Warooka

Situated 228km west of Adelaide, Warooka is a small town known as the gateway to the bottom end of the Yorke Peninsula. The name Warooka comes from the aboriginal word wiruka meaning 'muddy waterhole'. Warooka is a major service centre for the surrounding area, and offers an excellent central location to explore the bottom end of the Yorke Peninsula, as well as a white sandy and very attractive, sheltered beach perfect for swimming or windsurfing with white sand.


Warooka - Yorke Peninsula, South Australia


Wheat and sheep farmers first settled Warooka in the 1850's, however it was not until 1876 that it was officially established with settlers beginning to move into the town in the late 1870's. Many Irish people settled this area and in 1876 the first stone was laid to the first Catholic Church, in 1877 the Warooka hotel was built.

Interesting story

On September 19th 1902 at 8.30pm Warooka was hit by an earthquake, measuring 6 on the Richter scale. The earthquake caused huge damage with the first known deaths from an earthquake ever recorded in Australia.

Attractions

  • Warooka District Museum is a typical folk museum in the old police station, displaying many artefacts from the local area
  • The community library is in the memorial hall, which was built in 1927
  • Water sports included fishing, windsurfing and swimming
  • Nearby Point Turton has a boat ramp
  • The historic Corny Point lighthouse is well worth a visit

Events

  • Party on the Peesey is an annual black tie event held on dry salt pans in a large marquee. The event includes live entertainment and gourmet food and wine.
  • Flaherty's Beach Sandbar Golf Classic, held every January on the Sunday closest to a dodge tide. This event is unique to the Yorke Peninsula with 2, six-hole golf courses. The event includes prizes for men, women and a NAGA sponsored hole in one competition.
  • The Warooka Christmas Eve includes a pageant and Father Christmas.

Town Facilities

  • Napco Seafood, Phone: (08) 8854 5175
  • Warooka Marine &  Hardware, Phone: (08) 8854 5007
  • The What Ya Got Shop, Phone: (08) 8854 5400
  • Supermarket/newsagent
  • Fuel & Auto Gas
  • Post office
  • Butcher
  • Weekly doctors visits
  • Churches
  • Sporting facilities
  • Eftpos/ATM facilities
  • Hotel/Motel
  • Golf Club and Sports Club

Nearest Visitor Information 

Yorke Peninsula Visitor Information Centre
29 Main Street, Minlaton, 5575