Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park
Park Coastal national park on Yorke Peninsula, diverse wildlife
On Yorke Peninsula, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park features coastal cliffs, surf beaches, and reef edges; people come for camping, fishing, snorkelling and short coastal hikes.
Dhilba Guuranda13Innes National Park is a coastal national park at the southwestern tip of Yorke Peninsula in South Australia that protects cliffs, sandy beaches, coastal dunes and remnant mining-era settlements. It is managed for both conservation and recreation and includes historic and natural attractions.
Coastal headlands, sand beaches and cliffs provide opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing and coastal walking; the park also contains historic limestone mining remains and the small preserved township of Inneston. Marine wildlife, sea birds and seal colonies are commonly observed from headlands such as Cape Spencer.
The park was established to conserve the peninsula’s coastal ecosystems and historic sites, and more recently the name was extended to include the Indigenous Dhilba Guuranda in acknowledgement of traditional owners. Management balances visitor access with protection of coastal habitats and cultural heritage.
The park occupies the southwest corner of Yorke Peninsula, facing the Southern Ocean and Gulf St Vincent, and is accessible by road from towns on the peninsula.
- Dual name and Indigenous significance: The park's dual name recognises both the European name Innes and the Indigenous Dhilba Guuranda, reflecting local Narungga connections to Country.
What to See #
- Inneston historic precinct: The ruined limestone town of Inneston preserves mining-era buildings, a small heritage museum and interpretive signage about the area's industrial past.
- Cape Spencer: Cape Spencer provides a coastal promontory with a navigation light and opportunities to view seals and sea birds from coastal trails and headlands.
- Pondalowie Bay: Pondalowie Bay is a sheltered beach and surf access point popular for swimming and coastal walks within the park.
How to Get to Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park #
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is accessed from the town of Marion Bay on Yorke Peninsula, reached by sealed and unsealed roads from Adelaide (about 3-4 hours by car). Visitors commonly drive from Adelaide via Port Wakefield and Yorketown, then south to Marion Bay and the park entrance.
Tips for Visiting Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park #
- Visit the Cape Spencer and South Spencer Gulf lookouts at low tide for exposed reefs and shorebirds.
- Check tide and wind forecasts before planning boat trips - the coastline is exposed and sea conditions can change quickly.
- Explore the park's wetlands in the morning for the best birdwatching, especially for waders and migratory species.
Best Time to Visit Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park #
Best spring through autumn for beach activity and birdlife; summer is busiest for swimming.
Weather & Climate near Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park #
Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and breezy conditions.
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March
March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.