The Yorke Peninsula, commonly referred to as ‘Yorkes’ by South Aussies, is another spectacular area of South Australia dominated by 700 kilometres of stunning coastline. Like most coastal regions, Yorkes is famed for its seafood, spectacular beaches and water activities, with tourists flocking to towns such as Wallaroo, Ardrossan, Port Vincent and Marion Bay during the summer months.
And like any country region worth its salt, Yorkes has a plethora of top-notch watering holes slinging cold beers and serving up tasty pub grub. Whether you’re a fan of traditional country pubs or modern establishments serving gastronomical delights, there’s something for everyone.
So read on and discover the best pubs on the Yorke Peninsula we recommend visiting next time you’re in South Australia.
Marion Bay Tavern & Motel
Marion Bay
Constructed from old jetty pylons, wood beams and corrugated iron sheets, Marion Bay Tavern & Motel is a rustic country public house known locally for its good food and drink at affordable prices.
Family-owned and operated, this is a great place to pop in for lunch on your travels, with the dining room offering incredible views of the beach where you enjoy traditional pub cuisine or gourmet pizzas.
Stop for the night and stay in one of five spacious studio-style rooms with all the amenities you could ask for.
Find out more about Marion Bay Tavern & Motel here.
Coobowie Hotel
Coobowie
This is the definition of a country pub. Housed in an early Victorian-style farmhouse, the Coobowie Hotel provides the three main things you want from a pub: cold beer, good food and friendly locals.
The recipient of a 2023 certificate of excellence from Restaurant Guru, the Coobowie’s dining room is usually booked out on a weekend, with the famous Calla Coobowie Calamari Schnitzel a popular choice amongst dinners.
For those after entertainment, the Coobowie provides several gaming machines, Keno and UBET facilities, a pool table and even a jukebox for the music lovers.
And if you find you’ve had a few too many and driving back to your accommodation is a no-go, the Coobowie Hotel offers a courtesy bus to get you home safely, but booking is essential. The locals love a drink.
Find out more about the Coobowie Hotel here.
Melville Hotel
Yorketown
There are two main pubs in Yorketown, the Yorke Hotel and the Melville Hotel. If you’re looking to grab some cheap takeaway cans, pop into the Yorke Hotel, but if it’s a counter meal and a froth you’re after, we suggest the Melville Hotel.
Built in 1978, this family-run pub (a common theme around these parts) has a spacious dining room serving meals six days a week, a front bar with five different beers on tap and a weekly Wednesday happy hour, a gaming room with 20 machines and a dog-friendly beer garden that gets packed during warm weekends.
The Melville Hotel also provides accommodation, with each top-notch unit equipped with a bar fridge, television, chilled water and tea and coffee facilities.
Find out more about the Melville Hotel here.
Arthurton Hotel
Arthurton
Nothing says country pub like a West End sign attached to a building. That’s exactly what you see when approaching the Arthurton Hotel, located right In the heart of the Yorke Peninsula. A real ‘locals’ pub, this no-frills operation relies on cold froths, tasty grub and service with a smile.
The menu is exactly what you’d expect from a country pub, with the addition of an exceptional array of pizzas. Food can be eaten on the premises or taken away for those in a hurry.
It might not be the most stylish pub, but the Arthurton has character, thanks to the homely décor, friendly staff and affable locals. All are welcome to knock back a brew or three while sharing a yarn at the front bar.
Find out more about the Arthurton Hotel here.
Dalrymple Bar and Restaurant
Stansbury
Formerly known as the Dalrymple Hotel, this refurbished public house dishes up traditional pub fare with a modern twist. The seasonal menu has hotel staples such as burgers, schnitzels and fish and chips alongside innovative dishes like pulled duck salad, fish tacos and lobster sliders.
You’ll find Coopers and West End on tap, a rotating beer of the moment and plenty of local spirits and wines to tickle your tastebuds. Hit the front bar and watch the big game or visit the lounge bar for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Find out more about Dalrymple Bar and Restaurant here.
Ventnor Hotel
Port Vincent
Grab a pint on the waterfront and watch the sunset at the Ventnor Hotel. Pitch up at the large, wooden front bar and be greeted by all the staples on tap along with a wine list of local varieties and grab. If you’re looking for a cheap meal, drop in on a Thursday for $20 schnitzels in the dining room.
A popular pub with locals and tourists alike, the Ventnor Hotel has sports betting facilities, pokies and weekly Friday and Sunday happy hours where you can score $5 schooners and bubbly and $6.50 pints and stubbies.
Also open for breakfast, grab an egg, bacon, cheese and spinach roll or muffin with a cup of joe and start your day the right way.
Find out more about the Ventnor Hotel here.
Port Victoria Hotel
Port Victoria
The only pub in town offers sensational views of the Port Vic jetty, Sunday pizza night and a solid selection of beers on tap.
This old fashioned public house serves up regular bar food (wedges, schnitzels, scotch fillet) and fresh seafood from the bay, with several well-priced options for the kiddies.
While it’s similar to ‘Cheers’, where everybody knows your name, the locals are a friendly and welcoming bunch and will make your time at the Port Victoria Hotel that extra bit special.
Find out more about the Port Victoria Hotel here.
Ardrossan Hotel Motel
Ardrossan
The top pub in Ardrossan opened in 1881 and has been a favourite amongst locals ever since. Recently refurbished, the watering hole is just a short walk from the jetty and renowned fishing and crabbing spots.
The bistro is open seven days a week and the famous Blue Swimmer linguine is the top pick. Simply furnished but functional, the front bar stocks beer, wine and spirits, focusing on local breweries, distilleries and wineries. There’s also a gaming room with a stack of pokies, a pool table and a small TAB where you can have a flutter or hustle the locals at snooker.
If the sun’s out, grab a pint and take a seat in the outdoor seating area, and if you end up having a few too many, the Ardrossan Hotel Motel has 11 rooms where you can rest your weary head.
Find out more about the Ardrossan Hotel Motel here.
Kadina Hotel
Kadina
The largest town on the peninsula is home to several great country pubs, including the Wombat Hotel and the Royal Exchange Hotel. But if we had to pick one, we’d recommend the aptly named Kadina Hotel.
Although part of the Black Rhino Group (who run a slew of great outback pubs across the state), the Kadina Hotel retains its character and is well-known for its food. There’s more than just parmis and burgers on the menu, with the Kadina Hotel more like a gastropub with offerings such as penne carbonara, asparagus chicken and roast of the day. There’s also a salad bar, small kids’ menu and two or three course seniors meal deals that are great value for the over 60 crowd.
The Friday night raffle keeps things lively while there are TAB facilities, a gaming room and a slew of great Aussie beers on tap.
Find out more about the Kadina Hotel here.
Weeroona Hotel
Wallaroo
When most people visit Wallaroo, they head to the Coopers Alehouse for a counter and a pint. Offering a sense of familiarity (who doesn’t love a Coopers Pale Ale?), the franchise pub is certainly worth a visit, but not before stopping in at the Weeroona Hotel.
Established in 1861 and first known as the Globe Inn, the now-named Weeroona Hotel does what it says on the can. Cold beer, large servings and great staff are what you can expect when dropping in.
Just don’t go wandering around upstairs by yourself or you might run into the Weeroona Hotel ghosts who are said to haunt the hotel.
Find out more about the Weeroona Hotel here.
