5 Things You Must Do In Yorke Peninsula

by jeanne christine - 7:21 PM

Having lived in Moonta for half a year, we've met some awesome people, gained valuable experiences, and have gone on beautiful adventures. Here's a few of the many wonderful things you can do in the Yorke Peninsula if you're looking to spend your holiday in this quaint destination.

1. Crab Raking in Port Hughes

Never knew you could rake crabs? Neither did I. We bought our crab rake at the fish and chips store by the beach at Port Hughes for $15. If you think about it, that was a good investment since we've caught several crabs that could have sold for much more than $15. But into our tummies they went!

Crab raking in Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Crab Raking at Port Hughes, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

This activity calls for exactly what it sounds like. You simply use the rake to sweep the crab up. We walked into the shallow water when it was low tide, kept our eyes peeled, went to rocky areas where crab could be hiding, and quickly swept the crabs up one by one when we spotted them. You have to be REALLY quick because they can get away and hide so fast, it's actually quite amazing to watch.

2. Crabbing at Moonta Bay Jetty

Not too keen on running after crab in the water? Then you might prefer to keep yourself safe and dry on the jetty and simply throw your net in the water. Use some bait (the staff in the store by the jetty can help you with this) and set it up in your net and you're good to go. Throw the net in the water and pull it up when you spot crabs in it. The best time to go crabbing is when the water is calm and crystal clear. Also, we noticed that there is usually more catch very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Crabbing at Moonta Bay, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Make sure you measure each crab and throw the ones that are too small back into the water. These are blue swimmer crabs. They turn red when cooked. I say this because my friend and my mom both thought that crabs are always red. In fact, it was quite entertaining when my friend spotted a blue swimmer crab raising its claw at her!

Measuring crab at Moonta Bay jetty.

3. Kayaking at Port Vincent

My friends had an epic experience of kayaking at Port Vincent and thinking there were sharks swimming next to their kayak only to realize they were dolphins!

Kayaking in Wallaroo, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

We, however, rented out kayaks ($20/hour for single kayaks and $30/hour for double kayaks) at Wallaroo Marina Apartments. This entailed dragging the very heavy kayaks towards the water - this was so much further and so much more tiring than we expected - and dragging them back to return them after using. Still, it was fun and so worth it!

4. Fishing/Squidding at Wallaroo

We've actually been fishing and squidding at Moonta Bay and Port Hughes but I hear people love fishing at Wallaroo. Fishing gear can range from cheap to extremely expensive and for beginners like us, cheap is good. Salt and pepper squid, anyone?

Squidding at Port Hughes

5. Camping at Innes National Park

There are tons of campsites in the Yorke Peninsula so take your pick! We chose to do our first camping adventure at Innes National Park in Marion Bay.

Innes National Park

Thank you, Yorke Peninsula. It's been a pleasure to be a "local" for 6 months. But I think I left my heart in Adelaide, which is really only 2 hours away. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again for more adventures!