Did you know that Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is home to over 40 shipwrecks along its rugged coastline? This stunning wilderness area on the southern tip of Yorke Peninsula offers some of South Australia’s most spectacular coastal scenery, with pristine white beaches, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife that includes the once-extinct mainland Tammar wallaby, successfully reintroduced to the park in 2004.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Innes National Park sits at the southwestern tip of Yorke Peninsula, approximately 300km from Adelaide. The journey takes about 3-4 hours by car, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or longer stay. The route takes you through Port Wakefield, Ardrossan, and Minlaton before reaching Marion Bay, the gateway to the park.

Before setting off, ensure you’ve purchased your park entry pass. A vehicle entry fee of $12 per day applies, or you can opt for a more economical multi-park pass if you’re planning to visit other South Australian national parks.

The park is fully accessible to 2WD vehicles, with the main road through the park being sealed. Side roads to beaches and attractions are unsealed but generally well-maintained. Be prepared with enough fuel, as there are no service stations within the park.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Innes National Park is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience. Summer (December-February) brings warm temperatures perfect for beach activities, though this is also the busiest period, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

For the best balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Spring offers the added bonus of vibrant wildflower displays throughout the park.

Getting Around Locally

Exploring Innes National Park requires your own transportation, as there’s no public transport within the park boundaries. The main road through the park (Stenhouse Bay Road) is sealed, while side roads to beaches and lookouts are unsealed but generally accessible to 2WD vehicles.

Driving Tips for the Park

• The speed limit throughout the park is 40km/h to protect wildlife.
• Dawn and dusk are peak times for animal activity – drive with extra caution.
• Keep to designated roads and tracks to protect the fragile environment.
• Some beaches are accessible by 4WD, but always check conditions first.
• Allow at least a full day to see the main highlights, or 2-3 days to explore thoroughly.

For those interested in hiking, many of the park’s attractions are connected by walking trails of varying difficulty. The Stenhouse Bay Lookout Walk (2km) and Inneston Historic Township Walk (2km) are excellent shorter options, while the Gym Beach Hike (11km return) offers a more challenging experience.

Where to Stay (Lodging Options)

Innes National Park offers several accommodation options, from camping under the stars to staying in historic buildings. Booking ahead is essential, especially during peak periods (summer holidays and long weekends).

Camping

The park features seven campgrounds, each with its own character and proximity to beaches and attractions:

Other campgrounds include Cable Bay, Browns Beach, and Gym Beach. All sites cost $24 per night and must be booked online through the South Australian National Parks website.

Heritage Accommodation

For a unique experience, stay in the restored heritage buildings at Inneston Historic Township. These self-contained lodges offer a glimpse into the area’s mining past while providing comfortable accommodation within the park.

Nearby Options

If you prefer more amenities, Marion Bay just outside the park offers holiday homes, a caravan park, and basic services. For a wider range of accommodation, the towns of Warooka and Yorketown are within a 30-minute drive of the park entrance.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Innes National Park has no dining establishments within its boundaries, so visitors need to be self-sufficient or plan to dine in nearby towns. Marion Bay, just outside the park entrance, has limited food options including a general store that offers basic supplies and takeaway food.

Self-Catering Options

• Pack a cooler with fresh food and drinks for day trips.
• Bring a portable stove or use the BBQ facilities at Stenhouse Bay and Pondalowie Bay.
• Stock up on supplies in larger towns like Yorketown or Minlaton before heading to the park.
• Carry plenty of water – at least 2-3 liters per person per day.

Local Specialties

While in the Yorke Peninsula region, look out for these local specialties:

• Fresh seafood, especially King George whiting, garfish, and blue swimmer crabs
• Local wines from the Southern Yorke Peninsula wineries
• Yorke Peninsula honey and preserves
• Locally grown grain products, reflecting the region’s farming heritage

For the best dining experience, consider packing a gourmet picnic to enjoy at one of the park’s many scenic lookouts or beaches. West Cape Lighthouse and Dolphin Beach offer picnic tables with spectacular views.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Innes National Park is packed with natural wonders and historic sites that will keep visitors of all interests engaged. From pristine beaches to historic ruins, here are the must-see attractions:

Top Attractions

Beautiful Beaches

Scenic Lookouts

• West Cape Headland: Spectacular coastal views from the lighthouse, with a 1km loop walk around the cape.
• Stenhouse Bay Lookout: Panoramic views of Investigator Strait and the historic jetty.
• Royston Head: A 4km return walk to one of the park’s most dramatic headlands, offering unparalleled coastal vistas.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While Innes National Park is primarily known for its natural beauty, it also offers rich cultural and historical experiences that provide insight into both European settlement and the area’s Aboriginal heritage.

Aboriginal Heritage

The park is co-managed by the South Australian government and the Narungga people, the traditional owners of the land. The Narungga nation comprises four clans: Kurnara, Windera, Wari, and Dilpa. The park’s official name, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, reflects this cultural connection.

Throughout the park, interpretive signs provide information about the Narungga people’s connection to country and their sustainable use of the land and sea resources over thousands of years.

Historical Sites

• Inneston Township: Beyond just a ghost town, the restored buildings include a school house, bakery, general store, post office, and plaster factory that tell the story of this once-isolated community.
• Stenhouse Bay Jetty: Built in 1900 for shipping gypsum, the jetty provides insight into the area’s industrial past and is now popular for fishing.
• Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail: This 7.6km trail follows the old wooden railway line that once connected Inneston to Stenhouse Bay, transporting gypsum for export.

Seasonal Events

While the park itself doesn’t host regular festivals, the broader Yorke Peninsula region celebrates several events throughout the year:

• Yorke Peninsula Field Days: One of Australia’s oldest agricultural field days, held biennially in September near Paskeville.
• Yorkes Classic Surfing Competition: A prestigious surfing event occasionally held at Pondalowie Bay.
• Park of the Month: Innes National Park is occasionally featured as South Australia’s “Park of the Month,” with special ranger-guided activities and events.

For the most current information on cultural events and ranger-guided activities in the park, check with the Visitor Information Centre at Stenhouse Bay upon arrival.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Innes National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering diverse activities from relaxed nature appreciation to adrenaline-pumping adventures. The park’s varied landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for memorable outdoor experiences.

Water Activities

• Surfing: Pondalowie Bay offers one of the Yorke Peninsula’s most consistent surf breaks, attracting surfers from across South Australia. West Cape Beach also provides excellent waves in the right conditions.
• Swimming: Dolphin Beach and Shell Beach offer protected waters ideal for swimming, while the Blue Pool natural rock pool provides a unique swimming experience.
• Fishing: The Stenhouse Bay Jetty and Browns Beach are popular fishing spots, with catches including King George whiting, salmon, and garfish. Remember to check local fishing regulations.
• Snorkeling: The clear waters around Shell Beach and the Blue Pool are perfect for exploring marine life, with colorful fish and seagrass meadows.

Hiking Trails

The park features several walking trails that showcase its diverse landscapes:

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers:

• Look for Tammar wallabies at dawn and dusk, particularly around Inneston.
• Spot emus and Western grey kangaroos throughout the park.
• Over 150 bird species inhabit the park, including ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, and malleefowl.
• Dolphins frequently visit Pondalowie Bay, sometimes playing with surfers.
• During winter, southern right whales can occasionally be spotted from the park’s headlands.

For photography enthusiasts, the golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer spectacular lighting conditions, particularly at Cape Spencer, Ethel Beach, and West Cape Lighthouse.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Ensuring a safe and respectful visit to Innes National Park requires awareness of both safety considerations and cultural protocols. The park’s remote location and rugged terrain mean visitors should come prepared.

Safety Tips

• Water Safety: Beaches can have strong currents and rips. Swim only at recommended beaches and never swim alone.
• Wildlife Awareness: Drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. The speed limit throughout the park is 40km/h.
• Cliff Safety: Many lookouts feature unfenced cliff edges. Stay on marked paths and keep a safe distance from cliff edges, particularly in windy conditions.
• Bushfire Risk: During summer, check fire danger ratings and park alerts before visiting. Total fire bans may be in place.
• Communications: Mobile reception is limited within the park. Optus and Telstra coverage is available at Stenhouse Bay, West Cape, Cape Spencer, and parts of Pondalowie and Shell Beach campgrounds.
• Emergency Preparation: Carry a first aid kit, extra water, and let someone know your plans if hiking or visiting remote areas.

Visitor Etiquette

Respecting the park’s natural and cultural values ensures its preservation for future generations:

• Stay on designated tracks and trails to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
• Take all rubbish with you – there are limited waste facilities in the park.
• Use toilets where provided to protect water quality and public health.
• Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife and other visitors.
• Fishing is permitted in designated areas, but be aware of size and bag limits.
• Drones require a permit and are prohibited in many areas to protect wildlife.

Cultural Respect

The park is co-managed with the Narungga people, who maintain a deep connection to this country:

• Respect sites of cultural significance and follow any specific guidance provided.
• Do not remove or disturb any artifacts you may find – report them to park staff.
• Learn about the Narungga connection to country through interpretive materials in the park.
• Use the dual name Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park to acknowledge traditional ownership.

Practical Travel Tips

Make the most of your visit to Innes National Park with these practical tips that will help you plan and enjoy a smooth, memorable experience.

Essential Packing List

• Water: Bring at least 2-3 liters per person per day – drinking water is limited in the park.
• Food & Supplies: Pack all necessary food and supplies, as there are no shops within the park.
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing are essential year-round.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and flies can be prevalent, especially in warmer months.
• First Aid Kit: Include basics plus treatments for bites, stings, and minor injuries.
• Navigation: Download offline maps before arrival, as mobile reception is limited.
• Camera: The park’s spectacular scenery offers countless photo opportunities.
• Binoculars: Ideal for wildlife spotting and appreciating distant coastal views.

Planning Your Visit

• Park Passes: Purchase your vehicle entry pass online before arrival or from local agents.
• Accommodation: Book campsites well in advance, especially during peak periods.
• Fuel: Fill up in Warooka or Marion Bay, as there’s no fuel available within the park.
• Itinerary: Allow at least a full day to see highlights, or 2-3 days to explore thoroughly.
• Accessibility: Most lookouts and some beaches have wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms.

Sample Itineraries