Description
Come and FORK fresh food, CORK boutique wine and WALK the Yorke trail
5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS
Challenge | Discover | Fulfil
Overview
Walk The Yorke Adventure
Fork, Cork and Walk The Yorke
Join Big Heart Adventures as we soak in the stunning landscape, wildlife and produce of the southern Yorke Peninsula in Narungga Country.
In this fully supported small group trek we walk pack-free (daypacks only) through native bushland, amongst coastal cliff lines and along sandy white beaches on one of Australia’s longest coastal trails, the 500km Walk the Yorke trail.
We visit the regions award-winning local winery and we sample some of Australia’s best tasting oysters. We enjoy these locally produced delights while learning about how these businesses have become so successful and much loved.
We have chosen some of the most spectacular and rugged sections for our trek and included meals and comfortable accommodation each night. Our Leaders will be with you to guide and take care of all the detail, so you can relax and absorb the unique surroundings.
Bring your comfortable walking boots and an adventurous spirit for this unique coastal trail.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Depart Adelaide / Narungga Welcome / Walk The Yorke Trail
Our journey today will start at 7:30am in the Adelaide CBD.
Our private vehicle takes us to Yorke Peninsula where we are Welcomed To Country by the local Narungga community. We also spend some time learning about the Narungga culture and history.
Then we make our way south. Stopping for lunch in Port Rickaby, a historic wheat port.
After lunch we begin our trek along some of the more remote sections of trail on the western coast. Following pretty inland trails through Conservation Park and sandy beaches protected by reefs.
Arriving at our comfortable accommodation in Marion Bay with time to freshen up and relax over a 2 course dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 8km
Day 2 | Walk The Yorke Trail / Dhilba Guuranda – Innes National Park / Inneston
From our accommodation today we walk on trails to the historic town of Inneston.
We also enter Dhilba Guuranda – Innes National Park for the first time, stopping at beautiful Stenhouse Bay (emus are often seen wandering the trails along this section) before heading inland on an historic old horse-drawn rail trail to Inneston. This little isolated ghost town is fascinating as it was once a bustling village of miners and their families– many of the historic buildings still stand and connects to the ruins and old infrastructure in and around the Stenhouse Bay jetty. We walk through the old town before we board our vehicle and our short drive back to Marion Bay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 17km
Day 3 | Walk the Yorke Trail / Ethel Wreck / West Cape Lighthouse
We return to Inneston and continue our trek along inland mallee trails before reaching dramatic coastal scenes and crashing waves at Pondalowie, a popular surf break. Finishing off with a sandy beach and boardwalk, hopefully the dolphins will join us for this final stunning stretch.
On our scenic drive back to our accommodation we visit a couple of extra sights in the National Park including the West Cape Lighthouse and Ethel Wreck, with some short walks and stories from the past to share with you for those wanting to extend their time on foot.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 16km
Day 4 | Walk the Yorke Trail
Today is our most challenging and most rewarding walking day. You can choose to walk the full 21km or shorter distances depending on how you feel.
With massive sand dunes, stunning beaches, spectacular cliff lines and remote headlands. You will see why this is one of Australia’s best coastal trails. Spotting dolphins, whales and sharing the beach with emus is all a possibility!
A short drive takes us back to our home base. You will feel rewarded after covering about 60km of the Walk the Yorke trail over the past 4 days. Tonight we celebrate our achievement at the local tavern with a 2 course dinner and lots of laughs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 5km, 11km or 21km
Day 5 | Celebrate / Relax / Drive to Adelaide
A relaxing start.
Today is all about visiting boutique Yorke Peninsula businesses and sampling some wonderful local delights as we make our way back to Adelaide.
Firstly we visit Pacific Estate Oysters. Our entertaining presentation will provide you with a great insight into how oysters are farmed, and their links to Coffin Bay. Practical demonstrations as well as tastings of Pacific and the local Native Oysters.
Next we enjoy a light lunch and farming history talk at the wonderful Barley Stacks Wines including a tasting experience (a huge variety of wines are produced here both red and white). Our lunch here will include cheese platters and tasty wood fired pizzas.
From here its only a 2 hour drive back to Adelaide and we should arrive before 4:30pm.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking Distance: –
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Comfortable private vehicle transport
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- 2 course dinners (à la carte)
- B x 4 | L x 5 | D x 4
Accommodation
- Marion Bay Motel and Apartments
- 4 nights comfortable accommodation (twin share)
Activities
- Professionally guided walks
- Nature connection activities on trail
- Oyster farm tour and tasting
- Winery light lunch and tasting
Safety
- Each trip has 2 Guides/Leaders
- Group First Aid kit and emergency communication device
- Leaders certified in Remote Area/Wilderness First Aid
- Qualified Bushwalking Leaders
Environmental
- Small group guided experience
- Leave No Trace principles
- Invitations to connect with nature
- Reduce waste through recycling, reusing and composting
- National Park entry fees
Big Heart Extras
- Big Heart Adventures designed ioMerino hiking top
- Big Heart Adventures designed head sock
- Big Heart Adventures journal
- 4 pre-departure training walks and or training program (trip specific)
- Discounts for pre-departure purchases at Exurbia
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Meals and drinks not stated on itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Trail Notes
We grade the overall walking on this itinerary as MODERATE
(see our grading system)
This grading is provided as general advice only, and is based on our assessment and also feedback from past participants. Please consider your level of fitness and experience in regard to this rating, and if you’re unsure please contact us for more information
Port Rickaby to Bluff
Distance: 8km
Elevation Gain: 100m
Elevation Loss: 100m
Marion Bay to Inneston
Distance: 17km
Elevation Gain: 300m
Elevation Loss: 275m
Inneston to Pondalowie
Distance: 15km
Elevation Gain: 200m
Elevation Loss: 200m
Royston Head
Distance: 5km
Elevation Gain: 125m
Elevation Loss: 125m
Browns Beach to Formby
Distance: 16km
Elevation Gain: 225m
Elevation Loss: 225m
Why choose us
10 REASONS TO WALK WITH US
Realistic Itineraries
we want you to love and be inspired by the Yorke Peninsula. This tour itinerary is well-designed and realistic, allowing you to complete the full itinerary ….. we don’t over sell and under deliver
Be Fulfilled
this itinerary is designed to maximise your awe and leave you fulfilled. You will walk all the best sections of the Walk the Yorke Trail through Dhilba Guuranda – Innes National Park and along remote and spectacular sections of coastline, as well as tour the regions best oyster farm with tastings (past passengers say these are the best oysters they have ever tasted), and the peninsulas best winery for a light lunch and wine tasting. We’ve planned this itinerary so you get the full experience and time to relax ….. you won’t leave feeling unfulfilled
Nature Connection
we want you to feel de-stressed and re-energised. So, our guides are also nature facilitators with skills to immerse you with your surrounds. Not only do we safely guide you and share our knowledge, we also provide invitations for you to slow down and connect deeper with nature whilst walking the trail (included activities such as an introduction to Shinrin-yoku ‘Forest Bathing’ ) <learn more about Forest Bathing here> ….. we’re pioneers of hiking with deep nature immersion
Group Fitness
we want you to succeed and maximise your enjoyment, so pre-tour training walks, training programs, and group chats online are provided leading up to your walking tour (included as part of the tour price). These will assist you to practice on terrain that you are likely to encounter, meet your guides and other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gauge your level of fitness. Many people underestimate the difficulty of walking this trail and end up under-prepared and unfulfilled ….. so we invest in your preparation
Meaningful Moments
we will bring your Yorke Peninsula experience alive ….. a guide book, phone App, and interstate companies can’t do this as well as a local South Australian tour operator like us
Flexibility (2 guides)
our departures have 2 experienced guides. Having 2 guides means we can better cater for group dynamics and individual needs. Factors such as walking pace, injuries and incidents can mean changes to the itinerary become necessary, and if there was only 1 guide then these changes will impact on your expectations and your level of enjoyment ….. avoiding this is why we always have 2 guides
Safety
our wilderness trained guides from Adelaide carry comprehensive group first-aid kits, satellite communication devices, and safety equipment. In addition, safety procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services. There isn’t mobile phone coverage along sections of this trail ….. so for your safety, we always have multiple communication devices
Timing
we go at the best time of the year for comfortable walking conditions. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence
Small Groups
a maximum of 10 only on each departure. Meaning, it’s better for the environment, and you won’t feel like you’re just a number in the crowd
Travel Assistance
our in-house travel specialists can assist you with travel insurance. If you’re arriving from interstate or from international destinations we can also package any accommodation, flights, and add-ons in addition to this tour. Package your Walk the Yorke walk with us and save stress, time and money
Packing List
A detailed packing list is provided prior to travel
- Gear you will need:
- Rainproof jacket and pants
- Daypack (35 litre approx.)
- Water bottles/hydration kit (min 2Ltrs)
- Personal medications
- Clothing suitable for walking that is quick drying and breathable – consider merino/synthetic clothing
- Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses and suncream, insect repellent
- Sleeping attire
Accessibility
There are stairs, uneven surfaces and moving luggage to and from accommodation, plus walking bush and sandy trails on this trip. Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking
Details
- Type: All Genders Guided
- Adventure: Walk The Yorke Adventure
- Destination: Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
- Traditional Country: Narungga
- Group Size: Max 10 plus leaders
Fitness Requirement
- A good level of fitness is required to walk the trails on this trip
- You will be walking pack free (day packs only)
- You will walk on a variety of surfaces including undulating trails, limestone, and soft sand
- Our longest walking day is up to 21km and we walk 4 consecutive days on this adventure
- Trip rating: Moderate
Important Information
- *Eligible Past Traveller Discount applies if you’ve travelled with us on any of our guided tours which were 5 days duration or longer
- Read terms and conditions before booking
- Itinerary and price subject to change at any time
- Travel Insurance is recommended. Get a quote from Covermore or Go Insurance
- Note weather, group member welfare and a range of circumstances outside our control can mean last minute changes to our itinerary are necessary once on tour
- A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come basis
- Please contact us before booking any flights. Depending on flight arrival and departure times extra nights accommodation may be required at own expense
- A minimum number of travellers are required for this trip to depart so ask someone to join you. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, we may decide to still go or we will provide a full refund
- Training walks start 6 weeks prior to departure. We recommend you attend these walks to maximise your enjoyment and for the groups welfare when away
- If this trip departs during Fire Ban Season – last minute changes to our itinerary or walking days may be required for safety reasons
- Rooming is twin share
- Private transport to and from Yorke Peninsula is included from Adelaide, with multiple pick up points available in transit between Adelaide and Marion Bay
- Private transport in Yorke Peninsula plus daily trail transfers is included
- If you have additional needs please connect with us, we’re committed to being inclusive and accessible
Adventure Leaders
Our team is qualified, experienced and super friendly. We will ensure you have a fun and connecting adventure. Leaders are certified in Remote or Wilderness First-Aid. All leaders carry a group first-aid kit, emergency communications device, emergency documentation and equipment.
