Lapped by the calm, protected waters of Gulf St Vincent, the town of Port Vincent was once the main entry point for people and goods to the Yorke Peninsula until a good road was built from Port Wakefield to the north in the mid-20th century.

Today, this low-key South Australian town is a popular beach holiday destination, with a marina at the northern end providing a safe harbour for yachties and boaties. At the southern end of Port Vincent lies its small, main beach, which has a pontoon moored offshore that you can swim out to. You’ll also find several cafes, a pub, and a supermarket just steps from the sand. Just north of the beach, Port Vincent’s wharf is a popular fishing spot. Walkers will be pleased to discover several scenic trails around town, and art lovers should seek out Port Vincent’s water tower, which became an outdoor art piece in 2021.

Port Vincent lies 195 kilometres (or around 2.5 hours’ drive) northwest of Adelaide (ADL), where you’ll find the closest airport. There’s also a private bus service that runs from Adelaide to Yorketown and stops in Port Vincent twice a week. Hugging a small bay, the township is quite small, making it easy to get around on foot, though it’s a bit of a trek up to the water tower. Unless you’re content to spend your days in Port Vincent lazing on the beach and exploring local walking tracks near your accommodation, you’ll probably want a car to explore the region.

The Yorke Peninsula has a Mediterranean-style climate with cool breezes that take the edge off the summer heat, making this a perfect time for a beach holiday at Port Vincent. While chilly temperatures in winter don’t make it the best time for swimming, autumn and spring can be warm enough for beach days. The cooler months are also great for long walks. Port Vincent celebrates a Gala Day every 1 January, with food stalls, fireworks, and other entertainment. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, consider a trip to the neighbouring town of Stansbury, which hosts a popular market on the foreshore between October and March, where you can pick up fresh oysters and locally made arts and crafts.

Water tower mural

Port Vincent embraced Australia’s water tower mural trend in 2021, with its Lime Kiln Road water tower now a bona fide art piece reflecting the town’s fishing and boating history. It’s one of a growing number of water tower murals that can be spotted on the peninsula, from Port Hughes to Yorketown.

Walking trails

Port Vincent has some great walking trails, including the Alan Powell Walking Trail that weaves up behind the marina, offering views of the foreshore, and the Ralph Munro Walking Trail, which traces the coastal cliffs south of the Esplanade. Port Vincent also lies on the spectacular Walk the Yorke trail, which hugs the coastline for 500 kilometres.

Oysters

Just 15 minutes’ drive south of Port Vincent, the town of Stansbury was originally known as Oyster Bay. Pacific and native angasi oysters are still farmed here today, and you can purchase them from a farm-gate stall. You can even sign up to be a “deckie” for a day to learn more about the industry.