Clifftop Views Over Investigator Strait from the Tip of Yorke Peninsula
| Activity | Walking (Easy) |
| Distance | 2.0 kilometres return |
| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Region | Yorke Peninsula |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Start Point | Stenhouse Jetty Car Park, Innes National Park |
| End Point | Same (return) |
| Park Entry | Vehicle entry fees apply |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
Overview
At the southernmost tip of Yorke Peninsula, where the land narrows to a final headland above the churning waters of Investigator Strait, the Stenhouse Bay Lookout Walk follows the cliff tops through low, closed coastal heath to some of the most spectacular ocean views in the park. This is a short, easy walk that packs an enormous visual punch — the views over Investigator Strait and the offshore islands are among the best in Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park, and on clear days the panorama extends across open ocean in every direction.
Stenhouse Bay itself has a fascinating history. It was once the terminus of the gypsum plaster railway from Inneston, and the old jetty — now partially collapsed but still visible — was where bags of plaster were loaded onto ships for the journey to Adelaide. Today, the bay is a popular fishing spot, and the jetty car park serves as the starting point for this clifftop walk.
The Walk
The trail begins at the Stenhouse Bay Jetty car park and heads south along the cliff edge through dense, low coastal heath. The vegetation is typical of the exposed coastline — salt-tolerant shrubs, native grasses, and wind-sculpted tea-tree that rarely grows above waist height, giving unobstructed views from almost every point along the trail.
The lookout points along the trail deliver the kind of views that make you stop and simply stare. Investigator Strait, the wide body of water that separates Yorke Peninsula from Kangaroo Island, stretches out below in shades of deep blue and turquoise. Offshore islands dot the horizon, their rocky profiles home to colonies of seabirds. In the right conditions, dolphins can be seen riding the swells below the cliffs, and ospreys patrol the cliff edge looking for fish.
Planning Your Visit
Innes National Park is located at the foot of Yorke Peninsula, approximately 300 kilometres from Adelaide. The Stenhouse Bay car park is accessible by sealed road within the park. Vehicle entry fees apply. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels, though the cliff edge is unfenced and care should be taken, particularly with children. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water. The walk combines well with the Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail and the West Cape Headland Hike for a full day of walking at Innes.
The Stenhouse Bay Lookout Walk is one of those walks where the destination is the view itself. A short stroll through coastal heath delivers clifftop panoramas of Investigator Strait, offshore islands, and open ocean — the kind of scenery that reminds you why Innes National Park is one of South Australia’s most treasured coastal parks.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Kangaroo Island Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.
Guided Tours
Want a guided experience around Innes National Park and Stenhouse Bay? See our Yorke Peninsula Tours guide for recommended tour operators and experiences in this region.