What to see and do near Summer Dayz Marion Bay
Innes National Park
Accessible by 2WD Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park if a great place for camping, fishing, surfing and bushwalking.
Stop at the Park Headquarters on the way in for information and to purchase a vehicle pass. ($9.00 to $11.00)
A visit to one of the lighthouses and the wreck of the Ethel will give you an insight into South Australia's maritime history. Explore Inneston, an abandoned township surrounded by bushland. Lounge on the beach at Podalowie Bay or you can fish and surf here. Visit some of the other magnificent beaches and check out some of the rock pools.
Don't miss Dolphin Bay and if you are at Shell Beach go and explore the end of the beach.
Do the 2km Stenhouse Bay Lookout Trail which winds its way along the cliffs above Stenhouse Bay Jetty. Check out the historical relics form the areas mining past and the grave of Dao Thanh, a Vietnamese sailor, who was buried on this headland in 1940.
Links:
Please Note : Pets are not allowed in SA National Parks. You can leave your dog in the enclosure at the rear of Summer Dayz.
Surfing
The south and west of the bottom end of 'Yorkes' boasts many quality surfing locations catering for beginners through to the most experienced of surfers.
There are too many locations to mention here but some of the more popular spots are Pondalowie Bay in the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Daly Head Surfing Reserve and Berry Bay near Corny Point (great for beginners).
Links
Daly Head Surfing Reserve on South Australia
Please Note : Some beaches are quite remote and the surf can be big with fast flowing water and rips. In these circumstances only enter the water if you are experienced and not alone.
Walk Willyama Beach
Heading left from the front of Summer Dayz walk to Gull Street. Head down Gull Street to the end and go right onto Shearwater Crescent. About 50m on your left is a walkway between the houses to Whipbird Way. Upon reaching Whipbird Way go left and across the road to the beach access path.
At the top of the stairs is an info board on the wreck of the Willyama which ran aground here in April 1907. Looking to your left (East) and just off the beach you can still see the top of the ships mast.
The Willyama (2700 tons) was on route from Newcastle, New South Wales to Port Pirie, South Australia carrying a load of coal for the lead smelter at Port Pirie. Much of the coal was salvaged from the wreck, however chunks of weathered coal can still be found on the beach directly on shore from the wreck.
When the swell is low and the wind calm this beach is great for swimming and snorkling. You can even catch a fish or two.
We love heading down to this beach late in the day for a sunset walk.
Links
Fishing
Jetties at Marion Bay and Stenhouse Bay can reward the angler with squid, tommies, gar and whiting whilst the beaches are where you will find salmon, tommies and mullet.
There is a boat ramp adjacent Marion Bay jetty, just down the road from the general store where ice,bait and fuel can be obtained. Popular species for the boaty are tuna, snapper, nannygai and King George whiting.
There are no recreational fishing licenses required in SA but check the SA Recreational Fishing Guide app for size and bag limits.
There are several fishing charter opportunities from Marion Bay. Check out Google for details.
The Yorke Peninsula Fishing Guide linked below is the perfect resource for pointing you in the right direction to catch your dinner.
Links
Food and Drink
Summer Dayz with it's large deck, outdoor dining table and BBQ is the perfect spot for everyone to relax and prepare your own meals.
However, a trip to Marion Bay is not complete without a meal at the local Marion Bay Tavern. Located adjacent the jetty it is constructed from old jetty pylons, jarrah timbers and corrugated iron to give it rustic yet warm and welcoming atmosphere. Bookings recommended 08 8854 4141.
Another local option is George's Currys and Food Delivery. A menu is located on the fridge. Pre-order recommended 0427 792 602.
A short walk west (right) down Osprey Drive is Studio Surf and Cafe. Visitors to the gallery can sit in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy quality barista-made coffee and delicious home made cakes while they peruse the artworks on display. (may be closed during the winter months)
Further afield many of the towns on the Peninsula have local pubs that serve a cold beverage and great pub food. Try Warooka and Minlaton when passing through.
Links
