spotlight on the bay
Bayside Glamping is situated in Marion Bay, on the Yorke Peninsula, in South Australia, on Narrunga land.
Marion Bay is a little seaside town with a population of 172 extremely lucky people. A number that swells to many times more during summer when our beautiful beaches and the gorgeous Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park prove an irresistible draw.
Marion Bay has two impressive beaches, both a short walk from the Glamping Tent, and few minutes drive from the Tiny House. We are a quaint town with only a General Store and Tavern, and some pop-up seasonal businesses.
Once you book you'll receive a detailed Welcome Letter listing all of our favourite suggestions of what to see and do in our gorgeous region, but here is a brief overview of just a taste of what our stunning area has to offer.
willyama beach
This beach is just across the road from the Glamping Tent and a short drive from the Tiny House! Follow the track to the beach and then over the sand dunes and be amazed by this gorgeous bay. Can up spot the mast from the wreck of the S.S. Willyama? Pretty cool hey!
This beach has it all, the perfect length for a long walk, or why not go for a dip in the rock pools to your left!
penguin point
Follow Willyama to the left and you’ll find this vast bay. It’s a much calmer, shallower beach and better suited to new to intermediate swimmers, and for paddle boarding (if you brought them with you). Keep following to the left, and you’ll find the Marion Bay jetty, General Store and Tavern.
Want to catch some squid? This is the perfect spot at night.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Marion Bay is on the doorstep of the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. The Park is a beautiful natural sanctuary full of Australia's best beaches and is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, bush walks and observing the wildlife - we can nearly guarantee that you'll see a kangaroo on your visit!
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park can be explored in only one day if that's all the time that you have, but if you have a couple of extra days you'll really get to enjoy the beauty of this stunning National Park.
Coming in winter? Rain or shine, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is still magical. The lush vegetation in winter is quite a treat!
We are happy to help with any questions before your visit, or the handy staff in the Information Centre (located just as you enter the Park) are a world of knowledge... and have LOTS of maps and pamphlets!
- Swimming – you may have a beach all to yourself!
- Surfing - visit for the best surfing locations
- Fishing and squidding.
- Scuba diving/snorkelling.
- Walks/lookouts/hikes - see Walk the Yorke for more into.
- Wildlife spotting.
- Kangaroos and emus roam free. Drive slow and keep an eye out for them crossing the road.
- The Tammar Wallaby was reintroduced into the park after nearly becoming instinct in SA, keep an eye out for these cute little critters.
- Whales and dolphins share our beautiful coastline.
- Birds.
- Sightseeing.
- Lighthouses.
- Ship wrecks.
- Salt lakes.
- Islands and the beautiful coast of Innes.
- Visit historic Inneston, our old mining town!
other local tips
If you love exploring locally made products and art, stop in at Baker Bros. Top Shop Gallery in Warooka. This shop/gallery has an abundant collection of art and photography by local artists. Check their Instagram account for their varied opening hours.
Barley Stacks Wines is located in Maitland and is the first commercial vineyard and winery to be established on the traditional barley belt of the Yorke Peninsula. After you fall in love with the delicious bottle of complimentary wine during your stay, why not take a small detour on your way home to stop in at their cellar door. You'll be able to sample their tasty wines, and you'll receive an amazing 20% off your wine purchases. They also sell cheese platters and pizzas! If you're stopping in on your way down (and therefore don't have a printed voucher), be sure to let me or their staff know.
The short wait out the door is definitely worth the yummy food that awaits in this bakery in Port Wakefield.
If you're a seafood lover, check out Lower Yorke Seafood (formerly Inland Sea), they can be found on Facebook, or by calling 0408 841 722. They sell fresh seafood out of their newly reopened premises just outside of Warooka.
Feel like a burger and hot chips, or just running out of petrol? The 'shop' as us locals call it, only has a small variety of stock including ice-creams, fishing supplies and fresh bread delivered daily (but I suggest getting in early in peak season). The shop has 24/7 fuel. Please note the store has seasonal opening hours check the storefront for current times.
Run by the same crew as Reef, this new scenic coastal tour and wildlife experience is an exciting sightseeing opportunity to view impressive wildlife, marine life and panoramic views. You can find more info at www.marionbayoceansafari.com.au.
The 'Tin Tav' as we used to call it when growing up in Marion Bay, has amazing wood fire pizzas and pub grub, and is open for lunch and dinner. Be sure to call and book on 8854 4141, to ensure you get a table. The Tav also has a Bottle-O, for takeaway drinks.
This is definitely my favourite bakery, and I can't go to Minlaton without stopping in for a mustard sausage roll and finger bun! Let's not forget their amazing bread... their sourdoughs are my fave!
If you're looking to book a fishing charter look no further than Reef Encounters, you can find more on their website at www.reefencounters.com.au.
Sunny Hill is located in Arthurton, and you can stop in and try their award-winning wheat vodka, and their dry and pink gins. They also sell cocktails and light snacks.
Watascowie Brewing Co in Minlaton has been drawing massive attention for their locally made ale that you can enjoy in their relaxed country-style atmosphere. Watsacowie doesn't currently sell food (unless there's live music, and there may be a food truck), but you're welcome to take food and enjoy it there.