Who are the First Nation People of Yorke Peninsula?

Yorke Peninsula Council acknowledges the Narungga (traditionally spelt Nharangga) people as the traditional custodians of the land through which the trail passes, and their deep spiritual, emotional, social and physical connection to Country. We pay respect to past, present and emerging Elders.

Narungga people have lived on Yorke Peninsula since the beginning of Dreaming or for at least 40,000 years. The coastline is dotted with many ancient and significant cultural sites. 

Interpretative signage has been installed along the trail. Please take the time to explore this history and find out more about the Dreaming stories associated with various landforms and features. Please be respectful of sacred sites and places of significance and do not damage, trample or remove anything.

Is there mobile phone reception? 

Mobile telephone coverage is not reliable or consistent along the trail. It is recommend for people to carry a PLB (Personal Locating Beacon) or similar on longer walks, particularly if they are walking on their own.

Triple Zero (000) is Australia's primary telephone number to call for assistance in life threatening or time critical emergency situations.

Dialling 112 directs you to the same Triple Zero (000) call service but does not give your call priority over Triple Zero (000). 

112 is an international standard emergency number which can only be dialled on a digital mobile phone. It is accepted as a secondary international emergency number in some parts of the world, including Australia, and can be dialled in areas of GSM network coverage with the call automatically translated to that country's emergency number. It does not require a sim card or pin number to make the call, however phone coverage must be available (any carrier) for the call to proceed.

Where can I get WTY maps?

Maps are available from Yorke Peninsula Council offices located in Maitland, Minlaton and Yorketown. There are 10 differnt maps available - at $5.00 each or $45 for the whole set. Postage is and additional $5.00. Maps can also be ordered online here. 

Are walking times accurate?

Walking times are based on an average walking speed of 4km per hour - what the average walker would expect to travel in good conditions - and are an estimate only. Some sections may take longer due to difficult terrain such as soft sand, dune climbing and rock hopping.  

If you are new to bushwalking or the weather conditions deteriorate you can expect travel to take longer. Please base your allowed walking times on your own fitness, ability and weather conditions.  Walk times can also be affected by seasonality. For instance - the sand might be softer in summer, tracks can get muddy during rain and seaweed often covers the beaches in winter. Walking after dark is not recommended.

Who are 'Friends of Walk the Yorke'?

The Friends group conduct regular walks of sections of the Trail. They can be contacted via their Facebook page. Walks will be cancelled if the predicted temperature at Maitland is 36C or more. Please bring food and water on walks.

What is a multi-use trail?

A multi-use trail means you may encounter different users – mainly hikers and cyclists.  It is not suitable for any form of motorised transport. General trail courtesy asks that cyclists yield to hikers, although it is recommended that common sense prevail.

What transport is available? 

YP Community Transport, a non-profit community transport network, has buses that travel between towns on Yorke Peninsula. Some of their route options may be of assistance in travelling to the Walk the Yorke Trail. See their brochure here.

Public Transport is minimal or unavailable on Yorke Peninsula. For those considering walking the whole trail, we recommend a support vehicle or team. If walking alone, stick to the eastern coast where towns and facilities are closer together. 

Should I walk in summer?

Generally it is not recommended as the Peninsula experiences hot temperatures and the fire risk is greater. Although the coast may offer cooling breezes, there is little protection from the sun. Some of the shorter town walks can be quite enjoyable on cooler days even in summer. Even when walking in winter, always cover up and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Always check the weather and fire forecasts before going for a walk. If in doubt and the weather forecast is for hot (and windy) conditions, our recommendation is not to go walking. Fire can spread quickly in open bush and grassland.

Is water available on the track?

It is advisable to carry sufficient drinking water with you. The recommendation is for two litres of water for a full day's walk in cooler weather, and at least three litres if the temperature will be above 28 degrees. Water can be purchased in the various towns, including Ardrossan, Port Vincent, Stansbury, Edithburgh, Marion Bay, Corny Point, Point Turton, Port Rickaby, Port Victoria, Balgowan, and Moonta Bay.

There are rainwater tanks that depend on rainfall attached to the shelters along the track. We recommend using a water purifier before consuming.

Can I have a campfire during the Fire Danger Season?

No. Council does not permit campfires during the Fire Danger Season (November to April most years). Campfires are also banned in all national parks and forestry reserves during the Fire Danger Season. More information on campfires and cooking along the trail can be found here

Is it safe to walk during severe, extreme or catastrophic fire danger ratings?

Your safety is your responsibility and you need to be aware of current Fire Danger Ratings.

On high fire danger rated dates (very high, severe, extreme or catastrophic) all walkers are advised to consider their personal safety while on their planned walking route. You need to know your planned escape routes as many sections of the walk have no safe refuge.

During the fire season, over the warmer months of the year a Total Fire Ban day may be declared. This means that all activity that might start a fire must be stopped, including using portable liquid or gas fuel cooking stoves. During periods of hot and windy weather hikers should carry some food that does not need to be cooked in case a Total Fire Ban is called. Please check the CFS website regularly. 

Do I need to purchase a bush camping permit?

Yorke Peninsula Council maintains 19 designated bush camp grounds on Yorke Peninsula.  Walkers/cyclists without vehicles may camp for free at these campgrounds, but a permit is required for any support vehicles staying at a campground. Permits can be purchased online here

Walkers/cyclists without support vehicles may camp outside of town areas alongside the WTY Trail.  All campers must abide by the LEAVE NO TRACE ethos. Camping is not allowed in conservation parks such as Wills Creek, Point Davenport and Levens Beach. Fees will apply if you camp in any privately owned campground.

There is camping available in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Although an entry permit is not required for walkers into the park, campsites must be booked prior to camping. Innes National Park bookings are available here.

What accommodation options are available?

There is a variety of accommodation options available to the trail users.  

There are caravan parks available in the towns of Port Clinton, Price, Ardrossan, Pine Point, Black Point, Port Vincent, Stansbury, Coobowie, Edithburgh, Marion Bay, Corny Point, Point Turton, Port Rickaby, Port Victoria, Balgowan and Moonta Bay.

Or contact one of the Yorke Peninsula accommodation providers. 

What wildlife will I see?

The Peninsula's diverse range of natural habitats is home to a variety of wildlife. Animals you may see include emus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and possums. Bird species include wrens, crested bellbirds and penguins. In warmer weather, keep an eye out for reptiles such as lizards and snakes. The Australian bush is a natural place where wild animals live. Please stay on the track, watch your step and be alert. 

Please respect the wildlife, do not follow or approach and do not feed the wildlife. Many birds such as the hooded plover use the beaches as a breeding area. Walking in their area can disturb the birds and their nest. To avoid this walk below the high tide mark on the hard sand.

Will I see snakes?

Snakes are shy animals and will usually get out of a walker's way rather than attack. Wearing sturdy boots and a pair of gaiters will protect your lower legs. If you see a snake, quietly step back and wait if necessary, until they go on their way. 

Most bites occur when people try to kill snakes (this is illegal). If a bite occurs keep the person at rest, lying down. Do not wash or cut the bitten area. Apply a firm pressure bandage (not a tourniquet) from the bite site, all the way down the limb then back up the limb. Death from snakebite is very uncommon. You do not need to catch or identify the snake as the same anti-venom is used for all snake bites.

It is advisable to carry a basic first aid kit. Hikers with allergies to bites and stings need to ensure they carry appropriate medication.

Are there any general safety guidelines I should follow?

• Prepare well
• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to get there
• Have a plan so that your back up knows what to do if you do not make a scheduled contact
• Prepare a contingency plan in case of accident, emergency or severe weather event
• Carry a compass
• Keep hydrated (drink plenty of water)
• Be aware of the weather
• Dress for the conditions
• Carry an emergency kit
• Consider wearing a high visibility vest or clothing when near roads. 

How do I provide feedback?

It's very important to us to know what users of the walking trail think. We're happy to hear any feedback, so don't hesitate to let us know by contacting us on 8832 0000 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Walk the Yorke is monitored by Yorke Peninsula Council. However, if you discover any maintenance issues that are not listed in our Trail Notes, please report them via phone (08) 8832 0000, via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or in person at any of our Yorke Peninsula Council offices

Question not answered?

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