Yorketown

Yorketown as the name suggests takes its name from the peninsula. In the early days it was called 'Weaners Flat', due to been the locality where the pastoralists separated the lambs from the ewes. The name changed in 1876, suggestions for a new name included Salt Lake City after the salt lakes within a 13km radius. Yorketown is a large town and is considered to be the hub of the Southern Yorke Peninsula. The town is situated an intersection of five roads to the towns in the area. The town is 230 km from Adelaide and is located in the heel of the Yorke Peninsula's foot. It is an inland town practically in the centre between Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent.


Yorketown - Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

History

Yorketown owes most of its prosperity in the early days to the Salt lakes surrounding the town. With 200 salt lakes surrounding the town it is no wonder that the salt industry flourished. The Salt industry reached its peak during the First World War with 57,000 tonnes farmed in a year. Production dropped in 1927 and finally ceased in the 1950's when the salt refinery closed in Edithburgh.

Attractions

  • The Yorke Hotel was built in 1876; out the front of the hotel is a historical pump.
  • The Historical Society's Heritage Walk indicates many of the noteworthy buildings such as the old courthouse which today houses over 1,000 photos showing the pioneering days.
  • St Columbia's Catholic Church built in 1903, is evidence of the prosperity of this town.
  • Weaner's Flat Reserve, features a town playground and unusual granite outcrops, which have been relocated from Stansbury Road.  The rocks are called Bear Rock and Clown Rock.
  • The many beaches surrounding the area including Daly Head surf beach 50km west

Town Facilities

  • Yorketown Foodland, Phone: (08) 8852 1111
  • Newsagent
  • Butcher
  • Hospital
  • Banks
  • Garden Nursery
  • Doctors and dentist
  • Churches
  • Sports facilities
  • Eftpos/ATM facilities
  • Fuel
  • Chemist
  • Police Station
  • 2 Hotel/Motels

Nearest Visitor Information 

The SYP Telecentre has some visitor information available

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