Yorke Peninsula Council

2016 Award Winner
Award Category: Local Government Award - Organisation

Walk the Yorke is a continuous shared walking and cycling trail taking in over 500km of Yorke Peninsula coastline. Walk the Yorke offers users the chance to experience spectacular rugged cliffs, amazing views, pristine beaches, secluded coves, rocky reefs and tidal pools, windswept sand dunes, samphire forests, historic lighthouses and provides a peek into some of Australia’s most productive farming land, rich Aboriginal culture and endemic scrublands.

Yorke Peninsula Council ‘had a dream’ many years ago to join up all of the coastal towns with one continuous leisure trail. The dream started to become a reality in 2009 when community consultation was undertaken and a concept plan was developed. In 2013 Council was successful in securing grant funding from both the Australian and South Australian Governments and after 2.5 years of construction, the result was Walk the Yorke being officially opened on 13 December 2015.

Walk the Yorke is a purpose built trail for anyone who wants to experience the Yorke Peninsula’s spectacular coastline and wildlife through walking and cycling. Walk the Yorke is designed to provide opportunities for a variety of users, from gentle strolls and rides to adventures requiring higher levels of fitness. Walk the Yorke is signposted with yellow markers (over 3,000) and follows natural, gravel and paved surfaces as well as beaches. Where trail conditions are not suitable, cyclists are diverted to roads. In addition, there are several facilities designed to enhance the user’s experience; seating (bench seats, custom seats and picnic settings totalling 220), shelters (20), rainwater tanks (20), interpretive podium signage (210) and information signs (16) all form part of Walk the Yorke.

Trail info:

About the Walking Awards

Walking SA has initiated annual awards to recognise sustained and outstanding contribution to walking at all levels throughout South Australia.

Many volunteers and others have contributed to South Australia’s great walking trails, waling clubs, and walking promotion and opportunities for health, wellbeing, recreation and tourism.

If you know of someone who should be considered for an award please do consider nominating them, nominations are taken throughout the year.