Information update: September 2023
Quick Guide
Location – Gleeson’s Landing is located on the south-west coast of the Yorke Peninsula
Cost – $20 per vehicle per night (discounts for extended stays available).
Campsites – Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents
Facilities – Pit toilet, beach access, rubbish bins.
Comprehensive information at the bottom of the post.
Our Visit
We organised to go camping with family and friends during the Adelaide Cup long weekend in March this year. Dwayne, Alex and I were able to leave Adelaide midmorning on Friday. We arrived at Gleeson’s Landing around 1330 in the afternoon, and the campground was already busy. We were lucky to find the perfect spot for our group of campers. It was a large, private area with three large shady trees. By the time our friends Kate and Martin arrived, we had our camper trailer set up, and Alex was set up with his tent and contently hitting golf balls.
Nearby surf spots
The next day Kye arrive. After setting up his swag, we piled into two cars and went to have a look at more of the coast, mainly the Surf spots Dwayne used to frequent in his younger days. Firstly, one of Dwayne’s favourites – Daly’s Head. Dedicated on 12 January 2013, the Daly Head National Surfing Reserve was the first along Australia’s southern coastline and now has recognition as an iconic world-class surfing location.
Next, we stopped at the Salmon Hole, another surf spot from Dwayne’s younger years. Then we visited the Dust Bowl. Most of us, including Boris, the dog, walked there along a little coastal path from the lookout of the Salmon Hole. The Dust Bowl is a gorgeous long beach. It was great having a look at this part of the Yorke Peninsula, as I, for one, hadn’t visited before.
Snorkelling and Spearfishing
Once we returned to Gleeson’s Landing, the boys went snorkelling and spearfishing. They arrived back with a few drummers, which they filleted, cut into strips, crumbed and deep-fried. The fish was delicious, and the snorkelling was interesting, albeit the water was cold.
Jedd, Mikala and Esra arrived on Sunday. The boys (and a couple of girls) went out snorkelling again. Again, Kye speared some drummer – he was now calling himself “The Provider.” LOL.
Mass Departure
Duty called, and our fellow campers had to head back to Adelaide on Monday. Almost all of the other campers at Gleeson’s Landing also packed up and left. Dwayne and I now had our campsite to ourselves.
Corny Point
On Tuesday, Dwayne and I went for a drive to Corny Point. Corny Point is a cute seaside town of coastal shacks and permanent residents. We stopped at Dunn Point Shelter. I was pleased to see some interpretive signs presenting the area’s history, including a ‘Tribute to the Fishers.’ The Dunn Point BBQ Shelter not only contains a large barbecue and seating but doubles as a photo gallery, sharing over 170 years of history.
We stopped at the general store to buy some ice; then, we followed a sign along the coast to the lighthouse. Again, the council have provided interpretive signs depicting the history of the lighthouse. Moreover, there is a memorial for people who have their ashes scattered at sea and a bench seat for families to sit, reflect and remember. Nearby is another fascinating spot where a horizontal pine tree grows. The tree, which extends along the ground, is thought to be a survivor of one of the sixty pine trees planted in 1892 by the students of Corny Point School.
Gorgeous beaches and clifftop views
Driving back to camp along a coastal dirt road, we stop at various beaches along the way, including Berry Bay. This gorgeous beach is a seemingly endless stretch of white sand and beach breaks.
We visited Swincer Rocks campground for a look. We were not impressed with the campground; however, it did look like it had some good snorkelling off the rocks.
Thidna Conservation Park
We went for a drive through Thidna Conservation Park. Declared a conservation park in 2017, it is 8.57 square kilometres of remnant native vegetation. The park, situated in an area heavily cleared for agriculture, is home to about 146 plant types and 59 species of fauna, including fairy terns and hooded plovers.
Fishing
Deciding to do some fishing, we headed to the nearby rocks. We had no luck. But the next day, we set out again in the hope of catching fish or squid. Dwayne caught one sizeable squid just before it started raining.
Back at camp, I cooked up some delicious salt and pepper squid. Then, sheltering from the rain, we played Rummikub for the rest of the day and enjoyed a steak and red wine dinner.
We packed up and left the next day as we had appointments to attend. Of course, the rain had stopped, and the next two days were due to be absolutely perfect, with temperatures around 30c. We were disappointed to be leaving and will be sure to visit again.
Walk The Yorke Peninsula
This stretch of coastline is part of the ‘Walk the Yorke’ trail. There are more than 500 kilometres of coastal trails for walking and cycling on the Yorke Peninsula. There are 16 walks starting from Port Wakefield. Walks from Gleeson’s Landing are Marion Bay – Gleesons Landing & Gleesons Landing – Corny Point. Click here for more information and here for a map.
Our thoughts
Pros – Gorgeous camping spot with a pit toilet and rubbish bins. There are many campsites with views of the water. We found a large site to fit our group with three shady trees; it was perfect for our needs. The pit toilet was clean – at least at the start of the long weekend, and had handwashing facilities.
Cons – The rubbish bins didn’t get emptied during the six days we were there (including the busy long weekend), and they were overflowing.
Our verdict – Gleeson’s Landing is a gorgeous place to explore. We would stay here again.
More Information
Currency – Australian dollar – AUD – written here as $
About Gleeson’s Landing
Gleeson’s Landing, named after Mr Gleeson, is a big campground on the Yorke Peninsula. It has a rich ecosystem, a South Rock Lobster Nursery and nearby surf beaches.
Mr Gleeson was Irish, always dressed impeccably and shipped pipeclay from nearby deposits at Daly’s Head. The campground with his namesake is large and spaced along the coast. You can find secluded sites if you want a little privacy or to avoid large crowds.
Location – South-west part of the ‘foot’ of the Yorke Peninsula. 19 kilometres south-west of Corny Point – access off Corny Point to Marion Bay Road. About 280km from Adelaide CBD.
Access – Suitable for conventional vehicles
Cost – Permits are $20 per vehicle / per night, or $50 per week (5-7 nights), $150 per month (28 nights), or $500 per year, with discounts for local ratepayers.
Bookings – You cannot book particular sites, but you must get a permit. Fines of $100 apply if you don’t have a permit. Click here for more information.
Campsites – Campsites are suitable for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. Bush camping only, no powered sites. There are many small camping areas as well as areas suitable for groups.
Facilities – Pit toilet, rubbish and recycling bins, beach access and four-wheel drive beach launch for boats.
Dogs – Permitted, but must be under effective control at all times.
Fires – Permitted outside of fire season only. BYO firewood. (Gas/fuel stoves preferred).
Water – BYO. However, there is a well on the right before you enter the camping area. The water is suitable for washing only but not fit for drinking.
Generators – Permitted but discouraged. NEVER use the generator on days of a local fire ban.
Wifi/phone reception – No. However, I did have a very weak intermittent reception with Optus. I could only receive and send some text messages.
Things to do – Fish, swim, walk, kayak/canoe, birdwatching, snorkelling, spearfishing, close to surf beaches.
Things to do nearby – Visit Corny Point and the lighthouse or Warooka for a pub meal. Check out the surf beaches – Dust Bowl, Daly’s Head, etc.
Other information – Corney Point has a small general store and bottle shop. There is good selection of cheese and smallgoods, groceries, including dog food, tin food, toiletries etc. Warooka – fuel, pub, cafe, ‘Foodwork’ supermarket, pharmacy.
Another Yorke Peninsula Camp Ground – The Gap
Trippin’ Turpins acknowledges the Narungga people, the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Yorke Peninsula and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Other types of accommodation?
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. Indeed, we like the convenience of booking online, and we are usually able to pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. Additionally, booking.com advertises many different accommodation styles on the Yorke Peninsula, so you are sure to find the perfect place.
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More camping in South Australia
Camping at The Gap – Yorke Peninsula.
Camping at Walker Flat – Hettner Landing
Mannum – Caravan Park & Bolto Campground
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