Yorke Peninsula's Home Grown Trail

Stansbury oysters are grown for a year in the Gulf St Vincent before being trucked to Eyre Peninsula where they’re quickly fattened on the super-rich tides of Coffin Bay. At this point they’re dutifully renamed and their price goes north. Oyster Bay, named for the original oyster beds off Yorke that were instrumental in the region being settled. The natural beds were exhausted by 1890, and Yorkes oyster connection languished for decades until 1966. Drop into Southern Yorke Oysters and grab yourself some locally grown oysters and view oyster grading. For trading hours call Paul on 0407 189 121.

Alpacas are adored for their softness and friendliness. Baby alpacas are onsite most of the year and visitors can feed them. Visit the farm shop to purchase quality alpaca products. Visitors are welcome Monday–Saturday.

With sea views, the Coobowie General Store is home to TNT’s Dina-Bite Café, providing visitor information, take away & dine in food, fuel and postal services to the community of Coobowie.

The skyline of Yorke Peninsula has been changed since April 2005, with the addition of 55 large wind turbines near Edithburgh. These magnificent machines cover an area of 17.5 kilometres, harvesting the natural resource of the winds that buffet the southern coastline of Yorke Peninsula. Producing 2% of South Australia’s renewable energy, the wind power from the Wattle Point Wind Farm feeds into the Dalrymple storage battery ensuring local grid security.

You can get up close to one of these majestic wind harvesting machines at the free viewing area with interpretation signage.

Peesey Pantry Emporium & Tea Room is a quirky retail shop with an assortment of herbs, spices, season, loose leaf teas and local produce including honeys, lentils, bottled water, boutique beers, wines, hand crafted woodwork, home spun and knitted, woven, felted and sculpted merino and alpaca fleece, quilted craft, fruit leathers, dehydrated yoghurt, jams and chutneys. Also serving coffee, cake and light meals, Peesey Pantry is a cornucopia of tastes and aromas.

This historic shop sells local artisan food and handcrafted art. It’s a great place to stock-up on local produce and quality artworks.

Farmer for A Day experience (orriecowie.com.au): Help out on this working sheep property near Warooka. You’ll learn the ropes, hear some history and lend a hand with whatever jobs need doing according to the season! You can also indulge in a little Shearer’s Smoko of homemade goodies whilst on tour! The flock was established in 1935 and is still owned and run by the founding family. Learn about the stud, see the sheepdogs in action or become a farmer for a day. Tours available Monday–Saturday by appointment, groups preferred.

The Inland Sea Restaurant located at Warooka, specialises in locally caught crayfish, snapper, King George whiting and calamari. The menu also features grain fed steak, free range chicken, prawn and scallop dishes to satisfy all palates. Dine in or enjoy the water feature while soaking up the ambience of the lush gardens set in a sun-shaded outdoor area. Open Wednesday through to Sunday for lunch 12pm to 2pm, and dinner 6pm to 8pm.

Studio Surf is an art gallery nestled within the heart of Marion Bay. It features artworks by owner/artist Jason Swales and other local South Australian artists. Artworks on display are a mixture of acrylics on canvas, glass art, pastel paintings and other mixed media, all inspired by the ocean, coastal scenery and the surf. Studio Surf also features a small cafe with quality coffee and fresh baked goodies.

Qualified chef, Caroline Bonnett, has made a real name for herself providing salt & pepper products to the region and state. The Sea Salt is naturally evaporated from the waters surrounding Yorke Peninsula, and is packaged in Marion Bay. The product range has expanded over the years to include pre-prepared ready to use coating mixes and is sold in outlets through South Australian and online. Caroline also offers a catering service and can cater from a gourmet barbeque to a formal experience, whether it be an intimate dinner or big event.

The premises – a huge Highways Department maintenance shed in Minlaton -- was purchased in January 2017 by the Phasey family. By November, the Phaseys had converted the substantial space to house their brewing gear as well as a fine looking public space. (We especially like the bar top made from recycled jarrah timber beams!). The new brewery called Watsacowie is now a local haven for enjoying a pint over the wood. Owners Brendan and Roxanne offer a growing range of beers and seasonal ciders and for those of you who have beer loving friends but prefer the wine and want to enjoy the atmosphere, they do have you covered with some SA sourced red, white and sparkling. It’s also family and dog friendly so a winner for everyone!

Harvest Corner is a unique combination of visitor information and quality locally produced craft. Located in Minlaton’s main street, the volunteer run centre also has an art gallery, local produce, and tea rooms.

This is Yorke Peninsula’s most awarded alpaca stud. Authentic alpaca produce is available from both the farm and Harvest Corner (a delightful local produce shop in the township of Minlaton), and tours are available by appointment. If you’re in luck and visit at the right time you can often see gorgeous baby alpacas playing in the paddocks.

Farmers and kids have something in common – the weather won’t stop them. Redwing Farm offers one of South Australia’s very best farmstays. Located among rolling wheat country south of Moonta, this peaceful, pretty and ultimately thoughtful retreat offers two beautifully tailored self-contained spaces for families – the Shearer’s Quarters and the Redwing Barn. Kids know they’re in for something special the moment they arrive at the lovely main house where owners Damien and Nicola Adams reside. Alongside is a series of rustic enclosures, home to dozens of animals including Godfrey the cow and Menindie the donkey. Kids are encouraged to help with morning feeding duties, a chance for them to learn about the animals while getting some colour in their cheeks. Afterwards they’ll be gobbling down their cooked breakfast of farm-fresh and locally sourced goodies (available to guests) and eager to get into the country style of living.