Major city · Australia
Marion Bay
Stay 2 nights if you are fishing or surfing Innes; 1 night is enough if you only want the park's west end and the tavern.
Marion Bay is a small holiday settlement of about 170 people at the foot of Yorke Peninsula, and the practical gateway to Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park. There is no public transport: you drive here, you drive inside the park, and you drive out. Most visitors come for fishing charters, surf, bush camping and the park's cliffs, and treat the town as a bed and a pub rather than a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (hot, strong south-easterly winds), Jun–Aug (cold and wet)
- Airport
- ADL
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Marion Bay000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park (after hours)+61 417 883 678
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Marion Bay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are remote roads, wildlife at dawn and dusk, summer heat and wind, and no phone signal in the park.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · +61 417 883 678 Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park (after hours)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportADL Adelaide Airport (About a 3 h 30 min drive; no public transport to Marion Bay, so hire a car.).
- Getting aroundCar only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- BeerschoonerA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketPark entry, per vehicleA$15 (≈ US$10) (check)
- Budget bedPark campsite (unpowered), a night, per personA$15 (≈ US$10)
- Mid-range bedMotel room, a night, per roomA$170 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel room, a night, per roomA$240 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$80 (≈ US$55) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ADL Adelaide Airport (About a 3 h 30 min drive; no public transport to Marion Bay, so hire a car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Marion Bay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car only. There is no bus, taxi or rideshare worth relying on. Fuel up at Warooka or Yorketown before you arrive, because the last stretch has no services. Inside Dhilba Guuranda–Innes the roads are unsealed in parts and some are 4WD-only; park entry and camping fees apply.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park
goDoor to door: 15–30 min
Drive south from town, about 10–15 min to the park boundary
The reason most people come. Fees apply; allow a full day for the west end.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive north-east via Yorketown
Jetty, tidal pool and a bakery stop on the way back.
Wallaroo
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive north via Warooka and Maitland
Doable as a long day; better as a stop on the way in or out.
Moonta
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 15 min
Drive north via Maitland
Heritage mining town; pair it with Wallaroo rather than a return trip.
Ardrossan
skipDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Drive north-east via Yorketown and Minlaton
Too far for a day return from Marion Bay.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Marion Bay township
Motel, tavern and most holiday rentals; walkable, and the closest beds to the park gate.
Stenhouse Bay Road
The road out towards the park; motel and rentals along it, a few minutes' drive from the tavern.
Innes park campgrounds
Bush camping inside the park; most sites are first-come, first-served, and you need your own water and power.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$80–140 (≈ US$55–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–250 (≈ US$95–170) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room1 × 2 nights × A$170 | A$340 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$150 | A$600 |
| Hire car from Adelaide, one day1 × A$70 | A$70 |
| Fuel, Adelaide return, about 600 km1 × A$90 | A$90 |
| Dhilba Guuranda–Innes park entry, per vehicle1 × A$15 | A$15 |
| Half-day fishing charter2 × A$180 | A$360 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$148 |
| Trip total≈ A$406 per person per day, bed included | A$1,623≈ US$1,100 |
From about A$130 room only.
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and park fees excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Pub main (tavern) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer, schooner | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Fuel, per litreDearer on the peninsula than in Adelaide. | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Park entry, per vehicle | A$15 (≈ US$10) (check) |
| Unpowered campsite, per night | A$15–30 (≈ US$10–20) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport and no fuel in town: arrive with a full tank.
- Mobile coverage is patchy away from the highway and drops out in the park; Telstra and Optus are the most reliable.
- Summer south-easterly winds are strong enough to cancel boat trips and make exposed camps unpleasant.
- Park entry and camping fees apply, and most campgrounds cannot be booked ahead.
- Kangaroos and emus on the roads at dawn and dusk: slow down.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park (after hours)
- +61 417 883 678
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Marion BayMarion Bay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Innes National Park (after hours)+61 417 883 678
Embassy
No consulates on Yorke Peninsula; embassies and consulates-general are in Adelaide or Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Adelaide → Marion Bay, drive: about 3 h 30 min, 300 km (186 mi)about 3 h 30 min, 186 mi (300 km)
- Port Wakefield → Marion Bay, drive: about 1 h 30 min
- Fuel, Warooka or Yorketown: last reliable fuel before town
Say or show
- How far to the park gate? — How far to the park gate?
- Is there fuel in town? — Is there fuel in town?
- Can I book a campsite? — Can I book a campsite?
- Where is the boat ramp? — Where is the boat ramp?
Print this before you leave: signal is unreliable in the park.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Marion Bay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (hot, strong south-easterly winds), Jun–Aug (cold and wet) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ADL: hire-car pickup times, the 3 h 30 min drive and a fuel stop at Port Wakefield.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: township, Stenhouse Bay Road, the park's west end, and the fishing charters.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (park entry, campground rules, tavern kitchen hours) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wind and swell fixtures so boat trips and exposed camps can be flagged before booking.
Sources
- officialYorke Peninsula Visitor Information
- officialMarion Bay Tavern
- officialMarion Bay Motel
- officialReef Encounters Fishing Charters
- secondaryWikivoyage: Marion Bay, revision 4995973 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Marion Bay
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