Trail Fast Facts
Foul Bay to Marion Bay is a 28km, grade 4 hike in Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. This hike typically takes 8-10 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Foul Bay to Marion Bay section is a challenging but rewarding 28-kilometer hike along the stunning coastline of Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. Rated as grade 4, it's estimated to take experienced walkers 8 to 10 hours to complete due to varied terrain including beaches, dunes, and rock scrambles.
The adventure begins at Foul Bay on a shared walking and cycling trail. Take a moment to admire Kangaroo Island from the dedicated lookout as you head towards Point Yorke. Here, cyclists split off to follow the highway, while hikers continue along a dedicated walking trail with scenic beach sections.
The next stop is Meehan Hill Lookout, offering panoramic views for both walkers and cyclists (cyclists take a short detour). Cyclists then rejoin the highway for their final leg. Hikers will experience some of the peninsula's most picturesque scenery, traversing beaches, hopping over rocks, and climbing dunes. The trail rejoins cyclists just before Marion Bay. Follow signs into the township.
Consider staying at the Marion Bay Caravan Park for post-hike relaxation. Nestled amongst native trees, it offers a true bush camping experience within a short walk of the sheltered beach.
Track Grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Tips
- Minimise your impact: walk in the center of the track and avoid widening muddy paths.
- Share the beaches: walk below the high tide mark to avoid disturbing nesting birds (Sept-March).
- Allow extra time: walking times are estimates only. Factor in difficult terrain like soft sand, dunes, and rocks.
Map and GPX file
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Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Accessing Foul Bay Camping Reserve requires some off-road travel. From Warooka, the nearest town, travel 37 kilometres south, with the last 16 kilometres being unsealed road. Alternatively, if you've been exploring Innes National Park, you can reach the reserve via Marion Bay. This route is 30 kilometres long, with 19 kilometres on unsealed Happy Valley Road. Look for signage for Foul Bay Campground or South Coast Road along the way. Remember, the car park gate closes at dusk each night.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The Yorke Peninsula, known as Guuranda by its original inhabitants the Narungga people, stretches northwest and west from Adelaide in South Australia. Jutting into the Southern Ocean, it's bordered by Spencer Gulf on the west and Gulf St Vincent on the east. Kangaroo Island lies just south across Investigator Strait.
A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Yorke Peninsula boasts kilometres of pristine coastline. From fishing and boating to surfing, swimming, camping, and bushwalking, there's something for everyone. Just over an hour's drive from Adelaide, this accessible escape offers 700 kilometres of coastline to explore. Relax on sandy beaches, unwind at a local brewery, or retreat to a charming coastal cottage near Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Alternatively, trace the scenic Coastal Way road trip and discover the laid-back atmosphere of the region's many beaches. Perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, or a family picnic, these stretches of coastline are a hallmark of the Yorke Peninsula experience.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park offers a stunning wilderness escape. Serene landscapes teeming with wildlife, rugged cliffs, and secluded beaches make this park a must-visit. Anglers will also find some of the country's best fishing opportunities, with historic jetties providing prime spots to cast a line. It's important to remember that the Yorke Peninsula is the traditional land of the Narungga people, who have been the caretakers of this country for countless generations.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.