If you only have time for one beach in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, make it Dolphin Bay. We came here after Cape Spencer and Shell Beach, lugged our gear down the steps and had the best swim of the whole Yorke Peninsula trip: calm, clear water, white sand and big granite rocks at one end.
What we like
- Calm, sheltered water for a swim
- Granite rocks and clear water
- White sand, turquoise bay
- Included in the park entry
- See dolphins if you’re lucky
What we don’t
- Busy parking in the holidays
- Steep staircase down
- No lifesaving service
About Dolphin BayAbout
Dolphin Bay sits off the gravel road towards Royston Head, on Nharangga Banggara, Narungga Country. It’s a sheltered little bay, so on a calm day the water is flat and turquoise over the white sand, and the smooth granite boulders at one end make it feel like a different coast to the rest of the park. You’ll need the $14.40 park pass to get in, and dogs have to stay home.
Quick facts
- AddressDolphin Bay, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Inneston, SA 5577, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- Phone receptionPatchy
- FacilitiesBeach AccessParkingNo Drinking WaterNo ShadeNo Camping
- Good to knowBusy parking in the holidaysSteep staircase downNo lifesaving service
- FeesIncluded in the $14.40 vehicle entry
- 8.6/10Overall rated
Getting There
Turn off the sealed park road onto the gravel towards Royston Head, then follow the Dolphin Bay sign at the junction; any car will manage it in the dry. The only catch is parking. The car park is small, and when we came through between Christmas and New Year it was full, with cars lined up along the road well before it. In the holidays, get there early or come back later in the afternoon, and pull right off the road so others can get past.
Practical TipsPractical tips
Dolphin Bay is a calm, sheltered little bay, but getting down to it and swimming there take a bit of care. Here’s what to know before you go.
- Pack the beach bag once. From the car park it’s a short walk along a sandy track and then down a steep timber staircase, so carry it all in one go; you won’t want to do the stairs twice.
- Check the water first. There’s no lifeguard here, and on a rough day the currents and swell can be dangerous, so check the water before you go in and keep the kids close.
- Leave the shells and critters. Taking anything from the rocky reef is illegal, with fines up to $20,000.
On the BeachOn the beach
Once you’re on the sand, the bay curves away in front of you, with low dunes behind and water that goes from clear to turquoise a few steps out. It was busy, with shade tents and families all along the beach, but there was still plenty of room. We swam in the calm water close to shore, then scrambled out onto the granite for the view back along the bay; the water over the rocks is the clearest we saw all trip. Despite the name, we didn’t see any dolphins, but if you’re lucky you might. There’s no shade or water down there, so bring both.
Things to Do NearbyThings to do
Shell Beach is just up the road, a short walk and wooden steps down to another white bay, and Cape Spencer has the best clifftop view in the park. Pondalowie Bay and the salt lakes are on the way back south, and Parsons Beach, just outside the park, is where we drove onto the sand for lunch afterwards. Everything is in our Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park guide.
Summary
Dolphin Bay is the one beach in Innes not to miss, and the best swim we had on the peninsula. Get there early in the holidays, bring shade and water down the stairs, and swim close to shore.
The go-to beach in Innes.
Dolphin Bay is a calm, sheltered curve of white sand with granite rocks at one end and water so clear you can count the fish, and it’s where we had the best swim of the trip. Everyone else knows it too, so in the holidays come early, park on the road and carry your shade down the steps.
- Families
- Day trips
Yes, it’s the best swim in the park. It’s included in the $14.40 park entry; just come early in the holidays to get a park.
Recommended Gear for Dolphin Bay
There’s no shade on the sand, so a light beach shade or the Kings 270 Tourer awning back at the car helps, and a cold drink in a YETI Rambler 26 oz makes the climb back up easier. Carry water from your water containers, and a camp shower at the car gets the salt and sand off before the drive.
