Innes National Park
A rugged coastal park of cliffs, surf beaches and the historic Inneston township.
Where the gulf meets the ocean
Innes National Park, known today as Dhilba Guuranda-Innes, occupies the rugged south-western foot of Yorke Peninsula, where the calmer waters of Spencer Gulf give way to the wild Southern Ocean. The park protects a coastline of limestone cliffs, sheltered coves and renowned surf breaks, edged by mallee scrub and salt lakes. It is one of South Australia's most striking coastal reserves and a stronghold for native wildlife, with western grey kangaroos, emus, ospreys and the rare malleefowl among its residents.
A township frozen in time
The park shares its name with Inneston, a gypsum-mining township founded in 1913 and home to around 150 residents at its height, with a hall that doubled as a school, a bakery and a store. Mining wound down around 1930, and the land was declared a national park in 1970. Today the Inneston Historic Township ruins and more than 40 shipwrecks scattered along the coast tell the story of this hard-working shore.
What visitors do
Surfers chase the consistent waves at Pondalowie Bay, while anglers cast for salmon at Browns Beach and Gym Beach. Walkers reach Cape Spencer, Royston Head and the lighthouse for sweeping ocean views, or explore Ethel Beach, West Cape and Stenhouse Bay.
Visiting Innes National Park - frequently asked questions
What is Innes National Park known for?
Innes National Park is known for its dramatic Southern Ocean coastline, where limestone cliffs meet sheltered coves and powerful surf breaks. It is famous for surfing at Pondalowie Bay, salmon fishing at Browns Beach, the historic gypsum-mining township of Inneston, and abundant wildlife including emus, western grey kangaroos, ospreys and the rare malleefowl.
How far is Innes National Park from Adelaide?
Innes National Park sits at the south-western tip of Yorke Peninsula, roughly 300 kilometres from Adelaide by road. Allow around three and a half to four hours of driving. The small township of Marion Bay, just outside the park, is the nearest gateway for fuel, supplies and accommodation.
What is there to do in Innes National Park?
Visitors come to surf, fish, camp, bushwalk and explore history. Popular activities include catching the waves at Pondalowie Bay, salmon fishing at Browns Beach and Gym Beach, walking to Cape Spencer lighthouse and Royston Head, and wandering the ruins of the Inneston Historic Township. The park also has several beaches and lookouts, including Ethel Beach, West Cape and Stenhouse Bay.
When is the best time to visit Innes National Park?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather that is ideal for walking, camping and wildlife spotting, while summer is popular for swimming and surfing despite the heat. Winter brings bigger swells and dramatic coastal scenery, though conditions can be cooler and windy.
Can you camp inside Innes National Park?
Yes, the park has several campgrounds spread across the reserve, including larger sites at Pondalowie Bay and Stenhouse Bay suited to caravans and camper trailers, plus smaller beachside and bush settings. Restored heritage cottages at Inneston are also available as basic hire accommodation. Bookings and a park entry fee apply, so it is best to arrange these in advance.
Things to do in Innes National Park
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Stories from Innes National Park
Wild South: A First Trip to Innes National Park
Innes National Park packs surf, shipwrecks, a ghost town and clifftop walks into one wild corner.
June 2026 · 6 min read
Following the Light: A Lighthouse Trail Around Yorke
The peninsula's lighthouses tell the story of a coast that once carried copper, grain and gypsum to the world.
June 2026 · 7 min read
Shipwreck coast: the wrecks of the Yorke Peninsula
The grain ships that once raced from the Yorke's ports faced a coast of reefs, gales and unforgiving cliffs. Many never made it. Here are the stories of the peninsula's shipwrecks.
June 2026 · 7 min read
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Image credits
- Royston Head Hike, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park South Australia.jpg by PotMart186 , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons