They are the perfect post-COVID getaway and the type of holiday usually reserved for the rich and famous - direct access to a pristine beach with stunning views, space to put up your feet, access to world-class seafood and no nuisance crowds or interruptions. Ahh...
This collection of 19 low-cost bush camps on SA's glorious Yorke Peninsula offering 275 sites are all available through a single, low-cost permit. The difference is that on this occasion your millionaire's lifestyle is available to you as a grey nomad for a tiny fee.
Pay just $10 per night, $50 per week or $150 per month for a Yorke Peninsula Council permit that gives you access to your choice of bush sites, all of which are guaranteed to take your breath away, dog friendly and boast an outstanding feature, such as stunning beach frontage or clifftop views.
The sites take advantage of the Yorke Peninsula’s reputation as a region boasting uncrowded beaches and good fishing. Nearly all sites have a sandy beach within walking distance and are accessible by conventional vehicles. In addition, some bush sites have extra facilities, such as toilets, shelters, lighting and bins.
The permit system ensures that each site remains private, uncrowded and superb, and that permit holders will always be able to find their slice of paradise. The vast majority of sites are accessible all-year-round by conventional vehicles and in some places the only other person you're likely see will be the friendly Yorke Peninsula Ranger.
According to travel research*, most Australians aged 55 or over prefer to holiday in a natural setting (69%), favour holidaying within Australia (69%) and like to be away from the crowds (63%).
That makes these Yorke Peninsula Bushcamps especially attractive.
Imagine leaning back and relaxing with a roaring campfire, warming your toes while you watch the sunrise on the eastern Peninsula coast or sunset on the western coastline. All campers need do is bring their own wood and abide by a few simple safety directives, including COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene requirements.
Camps are located at Wauraltee Beach, Barkers Rocks, Burners Beach, Gravel Bay, Swincers Rocks, Gleesons Landing, Foul Bay, Sturt Bay, Mozzie Flat, Goldsmith's Beach, Wattle Point, Parara, Len Barker Reserve, Foul Bay Boat Ramp, Port Minlacowie, Daly Head, The Gap and The Bamboos.
In addition to the beaches - all 700 kilometres of them, the Yorke Peninsula also offers plenty to do and see. Here is just a small sample:
Take a gentle trek through coastal national park (so no doggies) up to the truly stunning Cape Spencer Lighthouse.
The Red Devil stands at the entrance to Minlaton and is believed to be the only genuine World War 1 Bristol Monoplan left in the world. More than 6,000 people cheered when Captain Harry Butler landed the plane on the first mail delivery across the sea from Adelaide to the Yorke Peninsula in 1919. Butler was a true blue Aussie flying pioneer who sadly died after a crash in Minlaton in 1922.
The ghost town of Inneston, once home to 150 gypsum miners, shopkeepers and their families is now eerily quiet and stunningly beautiful. Located in the heart of the Innes National Park (so once again, no dogs), a two-kilometre stroll around the ruins of the post office, general store, factory, bakery and stables is a great escape from the 21st century. The majestic headlands, sweeping beaches and beautiful bays of the national park will also take your breath away.
Rake up a feast of Blue Swimmer Crabs. And we do mean rake, literally. Grab an old rake, wear some old sneakers, take a floating tub and set off into the shallow waters from Port Gawler to Stansbury in Gulf St Vincent (from September to April) to uncover these deliciously sweet crustaceans. Be mindful that crabs have a legal size limit and that females carrying external eggs can’t be taken. The Yorke Peninsula is a seafood lovers's paradise with an abundance of fish species including King George Whiting and Snapper.
All that seafood searching no doubt has created a thirst, so head to the Watsacowie Brewing Company at Minlaton or Yorke Peninsula’s first commercial winery, Barley Stacks Wines.
Check out the best features of the Yorke Peninsula Council’s website for details on attaining a permit, and click on the map below to see their interactive map. It features each of the 19 award-winning Best Commercial Campsites and lists what features you’ll find at each, so plan your Yorke Peninsula today.
* Research findings from Gill Walker, Evergreen Advertising & Marketing