Trail summary

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Quick overview: Embark on a challenging yet rewarding 3-day trek on the spectacular 60.5km Walk the Yorke trail. Located in Yorke Peninsula, Australia, this Grade 5 difficulty trail offers stunning views of the coastline and Innes National Park. The trail starts at Marion Bay and ends at Gleesons Landing, with stops at Pondalowie and Gym Beach campgrounds. Enjoy the firm sand underneath your feet, and remember to check out the historic Stenhouse Bay jetty and the memorial plaque of Vietnamese seaman Dao Thanh along the way.

Length: 60.5km

Duration: 2-3 days

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: One way

Start: Marion Bay

End: Gleesons Landing

Location: Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

State: South Australia

Nearby town: Marion Bay

From state capital: 281km

Latitude: -35.23622449775107

Longitude: 136.98199689388278

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

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Hike overview

Enjoy the spectacular coastline around the rugged foot of Yorke Peninsula in this 3-day section of the 500km Walk the Yorke trail. The Walk the Yorke trail was opened in December 2015, and is a walking and cycling trail. Generally the trail connects pre-existing walking trails (around 5-10% of the Walk the Yorke) with beach walking and road walking. There are long beach walking sections, although the sand is often firm and the beaches shared with people fishing, surfing and camping.

The sign for this section of the walk is near the tennis courts on Slow Street. During this walk you will experience some spectacular scenery as you pass through Innes National Park. Walkers and cyclists are exempt from paying entry to the park. All vehicles entering the park are required to purchase an entry permit for each day.

It's one of the longest parts and covers a total distance of 60.5 kms, which can be broken down into three sections.

Marion Bay (Caravan Park and private accommodation available) to Pondalowie Campground (Innes National Park - permit required): 22 kms (allow 8 hours)
Pondalowie to Gym Beach Campground (Innes National Park - permit required): 17.7 kms (allow 7 hours)
Gym Beach Campground to Gleesons Landing (Council Bush camp - permit required): 21.8 kms (allow 8 hours)

Apart from a small section, the trail from Marion Bay to Stenhouse Bay is shared by walkers and cyclists.

Stenhouse Bay jetty is a great place to stop for a break. The jetty was originally used to load ships with gypsum, which was mined at Inneston within the park. Today the jetty is popular for fishing, and features in numerous photo shoots.

If you have time, take the short walk up to the clifftop overlooking the jetty. Here you will find the grave of a Vietnamese seaman who was buried on the clifftop in 1940, after an accident aboard ship. Dao Thanh was buried in a Buddhist ceremony, but the grave was unmarked until 1997 when the Vietnamese community erected a memorial plaque.

Once inside the park boundaries, walkers and cyclists will follow separate trails, so be aware and follow the appropriate directional signage.

This is a long section so take a break, staying in one of the park camp grounds such as Pondalowie Bay. There are a number of campsites within the park, but be aware that bookings are required. There are some fabulous historic and scenic attractions in the park - make a note to come back some time and visit the Ethel Beach, West Cape lighthouse and Dolphin Beach - just a few of the wonderful attractions to be found here. More information on Innes National Park's experiences can be found here.

As the track departs the Pondalowie Surf Break parking area, there is a section of shared trail. This section of the track follows the gravel road through to Browns Beach and the start of the Gym Beach Hiking Trail - a distance of 7.8km. Vehicle traffic is limited to 40km/h, but walkers should remain wary of the traffic, especially during busy periods. In some places the dense roadside vegetation can prevent walkers from getting quickly off the roadway. Alternative routes for walkers, taking into account environmental considerations, are currently under investigation.

The second suggested point to break your trek is Gym Beach. This is still part of the national park, and requires a permit to camp. You can purchase this permit at the visitor centre on your way into the park, or call Yorke Peninsula Visitor Centre on 1800 202 445.

Leaving Gym Beach, the trail splits with walkers following the coastline on walking trails and beach walks, and cyclists a little further inland along the established roads. This part of the trail is not well defined, so be aware of your surroundings. Trail markers are widely spaced, but follow the coastline and you can't get lost!

The coastline from Gym Beach to Daly Head provides some of South Australia's best surfing, with popular spots including Baby Lizards and Formby Bay. Daly Head has been recognised as a National Surfing Reserve and is worth a visit.

There are shelters with seating and small water tanks located at Formby Bay and Daly Head.

Gleesons Landing is a great spot to spend a couple of nights; it's close to surf beaches and has good beach fishing. It is a designated Council bush camping site, with toilet facilities. A permit is required and is available by phoning Yorke Peninsula Visitor Centre on 1800 202 445.

Please refer to the official Trail Notes for further information.

This section of the Walk The Yorke trail is part of the section called Section 10 - Marion Bay to Gleesons Landing.

Campsites

All campsites within Innes National Park require accommodation to be prebooked online. There is some limited Telstra mobile phone service in some high spots inside the national park (including Stenhouse Bay campground, Pondalowie Bay campgrounds and Casuarina campground). Walkers and cyclists are exempt from paying entry to the park. Water is usually available at campsites, but campsites like Casuarina campground only have a single water tank, and as such may leave walkers vulnerable to tank failure.

At Formby Bay there is a Walk the Yorke shelter (with water tank and picnic table), which is presumably acceptable for hikers and cyclists to camp at. There are no fees to camp here. The site is not open to car-based campers.

At Gleesons Landing there are ample car-based campsites available, which include a couple of toilets and rubbish bins, but limited shade. A camping permit is required. Permits can be purchased from the Yorke Peninsula Visitor Centre in Minlaton, Corny Point General Store, Warooka IGA, Edithburgh Deli and Newsagency, or any of the Yorke Peninsula Council offices.

The official maps are a little generous with their trail type marking designations. Generally walking trails only exist through towns and headland camping areas, with a couple of walking trails through Innes National Park (the existing Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail, and a new 7.8km constructed walking trail between Inneston and Pondalowie Bay Campsite).

Visit here to purchase your bush camping permit.

Maps

Looking for maps of the walking trail? Topographical maps are available from Yorke Peninsula Council - phone 8832 0000, or email [email protected] for more information. There are 10 maps in all, cost is $9.95 per map, or $90 for a pack of 10. Postage and handling costs apply.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

Tips

Try to minimise your impact with every step you take.
Always walk in the centre of the track and be prepared to walk through the mud - attempting to skirt bogs only makes them bigger and causes more environmental damage. It is also usually quicker to walk straight through.
When walking on beaches, please be aware that you are sharing the beach with shore-nesting birds such as the Hooded Plover, as well as other species whose populations are declining. Shorebirds nest from early September to late March. Please walk below the high tide mark.
Walkers please note - the times indicated on the topographical maps are estimates only. They are based on an average walking speed of 4 km / hour. However some sections may take 3 to 5 hours longer due to the varying terrain, with an average walking speed of as low as 2 km / hour. The terrain includes beach walks with soft sand, dune climbs and rock hopping. Please base your walking times on your own fitness and ability.
Walk the Yorke is a linear trail covering approximately 500kms, and all distances mentioned are one way unless otherwise indicated.

Map and GPX file

Marion Bay to Gleesons Landing Hike (60.5km)

Total distance: 59470 m
Max elevation: 56 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 465 m
Total descent: -454 m

Download file: Marion-Bay-to-Gleesons-Landing.gpx

Getting there

Marion Bay to Gleesons Landing Hike (60.5km)

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is situated on the southwestern tip of Yorke Peninsula. For those traveling from Adelaide, the park can be reached by car via a roughly 300-kilometer journey. The route takes you through Port Wakefield, Ardrossan, Minlaton, and Warooka.

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Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

About the region

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, formerly Innes National Park, caters to a variety of interests. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches, adventure on hiking trails, or a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture, this park promises an unforgettable experience.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find their haven in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Accessible campgrounds and pristine beaches make it perfect for camping, fishing, or surfing. Explore the park's diverse landscapes on trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, all enriched by interpretive signs that reveal the local environment and indigenous history. Accessibility by 2WD vehicles makes the park convenient for day trips.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park boasts a rich history. Learn about South Australia's maritime past by visiting lighthouses and the shipwreck of the Ethel. Explore the abandoned township of Inneston, a window into the region's bygone era. The Narungga people have been the custodians of this land for millennia. Recognizing their deep connection, the park was co-managed with the Narungga traditional owners in 2020.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park offers a unique experience throughout the year. Summer's warm and dry weather is ideal for camping and enjoying the beaches. Autumn's cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring the park through hiking and sightseeing. Spring transforms the landscape into a vibrant display of wildflowers. Winter brings a lush green haven with dramatic seascapes and powerful waves.

The park is a haven for birdlife, including the threatened hooded plover and osprey. You might also be lucky enough to spot the reintroduced tammar wallaby, southern right whales (in winter), playful dolphins, and occasional seals or sea lions.

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Marion Bay to Gleesons Landing Hike (60.5km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Acknowledgement of Country

Marion bay to gleesons landing hike (60. 5km)

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.

Trail summary