Walking & Cycling Trails

Gum Flat Walking Trail, Minlaton

The inland trail of Forests, Creeks and Planes

Located in the middle of the Yorke Peninsula, Minlaton is an important regional town located around two hours away from Adelaide, and a perfect spot for that mandatory driving break. While there, the Minlaton Walking Trail is a short trail which provides visitors to get a unique insight in to the cultural and farming life of South Australia’s own Yorke Peninsula.

The Walking Trail commences from the Yorke Peninsula Visitor Centre at Harvest Corner, where the lovely staff will helpfully provide you with a brochure outlining the significant items along the trail that are worthy of more than a passing look.

The trail leaves the visitor centre and heads north along the Main Road passing the old Post Office (1912), the War Memorial in the centre of the road, and the gigantic mural featuring the life and times of Minlaton’s favourite son, Captain Harry Butler.

Continuing north the trail passes the National Trust Museum which is home to a wealth of information and artefacts from the region including the much loved Harry Butler room. Further north, a life-size statue of Captain Butler stands outside the memorial where a replica of Harry’s famous Red Devil plane is housed. Alongside the memorial is a parking area which is a pleasant rest stop for families traveling through the town.

A quick glance across the road and the familiar sight of emus dawdling through a paddock appears. The HJ Cook Fauna Park has been a popular stopping point for families for years with its range of emus, kangaroos, birds and reptiles keeping kids busy for some time.

Heading west the walking trail diverts through some natural bush land on the edge of the golf course where old wooden bridges cross a small creek. The wood on some of these bridges comes from the former Port Julia Jetty, which demonstrates the great recycling efforts of the community.

Crossing the road and the bushland changes withe the addition of river red gums, an oddity in the centre of the Yorke Peninsula. The trees are believed to be around 500 years old, and were nurtured by various inhabitants of the land over the years, but sadly many are dying due to the increased salinity levels in the area.

Gum Flat was the original European name of the town, and was also the name of the large sheep station on the eastern side of town, with its original homestead still standing tall today. Nearby the old horse dip has been restored by local schoolchildren while a series of aboriginal wells which bore ‘sweet water’ gave rise to the name of Minlacowie, or Minlaton as it has now become.

Heading back towards town a large forest of drooping sheoaks adorns the pathway providing shelter from all elements for walkers as they head past the Minlaton Hotel and back to their starting point at Harvest Corner.The Minlaton Walking Trail is around 3km long, and is suitable for pushers and wheelchairs. The Trail should take just under an hour to complete, with details available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Walking Trails

Explore Yorke Peninsula by foot and discover hidden secrets on walking trailsthat meander across the peninsula from coastal walks to heritage trails, town walks or exploring Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, there’s plenty of choice for stretching your legs.

Walk the Yorke

links together existing coastal trails to make a continuous 500 kilometre long trail along Yorke Peninsula’s coastline. Walk the Yorke showcases pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, amazing views and farm land.

Barkers Rocks Walking Trail

Between Barkers Rocks and Port Rickaby, this 5 kilometre trail takes about 2 hours each way and features a pristine coastal reserve with great coastal views.

CH Smith Trail

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the clifftop from Ardrossan to Tiddy Widdy Beach with great views of Gulf St Vincent and plenty of birdlife. This easy 3 kilometre trail has many access points and is cycle and wheelchair friendly.

Coobowie to Edithburgh Walking Trail

A 5 kilometre coastal walk between Coobowie and Edithburgh along a gravel path, this trail winds it way through native vegetation overlooking Coobowie Bay and on a clear day the Adelaide Hills are visible across the gulf. The Coobowie Bird Hide is also worth a stop near the Estuary, with this inlet a haven for migratory shorebirds.

Copper Rail Trail

An 8 kilometre sealed shared cycling and walking trail, the Copper Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Wallaroo and Kadina. It takes around 30 minutes to ride (one way) and two hours walking.
Along the trail, you’ll find sheltered areas to stop for a break and interpretive signs showcasing the history of the trail. The rail line was in use from the 1860’s to the 1900’s, and then again from 1992 to 2017 as the line for the tourist train service operated by Yorke Peninsula Tourist Railway.

Edithburgh Flora Park Walking Trail

Located on the outskirts of Edithburgh, this 17.5 hectare park is a haven for birdlife and is planted with a range of Australian native trees and plants. The 2.41 kilometre walking trail winds its way throughout the parklands with seating available in several locations. The Edithburgh Flora Park is great for birdwatching and discovering native flora.

Edithburgh to Sultana Point Mosaic Trail

This walk snakes its way for 4 kilometres from Edithburgh to Sultana Point. It’s an easy walk with a beach or cliff top option and wheelchair access.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park Walking Trails

Stenhouse Bay Lookout Walk

Starting at the jetty car park, this 2kilometre, 1 hour return loop leads you around the cliff tops through low closed coastal heath.

Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail Hike

Start from Inneston or Stenhouse Bay, follow the Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail Hike along the old wooden rail line. 16 interpretive signs take walkers back in time during a 3 hour return trip.

Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk

Along this 15 minute return walk, observe fantastic views of Althorpe and Kangaroo islands from the lighthouse. Inneston Historic Walk The Inneston Historic Walk is a well-marked, 1 hour return trail that meanders through the old gypsum mining area, with interpretive signs that tell the story of the early days. West Cape Headland Hike This easy, half-hour return, 1 kilometre loop trail takes you along the rugged cliff top of the West Cape headland, offering stunning views of Wedge and Althorpe islands and Pondalowie Bay. Royston Head Walk Enjoy spectacular views of the rugged peninsula and sparkling blue Southern Ocean, especially from the lookout. It takes around 2 hours return.

Browns Beach to Gym Beach

Along this 2 hour, 1 way trek, find unique flora and fauna, high sand dunes, a good range of birdlife and delicate wild orchids in spring.

James Well, Rogues Point to Pine Point Walk

This 5.5 kilometre walk along the coast is mostly sealed, and features the original windmill that once supplied James Well township with mains water.

Kadina Historic Town Walk

For an insight into Kadina’s past, this self guided Kadina Historic Town Walk takes in many old buildings including the Kadina Town Hall, Victoria Square Rotunda, churches, hotels and banks. The trail starts and finishes at the Kadina Town Hall and takes about one hour.

Brochures are available from the

Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre or local council offices

.

Minlaton Walking Trail

Starting at the Visitor Information Centre, the Minlaton Walking Trail heads to the H J & Brian Cook Native
Animal Reserve before meandering through the outskirts of town. Along the walk, interpretive signs explain the naturally growing River Red gums, and early settlement of the area, originally known as Gum Flat. The walk can be finished via Sheoak Grove or the Bird Hide, before heading back to the starting point.

Moonta Historic Town Walk

Starting and finishing at the Moonta Town Hall, the Moonta Historic Town Walk takes about 1 hour.
The self guided walk showcases many of Moonta’s shops, hotels, banks, post office, meeting halls and several houses. Most were erected between 1863 and 1875 and many have retained their authentic shop fronts and verandas.

Moonta Mines Walking Trails

Discover the history of this copper mining region via three marked trails which form the Moonta Mines Walking Trails

Ryans Walk is a short walk of about 500 metres. Hancocks Walk, from the miner’s cottage or sweet shop, is approximately 45 minutes return. Hughes Walk is a short loop around historic Hughes Engine House and takes about 1 hour. More information is available from the Moonta Tourist Office or the Moonta Mines Museum.

Par Lake Loop, Yorketown

An easy 1 kilometre walking trail around Par Lake, this trail starts at the Weaners Flat playground and passes the golf course on its loop around the lake. Native plants and colourful mosaics line the wheelchair and pram-friendly trail.

Pine Point Walking Trail

Starting at the Pine Point Lookout, this trail heads north towards Ardrossan along the clifftop. There is interpretative signage along the trail, and wombats can often be spotted amongst the native vegetation.

Point Turton Walking Trail

An easy 1.5 kilometre
sealed trail between Wambana Campus on the southern edge of the town, and the Point Turton Caravan Park. This trail follows the beachfront through the to jetty, past the nature playground and bike track, with seating options available along the trail.

Port Broughton Historic Walking Trail

Visit some of the historic landmarks and learn about Port Broughton’s history on the Port Broughton Historic Walking Trail. Call into the Port Broughton Visitor Outlet to collect a Walk Around Port Broughton
booklet.

Port Clinton to Price Walking Trail

Explore a range of native habits on this 6 kilometre walk between Port Clinton and Price.
Walk through areas of mangrove forests, coastal scrubland, tidal samphire flats and natural vegetation.

Port Hughes Coastal Trail

The 2.5 kilometre Port Hughes Coastal Trail , follows the cliffs and foreshore from Simms Cove to South Beach. Interpretive signs along the way, tell the story of Port Hughes history and the importance of managing the natural coastal environment.

Port Julia Lookout Walking Trail

Offering excellent coastal views, this 1 kilometre trail heads south from the Port Julia jetty towards Dipper Beach.

Port Moorowie Walking Trails

There are 2 choices of walking trails in Port Moorowie, both easy short walks with seating along the trail and stair access to the beach. The Reef Walk is a 1 kilometre trail heading west from the Port Moorowie car park, and is suitable for wheelchair access. The Dune Walk heads east from the car park, and is 1.5 kilometres in length.

Port Victoria Geology Trail

The Port Victoria Geology Trail runs south from the jetty to Rifle Butts Beach and highlights include volcanic action from nearly 2000 million years ago. Allow about 2 hours for this easy 3 kilometre walk. An excellent guide book, which explains in detail the sites and geological features, is available from the foreshore kiosk.

Port Vincent Walking Trail

This gently undulating trail runs through native scrub on the northern boundary of Port Vincent. It features three entrances, a wooden bridge and about 40 species of native vegetation. Entry to the Port Vincent Walking Trail is north of the Port Vincent marina.

Remembrance Walking Trail, Port Broughton

The result of a student and staff project, this 1 kilometre long trail winds its way through natural scrubland near the Port Broughton Area School & Library, with interpretative signage detailing significant world events from every year between 1899 & 2001. Australia’s participation in wartime conflicts is also honoured with large stone walls and information boards. The trail has seating and is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Smelters Trail, Wallaroo

A short walk with interpretive signage outlining Wallaroo’s early smelting history, the Smelters Trail follows sealed paths along the foreshore and past historic Hughes Chimney Stack.

Sole Walk, Hillocks Drive

A linear walk of approximately 6 hours, the Sole Walk is located within Hillocks Drive on the southern coastline of Yorke Peninsula. Offering rugged coastline with spectacular views, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, rock pools this walk is for experience walkers across rocky and beach terrain, and through private bushland. lWalkers will see a variety of native birdlife, wildlife, flora & sealife along the walk. Please note that a fee is applicable for entry to Hillocks Drive.

Snook Road Nature Walk, Fisherman Bay

Discover a pristine natural environment on this 6 kilometre return walking trail at Fisherman Bay. This flat walking track is suitable for all walking levels and is a shared use trail for walkers and cyclists. Native birdlife species can be seen along the trail including the White-bellied Sea Eagle, Rainbow Bee-eater, Red-capped Robin and Great Egret. With the walk passing through mangrove forest and samphire shrubland, native flora species include varieties of saltbush, pigface and mangrove.

Stansbury Coastal Trail

The 6 kilometre, three-stage Stansbury Coastal Trail stretches from the jetty, along the foreshore, past the caravan park and to the cemetery. Then choose between a cliff top or beach walk to Pitts Cutting. Interpretive signs provide details of the birdlife, including black swans and pelicans found on the sand flats.

Wallaroo Historic Town Walk

The Wallaroo Historic Town Walk takes about 1 hour and covers Wallaroo’s main commercial area which contains various buildings, both commercial and public, dating from 1861. Most of the Owen Terrace streetscape was erected between 1864 and 1900 and over the years has seen many changes of businesses and uses. Call into the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre or the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum for the town walk map.

Wallaroo to North Beach Walking Trail

Beginning and ending at Wallaroo’s Heritage & Nautical Museum, walkers can explore the town centre, then head north along the Sand Dune Trail towards the playground North Beach. This trail takes approximately 90 minutes each way, with a trail length of 12.2 kilometres (one way).

Yorketown Oval Walking Trail

Located behind the town’s oval, this short walk begins at the netball courts and meanders through native trees planted along the trail.

Walking Trails | Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Cycling

want to cycle Walk the Yorke?

You can ride your bike along most sections of the Walk The Yorke leisure trail, but these are some of the best ones for coastal views & spectacular scenery:

Ardrossan to Pine Point

Distance: 18.8km

Ardrossan sits atop imposing red cliffs and is home of the Blue Swimmer crab. Pine Point overlooks the bay of Port Alfred and is well known as an excellent wading area to rake the shallows for crabs and is also a popular spot for fishing. Follow the compacted gravel trail along clifftops and edging farmland. Some rises and falls. **please note – a small section of trail approximately 1.5km south of Rogues Point & 3.5km north of Pine Point is currently under maintenance and closed for access. The remainder of the Ardrossan to Pine Point section remains accessible.

Edithburgh to Port Moorowie

Distance: 30.7km

Take the sealed trail then a compacted natural surface following two-wheel tracks and dirt roads.
Along the way, enjoy a mosaic trail on the rocks along the Edithburgh foreshore. This trail follows the Troubridge Lighthouse scenic drive, with views of spectacular rugged cliffs and secluded beaches.

Cape Elizabeth to Balgowan

Distance: 46km

This natural-surface trail follows two-wheel tracks through Sheoak woodlands and the rear of sand dunes and samphire flats. Finish at Balgowan, a popular holiday destination for families and anglers. A challenging ride along the back of the sand dunes.

Walk The Yorke – Cycling | Yorke Peninsula, South Australia