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Yankalilla

Yankalilla, Jean-Paul Ferrero / Auscape International

Population 552

Since the first land grant in 1842, Yankalilla has been the centre of a thriving farming industry. It is a growing settlement just inland from the west coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, but it still retains its old country flavour. It has even adopted the slogan 'Yankalilla Bay – you'll love what we haven't done to the place'. In recent times it has seen an influx of visitors keen to see the apparition at Our Lady of Yankalilla Shrine. The Blessed Virgin Mary was first sighted here in 1996.

Visitor Information

104 Main South Rd; (08) 8558 2999

www.yankalilla.sa.gov.au

Nearby national parks

  • Onkaparinga River National Park

    The rugged Onkaparinga River National Park features South Australia’s second longest river as it slices through a steep valley and...more

  • Coorong National Park

    Coorong National Park is a long, narrow ribbon of saline wetlands, saltpans, coastal dunes and wild ocean beaches stretching for 150...more

  • Belair National Park

    Set aside in 1891, Belair National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the world and the first in South Australia. Treasured for its...more

Nearby towns

  • Aldinga Beach

    The rolling hills of the southern Mount Lofty Ranges form the backdrop to Aldinga Beach, a long curve of white sand facing Gulf St Vincent....more

  • Victor Harbor

    In the 1830s the crystal waters of Encounter Bay – and the Southern Ocean beyond – throbbed with the whalers and sealers of the south....more

  • Willunga

    The historic town of Willunga grew rapidly around the slate quarries, which drove the town's economy until the late 1800s. Fortunately, by...more

In Town

Yankalilla District Historical Museum: local history and interpretive trail; open 1–4pm Sun; Main South Rd. Anglican Church: historic and known for apparition of Mary; Main St.

Nearby

Deep Creek Conservation Park Take one of the many walks along rugged coastal cliffs, tranquil creeks, majestic forests and scenic waterfalls. Walks range from easy and short to more challenging long-distance hikes. Keep an eye out for the western grey kangaroos at dusk on the Aaron Creek Hiking Trail or drop a line at Blowhole Creek and Boat Harbour beaches. Permits are required in the park (self-registration). 26 km SW.Normanville: a seaside town with beach and heritage-listed sand dunes. Shipwrecks are popular with divers; 3 km W. Myponga Conservation Park: popular bushwalking and birdwatching park; 9 km NE. Myponga: a historic town with fantastic views from the Myponga Reservoir; 14 km NE. Second Valley: a peaceful picnic spot with a jetty for fishing; 17 km SW. Rapid Bay: this seaside town offers excellent fishing and diving opportunities. Sightings of the endangered leafy sea dragon in the bay make diving a must for any enthusiast; 27 km SW. Talisker Conservation Park: an interpretive trail explains the old silver-mine workings in the park; 30 km SW. Cape Jervis: breathtaking sea and coastal views on entering town. Vehicular ferries to Kangaroo Island depart from here, and it is also the starting point of the 1200 km Heysen Trail (bushwalking trail) to the Flinders Ranges. Morgan's and Fishery beaches nearby have good fishing; 35 km S.

Fishing spots near town

Ardrossan 121 km

Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out more


Marion Bay 126 km

Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out more


West Coast 140 km

Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out more


Wedge Island 177 km

Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out more


Wallaroo 183 km

The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out more


Neptune Islands 208 km

Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out more


Port Broughton 212 km

Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Diving and snorkelling off the Fleurieu Peninsula 14 km

Some of the state’s best diving – particularly in-shore and around jetties – is on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with leafy sea dragons, shipwrecks, dolphins and myriad fish species. Second Valley is great... Find out more


Swimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 27 km

There are plenty of great swimming beaches along the peninsula. Victor Harbor has a plethora to choose from – including Kent Reserve and Dump Beach – but there is also Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot, and the... Find out more


Whale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 31 km

Between May and October, southern right whales often cruise right next to the shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Popular viewing spots include Port Elliot, Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor, but your best starting point... Find out more


Birdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 40 km

Abutting the Coorong, and with wetlands, beaches and a wide variety of terrain, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a top spot for birdwatching. There is a hide off Barrage Road at Goolwa, and the Goolwa Effluent Ponds can have... Find out more


Swimming with dolphins off Glenelg 55 km

Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out more


St Kilda Mangrove Trail 63 km

Just 20 kilometres north of the CBD, a raised 2-kilometre boardwalk winds through the mangrove forest of the Barker Inlet Aquatic Reserve, where 200 species of bird have been recorded. The trail complex includes a... Find out more


Aboriginal gallery, Adelaide 64 km

The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out more


Adelaide Zoo 65 km

With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out more


Kangaroo Island Marine Tours 68 km

This well-respected, eco-accredited outfit runs a variety of wildlife-focused tours out of Kingscote in a low-emission, rigid, inflatable vessel that takes up to 12 people. Swim with dolphins, go whalewatching, see a New... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling off Kangaroo Island 100 km

The sheltered north coast of Kangaroo Island is favoured for water activities, and is home to some 270 temperate fish species – such as blue devils, boarfish and blue groper – along with seals, dolphins and... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Links Lady Bay Resort 3 km

‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out more


Glenelg Golf Club 57 km

Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out more


Kooyonga Golf Club 61 km

Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out more


Royal Adelaide Golf Club 64 km

In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (West Course) 65 km

Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 65 km

Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Lilla’s Cafe

This creative and quirky country cafe has a tin cow out the front, and rustic artworks and local produce to the fore. Lunch embraces everything from soup and focaccias to a smoked salmon röesti and a mighty open... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Goodlife 55 km

This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out more


The Organic Market and Cafe 60 km

This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out more


The Locavore 60 km

The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out more


Nearby breweries

The Steam Exchange Company 40 km

South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out more


South Australian Brewing Company 64 km

Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out more


Brewboys 68 km

One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out more


Coopers Brewery 68 km

More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out more


Adelaide Hills Craft Brewing 77 km

Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out more


Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 182 km

History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out more


Campsites around town

Stringybark Campground 19 km

Deep Creek’s main campground is sheltered by delightful stringybark forest, a feature of the park’s higher ground. It’s a comfortable self-sufficient base camp for daytrips and walks on Tapanappa Rd, 9... Find out more


Tapanappa Campground 21 km

There are fantastic views along Tunkallilla Beach and over to Kangaroo Island from this lofty ridgetop campground. It’s also a staging post for challenging bushwalks to Deep Creek Cove and beautiful Boat Harbour... Find out more


Waitpinga camping area 24 km

Sheltered sites are set amongst coastal scrub a short stroll from Waitpinga Beach, 16 km south-west of Victor Harbor. Access is from Range and Dennis roads. A permit is required and cooking is by gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more


Trig Campground 25 km

This popular location in the heart of the park is sheltered and leafy, with good access to walking trails. It’s at the end of the steep Tent Rock Rd, 12 km south of Delamere. Bring wood and pick up a permit from... Find out more


Eagle Waterhole Campground (walk-in camping) 25 km

Offering secluded bushland camping along the Heysen Trail, this walk-in site 2 km east of Cobber Hill also has a simple bushwalker’s shelter. Bring a gas stove, water and a permit from the self-registration... Find out more


Cobbler Hill Campground 26 km

Ridgetop camping on the park’s western boundary sits above wonderful Blowhole Beach, accessible by a steep 4WD track or walking trail. The campground is on Blowhole Creek Rd, 12 km south of Delamere. Pick up a... Find out more


Coles Crossing camping area 37 km

At 17 km north-east of Mount Compass this camping area is reached from Coles Crossing Rd, 6 km south of Mt Magnificent Rd. Campers need to note that only gas/fuel stoves are permitted.... Find out more


Jacks Paddock Campground 39 km

Opposite Kuitpo Hall, with access from Christmas Hill Rd, this paddock campground is 11 km south of Meadows. With a restored barn and horseyards, it’s recommended for group camping. Arrange your booking and permit... Find out more


Woodcutters Cottage 41 km

This former youth hostel is a 4-room stone cottage with lounge, kitchen and sleeping room for 12, plus room nearby for tents. It’s 2 km from the information centre on Brookman Rd. Bookings and a permit are... Find out more


Chookarloo Campground 44 km

Creekside camping is permitted just 1.5 km from Kuitpo’s main information centre, 8 km south-west of Meadows on Brookman Rd.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Jetty Caravan Park - Normanville 4 km

This is a neat tourist park alongside the beach. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter holidays and a minimum-stay period applies at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more


Port Willunga Tourist Park 26 km

In a quiet rural location about 4 km from Aldinga, this is a spacious park with well-established shady trees. Bookings are necessary at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends and a minimum-stay period applies.... Find out more


Mount Compass Caravan Park 26 km

As neat as a pin, this newly established caravan park in a rural setting has reached a high standard in its first three years. It is a great inland base for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park 26 km

Right on the beachfront, this park is also within walking distance of the town centre (1.5 km). It is a quality tourist park with good facilities. Ideal for a few days or an extended stay, bookings are required during... Find out more


Moana Beach Tourist Park 31 km

Only a short distance from the Moana town centre and close to the beach, this park is also not far from Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Bookings are required at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends. There is a... Find out more


Port Elliot Holiday Park 32 km

Located just 2 km from Port Elliot, between Victor Harbor and Goolwa in a fabulous beachfront position, this is an excellent place to stay year round. We feel this is one of the great seaside caravan parks on the... Find out more


McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park 32 km

This is a spacious, quality park amid the vineyards of the McLaren Vale region. If you want to experience the great wines from the multitude of cellar-door outlets, you will find the park the best base on this part of... Find out more


Goolwa Caravan Park 43 km

Located 4 km from the town centre, in a quiet waterside area, this is a big park with large numbers of both annual sites and powered tourist sites, as well as an enormous number of unpowered sites. Reservations must be... Find out more


Brighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village 49 km

Just 17 km from Adelaide city, this tourist park enjoys absolute beach frontage and has a nice, relaxed feel. It is a popular family park and bookings are essential during busy holiday periods. A 2-night minimum-length... Find out more


Marion Holiday Park 52 km

This tourist park in the southern suburbs is close to the enormous Marion shopping centre. It has very good amenities, shaded areas and good facilities including a recreation room and a tennis court. It makes a good base... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Rattleys at Pear Tree Hollow

Cute as a button, this intimate haven for two is just 8 kilometres south of Yankalilla and within easy reach of the peninsula’s many attractions. It might be compact but there’s everything you need in a... Find out more


Ridgetop Retreats

These three eye-catching pavilion-style villas are tucked deep within Deep Creek Conservation Park. Ecologically sensitive and stylishly designed, these super-smart cabins on the far south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula... Find out more


The Beach House

In a secluded nook, yet still close to the seafront and town action in this busy coastal hub, the Beachhouse is a fully fledged family dwelling with three bedrooms, a large lounge with slow-combustion fire and... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Ridgetop Retreats 20 km

Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out more


Antechamber Bay Ecocabins 45 km

This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out more


Clarion Hotel Soho 63 km

Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out more


Nautilus Lodge 87 km

This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out more


Eleanor River Homestead 106 km

This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out more


Coorong Wilderness Lodge 106 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more


Lighthouse cottages 162 km

Stay in eco-accredited lighthouse keeper’s cottages on wind-swept hills at opposite ends of the island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic. There are also daily tours of the lightstations.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Meningie Park Area 93 km

Middle of town Large parking area on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.10 E139 20.20  ... Find out more


Jackmans Lookout Rest Area 94 km

0.5 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 19 km W of Tailem Bend (R) Large area well off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S35 08.40 E139 18.58  ... Find out more


Monteith Rest Area 96 km

4 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 15 km NW of Tailem Bend (R) Large area around a few trees. GPS: S35 09.46 E139 20.37   ... Find out more


Tailem Bend South Rest Area 100 km

6 km S of Tailem Bend (R) or 46 km N of Meningie (L) Small secluded area among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 18.15 E139 25.50... Find out more


Parnka Point Camp Area 108 km

T/O 23 km S of Meningie (R) or 121 km NW of Kingston (L) Two small but open camp areas located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore in Coorong National Park. Toilets at nearby ‘day use only’... Find out more


Dublin Park Area 112 km

On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out more


Coomandook Park Area 122 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 28.16 E139 41.49 ... Find out more


Moppa Road Rest Area 125 km

29 km NE of Gawler (L) or 3 km W of Nuriootpa (R) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. GPS: S34 27.33 E138 58.26  ... Find out more


Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.2 130 km

22 km N of Dublin (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.396 E138 14.543... Find out more


Sherlock Rest Area 133 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway opposite the store. Limited shade. GPS: S35 19.118 E139 48.076... Find out more


Coonalpyn North Rest Area 134 km

20 km SE of Coomandook (R) or 10 km NW of Coonalpyn (L) Large secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 36.50 E139 48.42 ... Find out more


Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.1 134 km

12 km S of Port Wakefield (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 15.327 E138 13.381... Find out more


Truro East Rest Area 137 km

1 km E of Truro (L) or 45 km W of Blanchetown (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 24.30 E139 08.07... Find out more


Tarlee Park Area 137 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out more


Loop Road Camp Area 139 km

T/O 61 km SE of Meningie (R) or 83 km NW of Kingston (L) Small secluded camp area located 1 kilometre off the highway opposite a lake on the Loop Road in Coorong National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S36 08.16 E139... Find out more


Coonalpyn Park Area 139 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade.  GPS: S35 41.48 E139 51.27 ... Find out more


Peake Rest Area 146 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 21.913 E139 57.025... Find out more


Riverton South Rest Area 147 km

South side of town Large area among trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 10.287 E138 44.769... Find out more


Culburra North Rest Area 149 km

14 km SE of Coonalpyn (R) or 13 km NW of Tintinara (L) Large secluded area surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S35 47.50 E139 56.47 ... Find out more


What's on around town

Leafy Sea Dragon Festival: arts and cultural festival; odd-numbered years, Apr.

Yankalilla Show: Oct long weekend.

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