A wild and spectacular winter escape

Hillocks Drive is a spectacular coastal wonderland, owned and cared for by the Butler family for generations. They specalise in bush camping, with a range of secluded campsites immersed in the wild nature of the southern Yorke Peninsula. 

Current owner and custodian Pam Bennett shares her insider tips for a never-to-be-forgotten winter escape on Yorkes.

 

I would stay at Hillocks Drive in the house or the Ocean Pods and start the day with a walk from Lookout Point to Coffin Beach, stopping to watch the explosion of sea spray at the Crevice as the waves crash onto the rocks. I would then drive to Hillocks gate, and park on the side of the road and walk into the bush hunting for native orchids that are soon to begin bursting into flower. Once we've worked up an appetite I would drive the few kms down the road to the Marion Bay Tavern for one of their legendary pizzas and a glass of red wine for dinner. The drive home from the tavern usually encounters grey kangaroos jumping across the road, so I go pretty slowly! To end the day I'd snuggle up in the warmth of the Ocean Pod and drift off to sleep with the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the sand and rocks. 

On a winter's day it's incredible to watch the fury of the ocean wave crashing into the inlet at the Crevice (Hillocks Drive) - particularly impressive if there is a large swell. This is only accessible if you are staying in one of our clifftop pods, so it's a special thing to experience. 

Ye Ole Cafe in Minlaton. Great service, healthy but hearty meals, and a lovely, cosy atmosphere. My next choice is the Marion Bay Tavern for a wood fired pizza. Great food, stunning views. It's warm and inviting with the roaring wood fired oven. 

At this time of the year, that would be the walk from Coffin Beach to Lookout point. This is a 4 km walk past protected coves, rugged coastline with crashing waves, long sandy beaches, spectacular views, stunning rock pools. It is a challenging coastal walk that gives you a small taste of all that Hillocks has to offer. 

Obviously, at our pods! You can fish, walk or just relax in your Ocean Pod. Watch the whales from your dining room window as they swim past on their way to breeding grounds. See the schools of salmon being followed by sea birds and dolphins. Snuggle in the warmth of your Pod and watch the fury of ocean storms pound upon the coastline. Enjoy the comfort of a camp fire and camp cooking in winter. It's a magical place.