For superb natural attractions, wall to wall wildlife and birds (feathered!), deserted beaches, fantastic hikes, wonderful seasonal wildflowers, intriguing history and magnificent coastal scenery I recommend South Australia’s Innes National Park! On my blog, I’ve actually described it as The Jewel in the Toe because it’s right at the ‘toe’ of the leg-shaped Yorke Peninsula. Innes National Park is about 300 km (or 3 – 3 ½ hours drive) from Adelaide (head north via Port Wakefield, then south-west via Ardrossan, Minlaton and Warooka), making it great for a weekend break and perfect for a longer stay.

Although it can get pretty busy during holiday periods, there’s always somewhere to get away from the crowds. And outside of those busy times, you’ll almost have the place to yourself! Actually, if you’ve got more time, use Innes National Park as a stepping stone to explore the whole Yorke Peninsula – with a huge amount of coastline, it’s only 30 km across at its narrowest point which means an awesome coastal attraction and/or activity is only ever a short drive away! Of course that also means it’s got one of the highest concentrations of Scenic Public Loos in OZ.

The more you look, the more you’ll find at Innes National Park – the highlights can be seen in a day if you’re short of time, but it’s really best to stay for a few days in one of the park’s seven campgrounds; Heritage Accommodation in the park’s historic almost-ghost town Inneston; or in nearby town Marion Bay and explore it thoroughly.

Take one – or ALL – of the Park’s seven walks; find a deserted beach and surf, swim or go fishing; discover the colonial and indigenous history; spot a shipwreck – and a lighthouse or two; see how many different wildflowers you can find; or just hang out and relax. And if you don’t see a kangaroo or emu – with chicks in spring – then don’t bother buying a lottery ticket because you’re obviously the world’s unluckiest person!

Any time! But attractions are different throughout the year, so decide when to go based on what you prefer doing! Summer (Dec to Feb) can be hot and includes the summer school holidays. It’s great for beach and water based activities but there’ll be a LOT more people around! Autumn (Mar to May) is good for walking as there’s less wind and days are milder. It’s still warm enough for swimming and the mullet are on!

Check the forecast in Winter (Jun to Aug) for fine weather – it’ll be cold, but there’ll be fewer people. Winter is also the best season for whale-watching – and salmon fishing, although they’re around at other times as well. Spring (Sept to Nov) wildflowers are sensational, especially orchids, and Spring’s the time for emu chicks too! There’s something for everyone at any time of year elsewhere on the Yorke Peninsula too – use my handy guide and spend 7 days there!

Get a quote for campervan or 4WD hire in South Australia and visit Innes National Park.