Family fun on Yorkes: 17 must-do activities for the October school holidays

Looking for ways to entertain the kids this October? The Yorke Peninsula is packed with family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained during the school holidays. Whether you’re planning a getaway or already here, here’s your ultimate bucket list of must-do activities to make the most of your time on Yorkes.

1. Join a Little Farmers Tour at Tarnasey Farm

Get hands-on with a real farm experience at Tarnasey Farm! The kids will love meeting and feeding the animals, collecting eggs and exploring the countryside. It’s a great way to learn about farm life and enjoy the peace and simplicity of rural living. Tours run daily at 10am, and you can book online.

2. Explore Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

For an outdoor adventure, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park has it all—scenic hiking trails, rugged coastlines and abundant wildlife. It’s perfect for a family day out, with beautiful wildflowers in bloom. Pack a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors!

3. Meet the friendly stingrays at Point Turton

Head down to Point Turton Jetty and you might spot some gentle stingrays gliding through the water. It’s a unique experience for kids to see these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.

 4. Enjoy fish and chips by the beach

No trip to Yorkes is complete without indulging in the classic seaside tradition of fish and chips. Grab a meal from Port Hughes General Store or Port Vincent Kiosk and find a sunny spot by the beach to enjoy a delicious meal with a view.

5. Make a splash at Splash Town

Good news for water lovers! Splash Town in Moonta Bay reopens on Saturday, 28th September, just in time for the school holidays. With free water slides and splash zones, it’s guaranteed fun for kids of all ages.

 6. Relax on South Australia’s most beautiful beaches

Yorkes is home to some of South Australia’s most stunning beaches. Spend the day relaxing at Flaherty’s Beach, North Beach, Daly Head or Berry Bay (just to name a few!). Whether it’s a swim, a picnic or simply soaking up the coastal beauty, Yorke Peninsula beaches are truly something special!

7. Putt putt fun at Kadina or Port Vincent

Challenge the family to a round of mini-golf at Kadina or Port Vincent. It’s a fun-filled activity that’ll have everyone laughing and enjoying some friendly competition.

8. Take a walk through Victoria Park, Moonta

Spring is the perfect time to visit Victoria Park in Moonta. Stroll through the blooming gardens, spot birds and lizards or ride your bike through the park. It’s a great way to connect with nature and enjoy a free outdoor activity.

9. Hire a Bike from Copper Trails Bike Hire

Why not explore Yorkes on two wheels? Hire a bike from Copper Trails Bike Hire in Moonta and enjoy scenic trails at your own pace. They even offer bikes with baby seats for families with younger children.

 10. Treat yourself at The Coffee Barn & Gelataria

After a day of exploring Moonta, stop by The Coffee Barn & Gelataria for some gelato. With plenty of board games to keep the kids entertained, it’s a perfect spot for a sweet treat. Plus, all gelato is made in-house!

11. Hire a paddleboard or kayak from Wallaroo Marina

For a water adventure, hire a paddleboard or kayak from Wallaroo Marina Apartments and spend the day exploring the calm waters and coastline. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the great outdoors with the family.

 12. Grab a treat at Ardrossan or Minlaton bakeries

A trip to Yorkes isn’t complete without visiting one of the local bakeries. Stop by Ardrossan Bakery or Minlaton Bakery for a tasty pie, sausage roll or a finger bun. 

13. Cast a line off the jetties

Fishing is a favourite activity on Yorkes. Try your luck off the jetties at Wallaroo, Ardrossan, Moonta Bay or Port Broughton, and with a little patience, you might reel in dinner! 

 14. Splash pad fun at Civic Square, Port Broughton

Beat the heat at the newly revamped Civic Square in Port Broughton! Open daily from 7am to 10pm, the splash pad offers a fantastic way to soak up the sunshine. With 15 water jets ready to spring into action at the push of a button, it's the perfect spot for free family fun!

15. Teach the kids to surf with Neptunes Surf Coaching

Got a future surfer in the family? Book a lesson with Neptunes Surf Coaching at Berry Bay and watch your kids build water confidence while learning to ride the waves in a fun and safe environment.

16. Visit the sweet shop and ride the Moonta Mines train

Take a trip back in time with a visit to the Moonta Mines Sweet Shop, where kids can pick out their favourite old-fashioned treats. Afterward, hop on the train at the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway for a fun ride through the historic copper mining area. It's a sweet and educational outing that the whole family will love!

 17. Take a road trip along the Salt Lake Trail to see the pink lakes

The Salt Lake Trail is a stunning road trip adventure and it’s even more breathtaking in spring! The pink lakes along the trail are a must-see, offering an amazing natural phenomenon that will captivate kids and adults alike. Pack your camera because these views are Instagram-worthy!

With this ultimate bucket list, your October school holidays on Yorke Peninsula will be packed with unforgettable family moments, laughter, and adventures. From sun-soaked days on pristine beaches to exploring local culture together, Yorkes offers the perfect setting to create lasting memories with your loved ones. There’s something special here for every family to enjoy!