Major city · Australia
Port Wakefield
Treat Port Wakefield as a 2–3 hour highway stop, not a base: wharf, courthouse, bakery, then drive on. Sleep here only if you arrive after dark.
Port Wakefield sits at the head of Gulf St Vincent, 95 km north of Adelaide on the A1, and is the turn-off for the Yorke Peninsula. Almost everyone passes through; the town itself is small, spread out and walkable in about 45 minutes, with a handful of sandstone buildings, a wooden wharf and a saltwater swimming hole by the caravan park. It works as a break in a driving day, not as a destination.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (hot, dry, 35 °C (95 °F)+ days)avoid Dec–Feb (hot, dry, 95 °F (35 °C)+ days)
- Airport
- ADL
- Nights
- 0–1
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.
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 Port Wakefield000 ▾
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 Port Wakefield, 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
- SafetyA quiet highway town and safe for tourists; the real risks are heat, long drives and turning across the A1.
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 mobiles
- 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 1 h 30 min by road via the Northern Connector (M2) and the A1; no commercial air service at Port Wakefield.).
- Getting aroundNo public transport in town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- BeerDraught beer, schoonerA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)
- Budget bedCaravan park powered site, a night, per roomA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedCaravan park powered site, a night, per roomA$55 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedCaravan park powered site, a night, per roomA$75 (≈ US$50)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$80 (≈ US$55) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
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 1 h 30 min by road via the Northern Connector (M2) and the A1; no commercial air service at Port Wakefield.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jul (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Port Wakefield: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°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
No public transport in town. It is spread out for its size: allow about 45 minutes to walk between the wharf, the courthouse, the pubs and the foreshore. Driving is much easier, and you need a car for the Samphire Coast and Clinton Conservation Park.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Clinton Conservation Park
goDoor to door: Under 30 min
Drive north of town on the A1, then local roads to the mangrove edge
Mangrove reserve; more than 50 bird species recorded. Bring insect repellent.
Kadina and the Copper Coast
goDoor to door: About 45 min
B85 west, then local roads
Visitor information centre at the Farm Shed Museum, 50 Mines Rd, Kadina.
Adelaide
skipDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
A1 south via the Northern Connector (M2)
A city, not a day trip; go there to sleep, not to return the same day.
Yorke Peninsula towns
overnightDoor to door: 1–2 h
B85 west to Wallaroo, then the peninsula road network
Use Port Wakefield as the gateway, then base on the peninsula.
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.
Caravan park and foreshore
Between the wharf and the Wakefield River; the only place in town with a walkable cluster of sights.
A1 highway strip
Motel and roadhouses on the highway east of town; park at your door, but nothing else is on foot.
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$80–130 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$130–220 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$150 | A$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Fuel, Adelaide return (about 190 km)1 × A$40 · check | A$40 |
| Bakery lunch and coffee2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$15 | A$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$56 |
| Trip total≈ A$308 per person per day, bed included | A$616≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and vehicle costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Bakery pie or pasty | A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Counter meal in a pub | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Draught beer, schooner | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Motel double room, per night | A$110–220 (≈ US$75–150) (check) |
| Caravan park site, per night | A$40–75 (≈ US$30–50) (check) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Long, hot, dry summers: carry water and sun cover on any walk.
- The A1 is a 110 km/h (68 mph) highway with road trains; turning right across two lanes of oncoming traffic is the main local hazard.The A1 is a 68 mph (110 km/h) highway with road trains; turning right across two lanes of oncoming traffic is the main local hazard.
- No shopping strip: pubs, museum, foreshore, post office, motel and wharf are separated by residential streets.
- Fuel and food are the reason most people stop; service stations are on the highway, some open 24 hours.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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Port WakefieldPort Wakefield
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No consulates in town. Embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne; the nearest consular offices for most countries are in Adelaide (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Adelaide → Port Wakefield by car: about 95 km (59 mi), 1 h 30 min on the A1about 59 mi (95 km), 1 h 30 min on the A1
- Coach, Adelaide → Port Wakefield: about 10 services a day across Yorke Peninsula Coaches, Greyhound and Premier Stateliner (check)
- Fuel, Port Wakefield: service stations on the highway, some open 24 h
Say or show
- Where is the wharf? — Where is the wharf?
- Is there fuel here? — Is there fuel here?
- How far to Adelaide? — How far to Adelaide?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a caravan park? — Is there a caravan park?
- Thanks, mate — Thanks, mate
Fuel, water and food are the practical reasons to stop. Nothing in town needs booking except a bed in peak season.
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 Port Wakefield. 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, dry, 35 °C+ days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares