’t have kids. Australian summer school holidays usually start at the beginning of December, so if you’d prefer fewer kids around, plan your trip outside December – January, or book a more secluded accommodation for that relaxing vibe.
Christmas and Easter are very popular times of year, with all the tourist activities in full swing. Nothing is more Aussie than a Christmas Day picnic on the beach!
On the other hand, if you prefer a warm cozy campfire and a mug of hot tea (or cheeky wine), then winter has big advantages.
Visiting Yorke Peninsula In Summer Pros & Cons
As I’m typing this, I want to jump in my car and head to Yorkes! (I’m currently sitting in my Adelaide house!)
When: Nov – Jan
Think hot, beachy, ice creams running down your hands while sitting on the beach! This is the time to get your camper, head to the caravan park at Moonta and stay meters away from the best free splash park I’ve seen!
Don’t have your own camper? Check out these modern units within the Moonta Caravan Park here
If staying in a caravan park isn’t your thing, then book yourself a room at the Wallaroo Marina. Looking over the ocean, or marina depending on the aspect, you can enjoy all the summer vibes from the comfort of your air-conditioned room.
Find your relaxing summer getaway here at the Wallaroo Marina
With a more laid back feel, the Wallaroo Marina has always been one of our go-to locations when we want a break from camping. Make sure you stop at the bar in the lobby area for a drink or meal while watching the boats in the harbour.
The only cons during this time on Yorke Peninsula are the random very hot day or two, which makes even the beach scorching. However, the splash park is all under cover so sit with your feet in the water and watch your kids play.
Visiting Yorke Peninsula In Winter Pros & Cons
When: May-July
Think early nights sitting around a warm inviting campfire with your friends and family. The sky gets dark around 5.30-ish in the middle of winter. Swimming won’t be high on your list unless you’re a surfing nut. Yep, the waves are great for surfing, especially around Daly Head.
This is the time to camp at one of the many beach-side campsites along the west and southern side of Yorke Peninsula. The Campsite I recommend is Wauraltee, just south of Port Victoria. Grab a bag of firewood on your drive over, find a nice spot behind the dunes and soak in the peacefulness.
The road to the campsites is suitable for conventional caravans. You’ll need to grab a permit to stay. If you’re booking over the peak periods, which are Christmas and Easter, make sure you book in advance as the sites fill up quickly.
Winter in Yorke Peninsula (not camping)
Winter in the Yorke Peninsula is quieter than during summer, which brings a lovely type of peacefulness. There is something beautiful about sipping your morning cuppa while looking over the sea. If you’re more of a 4-walls, roof and comfort-type of person, many cottages are right on the beach.
Typically, the prices are cheaper over the winter months, allowing you to stay longer. Check out this article which lists the top spots to visit on Yorke Peninsula, but check if some of the tourist places in Moonta are open before visiting.
Click here to browse accommodation on Yorke Peninsula
Visiting Yorke Peninsula In Spring and Autumn
Yorke Peninsula in Spring and Autumn are typically mild with a few colder and warmer days thrown in. You will find Spring can have a stronger westerly breeze.
Pro Tip: Check when the South Australian school holidays are happening. It will be busier during these times.
Typical temperatures range from 16 degrees – 27 degrees in March, to 8-16 degrees in July.
How to reach the York Peninsula
Yorke Peninsula is around a two-hour drive from Adelaide. Take the Port Wakefield Hwy to Port Wakefield. Grab a pie at the bakery, then continue over the Hummocks Rangers. From here you can decide whether you head to Moonta first, Ardrossan or down the middle of the Peninsula towards Maitland.
Yorke Peninsula map
While it is an easy drive, there are tour options from Adelaide. The best tour I can recommend is the 3-Day 4WD Eco Tour. With a top of only 16 participants, all accommodation, meals and wine tasting provided, this tour tops the others as it offers 4WD capability and local guides.
Check out the locally owned and operated tour for yourself here
Where to stay on the Yorke Peninsula
Caravan parks
✔ Moonta Bay Holiday Park. Cabins and Caravan sites located in prime beachfrontage!
Pro Tip: Click here to book now as sites fill up quickly.
Motel
✔ Wallaroo Marina Apartments. Modern Apartments overlooking the ocean. Perfect for both a romantic getaway or a family adventure.
Cottages
✔ Vacation Homes There are plenty of boutique cottages scattered around the Yorke Peninsula. Check out the options here where you can select beachfrontage or quaint bush
Best things to do on the Yorke Peninsula
You could easily spend weeks and weeks on the Yorke Peninsula, but here are a few of our favourite locations to get you started. Check out the full list here.
1. Visit Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
A 2wd accessible national park located on the tip of Yorke Peninsula. Visit for the day or spend a few nights camping and exploring.
2. Walk the Yorke
The Walk the Yorke trail covers almost 500km of coastal walking trail. However, you certainly don’t need to walk the length! choose a location and explore or sit and relax at a gorgeous beach. The Walk the Yorke trail goes past many of the bush campsites.
3. Moonta Mines tourist railway
Located in Moonta, the tourist railway is perfect for both kids and adults. Take the tourist train around historic locations in an interactive guided tour.
How many days do you need in Yorke Peninsula?
While a day trip is possible, the best way to explore the Yorke Peninsula is over a few days. I would spend a few days around Moonta, head to a quiet campsite around Wauraltee for a night or two, then down to Inneston.
At least 2 nights are needed in Innes National Park, before heading around to Edithburgh and then up to Ardrossan. In total, at least a week would be perfect.
What month is the best time to visit South Australia
My personal favorite is November. Hot enough to go swimming, not too hot to be uncomfortable camping. The splash park is open and things are starting to get into that summer feel.
Do you need a 4WD for Yorke Peninsula?
While it isn’t necessary to take a 4WD to Yorke Peninsula, there are plenty of options for 4wd enthusiasts. When booking your campsite in the bushcamps, read the instructions prior to paying. It will tell you if the roads to the campsites are suitable for 2WD cars and vans, or if a 4WD is necessary.
The beaches around the Yorke Peninsula are soft sand, so I would highly recommend a 4WD. There are a few exceptions, with one beach north Wallaroo typically having firm sand which is generally OK for 2wd cars. Always check first and ask a local how the conditions are if you’re not sure.
The Yorke Peninsula is the traditional lands of the Narungga (Nharangga) people
