228 kms from Adelaide

Warooka is a small town known as the gateway to the bottom end of the Yorke Peninsula. It is a service centre for the surrounding area and a great stop off on the way to or from Innes National Park. The local Narungga people knew the area as Wiruka, or muddy water hole.

And maybe it was that water hole which attracted the first white settler, James Coutts, in 1847 when he took up a run which extended over 31,000ha from Hardwick Bay to Sturt Bay to the south.

It was not until 1876, however that Warooka was officially established, when settlers began moving into the town. Many Irish people settled in this area and in 1876, the first stone was laid to the first Catholic Church. In 1877, the Warooka Hotel was built.

Within Warooka there are many buildings dating from the late 1800's. The Warooka Museum, formerly the Police Station, houses a comprehensive exhibition of items originating from the surrounding area and is open Fridays 10am to 3pm or by appointment.

On 19th September 1902, a huge earthquake hit Warooka. Measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, the earthquake caused massive damage to the town and surrounding areas. The first deaths from an earthquake in Australia were recorded, when two people suffered fatal heart attacks.  In fact, the earthquake was so violent that it caused a fire at the Corny Point lighthouse, when the wick of the lantern was tipped over.

Flaherty's Beach Sandbar Golf Classic

A golf tournament where water hazards are the norm and you're always in a bunker, this unique event is held annually in January/February at Flaherty's Beach (5kms north of Warooka on the road to Minlaton) on the nearest Sunday to the dodge tide. It's difficult to get this much fun out of any other kind of golf so if you are in the area, pay your sand fees and experience the game of your life!  

The first Classic was an innovation of the then newly-formed Warooka Progress Association in 1997 and its longevity is testament to its popularity. The novelty of two 6-hole courses, laid out by local identity Gary Murdoch as the high-tide recedes, attracts expert and amateur golfers alike. The "Scooby Hole-in-One", named after local identity Ernie "Scooby" Koop who was a top golfer of the Warooka Golf Club, carries a prize of $1,000. This had evaded capture until finally won by an under-15 golfer. This just goes to show that it is a true Family event and everybody is in with a chance.