Day 161-163 Yorke Peninsula

After exploring the Port Augusta region, we wanted to get an impression of the Yorke Peninsula. So we were driving south to Marion Bay and used the few times when there was no rain for some stops to stretch the legs. Stuart liked the Donation Emu statue at a free campground and was very happy to be able to say hello as the rain had stopped. Other car parks were still hours after the rain flooded. Given that we got dripping wet upon arrival on our way to our accommodation, we were the rest of the day busy cleaning the puddle of water at the entrance, drying our clothes and our dripping wet sneakers as well as staying warm & healthy...

The next morning the weather was fluctuating between rain and sunshine, but we decided to drive around the Innes National Park. First stop in the national park was the Stenhouse Bay Jetty. It was very windy, but at least no rain and a bit of sunshine. So Stuart wanted to seize a chance and sit on the anchor of an old ship and enjoy the views. Well, given the strong winds, Stuart was only permitted to sit down near the anchor, so he is not blown away. The next stop was the Cape Spencer Lookout with views on the Cape Spencer Lighthouse.

The next sight, Chinamans Hat Island Lookout had one stop with a beach, where Australians in winter clothing were having their family get-together while at the second stop the toilet paper was flying in the wind without ever touching the ground due too the very strong winds.

Before we reached the Cape Spencer Lighthouse there was another Cape Spencer Lookout with another small beach. Well, given the very windy weather it was not tempting to go to the beach but rather drove on to the actual Cape Spencer Lighthouse. From the carpark it is actually just a short walk to the Lighthouse but given the strong winds, it was a bit of a challenge, but the views on this lighthouse and the lighthouse on the island were worth the effort.

The next stop was at the Ethel Wreck Beach, where the remains of the ship were still visible on the beach and the anchor was shown at the car park. Given the strong winds, that made our heavy 4x4 car shake in the wind, Stuart did not want to leave the car this time.

The last stop in the national park was for the West Cape Lighthouse. Yes, again another lighthouse, this time with a bit longer walk along the coastline. The signs about the strong winds were true, it was difficult to walk against the wind, watching your step and making sure the wind does not make you fly over the cliffs. Stuart was very happy to have us back at the car and wanted to leave this very windy national park (which would have been great without the winds, clouds and rain).

As it was still early we went for one of the two scenic drives around Marion Bay. This scenic drive lead us at first to the Cliff Point Lookout, which would have been a lovely beach for a walk if the weather would have been warmer. We drove on the Berry Road to Corny Point, where we saw, again, another lighthouse.

Next on the scenic drive, we stopped at Gleesons Landing which is mainly a campground nowadays, although only two campers were brave enough to camp there in the rain & wind. One can see in a distance that there was probably one day a lighthouse as well, but only some leftovers visible in a distance.

From the next stop, Daly Head, we drove on pretty quickly as it is only for beach access. At the Formby Bay stop Stuart discovered a picnic area where some old fishing nets were used as decoration and he immediately jumped into the net for some climbing fun. The last stop of the scenic drive was Gym Beach, another beach for nice walks in the sun if the weather permits it. Well, given that by that time there were again big grey clouds and it was about to start to rain again, we decided to call it a day and get back to our accommodation for the night.

Next morning it was time to leave Marion Bay and the Yorke Peninsula again, but not without driving the second scenic drive. We stopped at the Meehan Hill Lookout and drove the Hillocks Drive to the Kangaroo Island Lookout. Given the cloudy & rainy weather we could not see Kangaroo Island, but Stuart anyway screamed a 'see you later' over. We also stopped at Sturt Bay for some nice views before having a look at the Troubridge Point, which again had an old lighthouse.

On our way up north we stopped at the Ardrossan Lookout, which is an old mine lookout before heading into town for some coffee & cake. Stuart was quite released there was finally some breakfast available.

Our last stop of the day was at the pink Lake Bumbunga, where we by chance discovered the lochness monster in the pink lake.

Stuart thought that the Yorke Peninsula is a really lovely part of Australia with lots of beaches, lighthouses and things to explore, but only with warm & sunny weather the sights and the wildlife can be enjoyed. Yes, despite the rain and bad weather, there was wildlife visible: