03 Oct 2024
Spring on Yorke Peninsula is truly something special.
As the days grow warmer and the wildflowers begin to bloom, the natural beauty of the region awakens. Colourful salt lakes sparkle under the sun, fields of golden canola stretch as far as the eye can see and the turquoise waters are as inviting as ever.
For photographers, this season is paradise.
We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Adam Meyer, a passionate local photographer from the Southern Yorke Peninsula, and his daughter, Bel. Together, they’ve built a social media account that captures the beauty of the Peninsula, from its hidden coastal gems to the iconic landscapes that keep visitors coming back year after year.
They shared with us their favourite springtime photography spots, along with some insider tips on how to capture the magic of Yorkes through your own lens.
Q: What are your favourite locations on Yorke Peninsula to photograph during spring?
Spring is when the whole Yorke Peninsula lights up. The farmers' paddocks are a vibrant green and the bright yellow canola crops are in flower. The roads are bordered by native trees and shrubs flowering in red, yellow, and white.
The Salt Lake Trail around Yorketown comes alive with colour in spring, after the winter rains. A lot of the lakes change colour due to increases of coloured single-celled organisms that dissolve their outer salt protection and multiply in numbers. I’ve photographed lakes in vivid shades of pink, red, orange, and even gold.
A recently installed Y-shaped walkway and viewing platform at Pink Lake near the Yorketown Cemetery is perfect for photographing friends and family. Spring also brings some stormy weather, and the lookouts and cliffs in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park are ideal for capturing moody images that capture the power of nature
Spring sunsets at Daly Head and Corny Point are also a favourite topic of my photography.
The Water Tower Murals are another highlight. They're incredibly colourful and, in spring, are often surrounded by lush green crops.
Q: What got you into photography, and how did your shared love for it start?
My daughter Bel and I both liked taking pictures around the Yorke Peninsula with our phones and sharing images that we liked. We decided to purchase a decent DSLR and start up a joint social media account to share the world around us. It was a great way to connect between Dad and teenage daughter, as well as navigate the world of social media.
Q: What tips do you have for photographers who want to shoot on Yorke Peninsula?
If you are visiting, try and stay a couple of nights so you have an opportunity to really explore that part of the Yorke Peninsula. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park can take a full weekend to investigate all the locations and work out the best times for lighting or finding animals to photograph.
The Southern Yorke Peninsula Photography Club has hosted visiting camera clubs that have stayed for three or four nights so they can check out the whole area around them. Yorke Peninsula has some amazing opportunities to capture beautiful sunrises and sunsets, epic landscapes, and some awesome night photography options.
Always have your camera ready with your most versatile lens fitted. I have missed amazing images of a family of emus crossing the road or an osprey flying up with a fish in its claws. By the time you get your camera out of its bag, you can miss the perfect opportunity. Also, check out the social media pages of local photographers and YP Tourism, as they often share photos of locations that are great to visit at the time.
Q: What do you love most about living on Yorke Peninsula?
We’re just a day trip away from Adelaide, which is perfect for catching up with family, friends, and shopping. There are so many beautiful beaches, plenty of fishing options (boat/jetty/beach), and the people here are friendly. Plus, you’re only a short drive from a multitude of great and varied landscapes.
Q: What is your favourite season on Yorke Peninsula and why?
This is a hard question. In summer, the crystal-clear waters along the coastline and harvest patterns in farmer’s fields are incredible. Winter brings sunsets and rain fronts with rainbows over green paddocks.
But I’d have to say spring leading into summer is my favourite season, especially for photographing the salt lakes around Yorketown when they are filled with colourful water. The colours fade with evaporation and leave beautiful lines and patterns in the salt. Spring is also the time of green. The crops are growing, and the plant life in the National Park gets a beautiful green boost.
