Upper Yorke Peninsula: Coastal Walks, Tasty Tapas & Delicious Beers & Cocktails!

Explore the Upper Yorke Peninsula with me

We’ll be diving into the Upper Yorke Peninsula with the first entry of the series, exploring the fabulous towns of Ardrossan, Wallaroo, Moonta, Port Hughes, Arthurton and Kadina.

So, while I may not have the fancy vocabulary or the culinary knowledge of a true foodie, one of the things I love is eating. Moving each month and having brand new places to try has become one of the biggest perks of nomad life!

The Upper Yorke Peninsula actually surprised me with the amount of amazing spots serving up some seriously good eats and drinks. Think tasty tapas, delicious chicken waffles, yummy cocktails, and thirst-quenching craft beers.

I always try to offset all of the eating & drinking by planning long walks/hikes, so in this read, you’ll also find information on long coastal trails. Because life is all about balance right?

I hope you like this journal entry about the Upper Yorke Peninsula, happy reading!

Ardrossan

The coastal town of Ardrossan is where we chose to stay for two weeks while exploring the upper region of the Yorke. It’s located on the top right hand side of the peninsula, and from our last destination of Kapunda, it’s only about 1.5 hour’s drive. From the Adelaide CBD, it’s only slightly more at 1 hour and 40 minutes.

This sweet cliffside area is known for its Blue Swimmer Crab, you’ll see a lot of crab symbols throughout the area, from the welcome sign hanging over the jetty to the local caravan park logo. We were a tad early in August, but if you head to Ardrossan in the warmer months, from September to April, that’s when they’re plentiful and apparently very easy to catch.

While the town was pleasant, I think looking back, I should’ve organised somewhere more central, like maybe a caravan park in Maitland or somewhere top left of the peninsula, around Wallaroo, Moonta Bay, or Port Hughes. Most of the places we visited were in that direction and we were driving across the peninsula for an hour on most weekends! Oops, my bad (I’m the travel planner in our relationships).

Ardrossan Caravan Park

Dogs welcome on sites

Website: www.ardrossancaravanpark.com.au
Length of our stay: 14 nights
Time of year: August
Type of site: Powered site (dolomite with matting)
Site number: 19
Pricing: from $34/night for Off-peak period (Peak period is from 25th September – 30th April)
Rewards Card: G’day Park rewards available
Total site costs: $345 (not sure how it came to this?!)
Online booking form: Yes
Deposit: One night’s deposit to secure the booking or pay in full
Grocery shopping: Drakes, only a short 500m up the road. Decent size and well stocked. Cellarbrations next door or Sip’ n Save at the Royal House Hotel across the road from Drakes.
Phone and internet reception: No issues with Telstra phones and Nighthawk wifi router.

The pros of staying at Ardrossan Caravan Park

• Sonya and Shane who manage the park are really lovely and friendly people. We had one day when a major gas leak occurred and they handled the situation well. They made sure we were all kept up to date with what was happening. And because we had to evacuate our caravans for quite some time, they opened up a couple of cabins so we could wait in comfort, plus ordered pizza for us.
• You can snag a discount as they’re a G’day Park.
• It’s a stone’s throw from the town’s main street, only about 500-600m up the road.
• The beach, jetty and “Walk the Yorke” trail is only a short stroll away, opposite the caravan park.
• The amenities were a bit dated but clean, tidy and close to the sites.

The cons of staying at Ardrossan Caravan Park

• The dump point is not easily accessible. Basically, the park is split into two sections by a creek and there’s no bridge to connect the two (different from what’s on their map). The dump point was on the section closest to town while we were on the other section near the office. Our choices were:
  • To get into our car and do a 2 minute drive out of the caravan park and round the corner. We were told to park just outside because our boom gate codes didn’t work for that side. This felt like so much effort – to have to put the cassette toilet into the car, deal with the boom gate to go out, and all for a 2 minute drive.
  • Wheel it by foot, about 500-600m, which doesn’t sound like a lot but it’s uphill and you’re wheeling it on a public footpath or on the road.
• Sites were really tight and shallow, we ended up parking our car on the matting because we didn’t have room at the front.
• I felt like our row of sites was really close to the road and the public footpath. It felt a bit exposed with no bushes and just a low fence.
• During our stay there were cabins being constructed near us so it was a tad noisy at times.

Other things to note about Ardrossan Caravan Park

• The caravan park only has two small pockets of powered sites, the rest consists of vintage caravans for annual site holders and more newly built cabins.
• They organise Friday night drinks around a bonfire regularly.

Would we stay there again?

Honestly, I probably would skip staying here again due to the quirky layout and smaller sites. If you’re only looking at a short 2-3 day stay, the dump point situation might not bug you much – it’s a quick stop on your way out. But for folks like us, who tend to linger a bit longer, it got a tad annoying!

Ardrossan Jetty & Beach

Dog-friendly jetty and beach

As with most coastal towns of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan has a stunning coastline of cliffs. To get down to the jetty and beach area, there’s a couple sets of stairs you can walk down or you can drive your car down and park at the small car park in front of the jetty. There’s also toilets and picnic areas nearby. The first time we went to the beach, there wasn’t much of it but we realise it was because it was high tide!

The beach has more of a red sand with lots of pebbles and rocks. Dogs are allowed to roam off-lead at most beaches in the Yorke Peninsula, exempting beaches within the national parks, as long as they’re kept under effective control. However, please make sure to check the physical signs around for any specific rules.

Red Cliffs

Dog-friendly beaches

Photos of the stunning red cliffs at Ardrossan is what caught my eye and made me want to stay there. I found that the best time to take a snap is at sunrise or earlier in the day. The light hits the cliff face rather than casting a shadow!

Walk the Yorke

Dog-friendly walking trail

Our first introduction to Walk the Yorke was in Ardrossan. This is a collection of trails that showcases the towns and coastline of the picturesque Yorke Peninsula. Consisting of more than 500 kilometres of continuous trail, you could walk or cycle from Port Wakefield to Moonta Bay!

We walked to Tiddy Widdy Beach, heading north, and found the cliffside gravel/dirt trail to be fairly flat and wide. On your left, you’ll find peaceful green farmlands, while on your right an endless stretch of ocean. Along the way, you’re treated to breathtaking views of the water, and during low tide, a vast, sandy beach reveals itself below the cliffs.

Tiddy Widdy Beach & Youngs Beach

Dog-friendly Beach

As mentioned, if you go north along the Walk the Yorke, you’ll come across Tiddy Widdy Beach, a small settlement consisting mainly of holiday homes. We went down one of the access tracks to get down to the beach area from the trail.

There weren’t many people around so it was very peaceful walking along the beach. I imagine it would be a bit rough to walk on without shoes as there were heaps of shells! We came across a different section of the red cliffs at Youngs Beach that was particularly intriguing, featuring numerous holes and caves, marbled patterns, and an array of pretty pebbles.

Places to eat in Ardrossan

Wilma’s on the Yorke

Dog-friendly Cafe, outdoor seating

Nestled on the main street, this eclectic little cafe is a great stop for a full breakfast or light lunch. We popped in a couple of times during our stay in Ardrossan. The first visit, I had a salami panini, and the second, a sweet chilli chicken wrap – both dishes were simple yet had enjoyable flavours.

I forgot to take photos inside but Wilma’s on the Yorke also doubles as a retail shop. From dreamweavers and scented candles to crystals, artwork, bags, clothing, and more, it’s a haven for anyone who loves boho and artsy finds!

The Coffee House

Dog-friendly Cafe, outdoor seating

The Coffee House is probably the best place in town to grab coffee, just as the name suggests! They have an adorable garden area with plenty of seating – it’s like a cute little oasis in town. And they don’t just serve coffee; they’ve got a cabinet full of delicious-looking wraps, rolls and sweet treats. Plus, if you’re feeling more like a substantial meal, you could try their full breakfast and lunch menus.

Local Bakery

Dog-friendly Cafe, outdoor seating

We did grab a pie, cornish pasty and sweet treats from the local bakery, these were all okay, aside from the cornish pasty, it could’ve done with more flavour! They have a few small outdoor tables available.

Ardrossan Seafood & Schnitzels

We also walked over to Ardrossan Seafood & Schnitzels to give their seafood a shot. My husband thought it was alright, but for me, it was a tad too oily (but then again, I tend to say that about most fish and chips I try). They piled on a huge portion of chips, although they were a bit on the salty side. Unfortunately, this place is not dog-friendly.

SIMEC Public Lookout

Just south of the Ardrossan township, there’s a lookout you can drive up to. Heading south, it’ll be on your right – watch out for the sign that says SIMEC Public Lookout beside a large hill. The road leading up is gravel and quite winding.

Once you reach the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the township, massive grain silos and surrounding farmlands. You can also peer into the operational dolomite mine pit from there. We just kept Charlie in the car while we had a quick look.

Wallaroo

Heading north on the west side of the Yorke Peninsula, you’ll stumble upon the seaside town of Wallaroo – a real hotspot for holiday goers, especially for fishing and boating. If you like your history, Wallaroo is also part of the Copper Coast, a region steeped in copper mining heritage. For those interested in historical mining towns, you might want to check out my journal entry about Kapunda and Burra too!

Jetty & Foreshore

Dog-friendly jetty and beaches

We took a stroll down to the jetty and the area has got an industrial vibe, with towering silos and massive pipes everywhere. Being a commercially active port, there are still ships that dock in and out from the harbour.

We spotted a couple of busy eating spots at the base of the jetty – The Boatshed and The Shores Eatery – both packed with people. Along the foreshore, we passed by some lush grassy areas and a couple of nice, small, white sand beaches, Office Beach and Sailing Club Beach. Office Beach, closest to the jetty, had a line of shelters.

Smelters Trail & Dog Park

Dog-friendly walking trail

We took a leisurely walk along the short paved Smelters Trail where you can view the old Smelter’s remnants and read up on its history. We also made a pit stop at the nearby dog park – it’s set against the backdrop of the historic Hughes Chimney and has ample shade and shelter. It’s a great spot for your furry friend to let loose!

The Bond Store

Dog-friendly restaurant, outdoor tables

The Bond Store is a fantastic spot right in the heart of town on Owen Terrace. Seriously, it’s the ultimate triple threat – a microbrewery, a distillery, and a restaurant, all rolled into one. And, it was hands down one of the yummiest highlights of our Yorke Peninsula adventure!

Microbrewery

First off, let’s talk beer. The Bond Store has its very own microbrewery where they whip up incredible craft beers using locally sourced grains. They’ve got a huge variety on tap and if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ve got to try their massive 12-beer tasting flight! My hubby decided to stick to a couple of regular-sized beer paddles so you’ll have to check out their socials to have a look.

Distillery

The Bond Store isn’t just about beer – they’ve got an impressive distillery on site too, where they craft delicious award-winning gin and liqueurs. Head downstairs to their distillery cellar and indulge in one of their amazing gin creations at the cocktail bar. Of course, I had to try something. I had two different gin cocktails and they were delish!

Restaurant

Now, onto the food. If you’re anything like me and love trying a bit of everything, you’re in for a treat. The Bond Store’s menu is all about sharing, with an incredible selection of smaller and larger share plates on offer.

I love how their menu is designed to encourage interaction and bring people closer together through food. Each dish we had was not only bursting with flavour but also plated so beautifully.

Lastly, I can’t forget to mention the awesome staff at The Bond Store. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready with a smile and provided top-notch hospitality. It really added that extra touch to our already fabulous experience. If you happen to find yourself in the Upper Yorke Peninsula, make sure to pop by this incredible venue!

The Smelter

Dog-friendly cafe, outdoor tables

If you’re looking for a cafe to grab brunch, The Smelter, right next door to The Bond Store, is the place to be. My hubby and I swung by a bit late, around 1:30pm, and found they had already sold out of their Chef’s Special, plus we were told their kitchen closed at 2pm. Moral of the story? Make sure you get in there bright and early so you have the full choice of what they have to offer!

Nook and Nourish Cafe, Moonta

Dog-friendly cafe, outdoor tables

Moonta is part of the Copper Coast region in the Upper Yorke Peninsula, a historic mining town that came to life in the 1860s thanks to the influx of Cornish miners. Wandering through the main street, you’ll discover many charming heritage buildings and an eclectic mix of antique and giftware shops, alongside cute cafes and eateries. We ate at the colourful  Nook and Nourish Cafe who offer wholesome but flavourful dishes.

I couldn’t resist trying their bruschetta, it was delicious. Their chai had just the right balance of sweetness and didn’t send me buzzing, like most cafes. Even my husband, who usually raises an eyebrow at anything labelled ‘healthy,’ was won over by their Big Bird burger.

As well as their brunch menu, they have a range of freshly made salads, rolls, wraps, cakes, and raw desserts in their food cabinet. And if you’re in the mood for a nourishing drink, their selection of herbal teas, organic coffee, healthy smoothies, and juices will leave you spoilt for choice. If you happen to find yourself in Moonta, be sure to drop by this wonderful cafe!

Port Hughes Walk

Dog-friendly walk trail & beaches

After brunch at the Nook and Nourish Cafe in Moonta, we decided to explore the picturesque Port Hughes Coastal Trail. To get the start of the coastal trail, just follow Simms Cove Road until you reach a small circular carpark.

I didn’t take many trail photos on the day, I’m not sure why?! The trail itself is quite relaxed and easy – it’s a wide gravel path mostly along the cliff tops, following the coastline. Near Simms Cove, you’ll find yourself walking past large beachfront homes – what a view they must wake up to each day!

The trail takes you past a few beaches, each accessible via stairs if you would prefer to walk along the beach. The first couple from Simms Cove were a bit pebbly and strewn with heaps of seaweed.

Port Hughes Jetty & South Beach

Dog-friendly beach

We walked along the Port Hughes jetty, where despite the chilly weather, there were plenty of people out fishing or taking a walk. We then walked along South Beach, oh my gosh, this would’ve been paradise in better weather. Picture yourself walking a long stretch of white sand beach, swimming in turquoise waters, and being able to do it all with your furbaby in tow!

Just a heads-up – there’s stairs from the beach leading to the BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Park. We made the mistake of climbing up one on our way back, only to find ourselves wandering around the caravan park, trying to find our way out onto the streets. So, keep an eye out and save yourself the detour.

On a side note, the caravan park seemed nice, right by the beach! Not sure what the amenities are like, but the location is certainly top-notch.

Places to eat in Port Hughes

Dog-friendly cafe & dog-friendly pub, both with outdoor seating

Right across from the Port Hughes jetty, there’s a general store that not only stocks essentials but also serves up meals like fish and chips, burgers, and toasted sandwiches. We decided to take a break here, grabbing some drinks and taking a breather. If you’re in the mood for something a bit stronger than water, you’re in luck – there’s a dog-friendly tavern right next door.

This coastal walk is a delight, especially if you’re travelling with a furry friend. If you find yourself in Moonta or Port Hughes, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go. You’ll love the ocean views!

Sunny Hill Distillery, Arthurton

Dog-friendly distillery with outdoor seating

We had the most amazing afternoon at Sunny Hill Distillery – What a wonderful spot to relax and savour a cocktail! The view from their deck, overlooking vast, vibrant, green fields, left me absolutely mesmerised.

Sunny Hill Distillery, located in the central rural town of Arthurton in the Upper Yorke Peninsula, sits on the family’s crop farm. They create premium quality vodka, gins, and liqueurs using their own grains, and now they’re even diving into the world of whiskeys and rums.

Tastings & Cocktails

For those eager to explore a variety of flavours, they have you covered with spirit tastings and liqueur tastings. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the fab cocktails from their extensive cocktail menu. My personal favourite was the chocolate liqueur; it’s incredibly creamy and indulgently chocolatey, like sipping on melted chocolate. So good!

The venue

Inside you’ll find comfortable spaces to gather with friends and family. Don’t miss the chance to peek into their distillery room, where all the magic happens! Outside you’ll find a spacious deck adorned with ample tables and a cosy couch corner. There’s also a huge lawn – perfect for a casual picnic, just bring your own blanket and umbrella. You can also bring your own food and nibbles to enjoy alongside their drinks.

Food

While we didn’t eat anything during our visit, we saw that they offer an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, dips and more for you to create your own grazing platter. Plus, they host awesome in-house events too, with local caterers and bands serving up delicious bites and catchy tunes. Make sure to check out their socials to see what’s happening! And as mentioned, you’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks and treats.

I can’t recommend this spot enough if you’re travelling within the Upper Yorke Peninsula! Just as a heads up, if you’re arriving in your caravan, be aware that there’s a short gravel road leading to the building from the main entrance, with a couple of narrow points along the way.

Hedonbar Brewing Company, Kadina

Dog-friendly brewery

Nestled in Kadina, this microbrewery and taproom is fairly to new to the scene. Kadina is in the Copper Coast area of the Upper Yorke Peninsula, just a stone’s throw away from Wallaroo and Moonta.

Hedonbar Brewing is kind of hard to spot as it’s set back but it shares the same carpark as the Copper Coast Putt Putt, Copper Coast Miniature Rail, Farm Shed Museum and Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre. Tucked away in a large industrial warehouse, there’s a lot of space to spread out and relax. Furry pals are welcome inside too; just make sure they’re on a leash and well-behaved!

Live music is a Sunday tradition here, so we picked a Sunday to visit. During special days and busy times, they usually invite caterers to serve food at their front beer garden. They had a baked spud van while we were there. Make sure to check out their socials to see what’s happening!

On other days, they offer only packets of chips, with no other food options available. However, you’re welcome to bring your own food and nibbles to savour alongside their fantastic beers and drinks.

The beers were a hit with my hubby, with eight-ten rotating flavours on tap, there’s something for every taste bud. I really enjoyed this place! If you’re exploring the Upper Yorke Peninsula, you should definitely check it out.

And that’s a wrap!

I hope you’ve had a great time exploring the Upper Yorke Peninsula through this read. It’s a fantastic part of South Australia, and I hope it has sparked your interest in planning a visit soon.

Have you been to any of these places before? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments; I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for joining me, hope to see you again!