Travelling down the east coast of the Yorke Peninsula, the highway rarely strays further than 2 kilometres from the coastline on its journey to the heel of this boot shaped land mass. Originating from Port Wakefield (see Greater Adelaide) at the top of Gulf St Vincent, the first of the major seaside towns it passes by, is the grain exporting port of Ardrossan. Besides the huge grain silos, Ardrossan is an attractive coastal town, which offers good crabbing and fishing from its long jetty. In town, the National Trust Museum's most noteworthy exhibit is an early example of the "stump jump" plough, a famous invention of the area which made an enormous difference to South Australian farmers.

Further down the coast, the highway runs by the tiny holiday towns of Pine Point and Port Julia, before arriving at the sleepy resort of Port Vincent. Port Vincent is superbly set on a broad, crescent shaped bay, and makes a top destination for those seeking a relaxing seaside retreat. There's a good range of accommodation here, and days are passed with fishing, swimming, and leisurely strolls along the nature trail skirting the coastline. Less than twenty kilometres further south, Stansbury boasts similar qualities, and is yet another laid-back and popular holiday destination.

24 kilometres south of Stansbury, Edithburgh is the southern most community enjoying the Gulf St Vincent's stunning coastline. Apart from its refreshing tidal swimming pool, quaint old stone buildings, and intriguing maritime museum, the town's main attraction lies a few kilometres off-shore on the wonderful Toubridge Island. The island is a conservation park which protects colonies of penguins, crested terns, and other handsome sea-going birds. Visitors to Toubridge even have the rare opportunity to stay in a lighthouse, and should contact the charter companies in town for more information. The charters also offer fishing and diving trips. (see Tours & Trips under Things To Do)

From Edithburgh the coastal highway runs inland, passing through the towns of Yorketown and Warooka before turning towards the toe of the Yorke Penisula. If you're heading that way, it's a wise idea to stock up on supplies in either town (Yorketown has the largest supermarket), as beyond here the services are fairly modest. The towns are worth the stop on any account, both boasting some lovely 19th century buildings and a couple of fantastic old Aussie pubs.

At the toe of the peninsula, Marion Bay is a tiny resort town beautifully set on the crystal clear waters of the same name. Although there's not much here besides the multi functional Marion Bay Store (post office, petrol, takeaway, fishing tackle, boat hire), a friendly caravan park, and a small enclave of rentable holiday houses, Marion Bay's isolation and superb beaches and coastline may be just what you've been dreaming for. Anglers should also be aware that the area's renowned for it's great fishing, and Foul Bay Fishing Charters can give you a hand to catch some of South Australia's famous whiting and snapper.

Just a few kilometres south of Marion Bay, the Innes National Park is another good reason to get yourself to this remote part of the Yorke Peninsula. The park protects nearly 10 000 hectares of undulating mallee and heath hinterland, overflowing with common species like kangaroos and emus, and serving as the last bastion for some rare birds like the wonderful mallee fowl. The coastline is equally alluring, consisting of a seemingly endless stretch of multi-coloured limestone cliffs and impressive surf and swimming beaches. A trip to the park must also include the abandoned gypsum-mining settlement of Inneston, regarded by many as the area's highlight. Set on a turquoise shallow lake, visitors can follow a signposted walk which winds through the remnants of the town's old stone buildings, rusty mining relics, and curious stone tennis court.

Travelling back up the Yorke Peninsula, Minlaton is the southern most town of any size on the route running along the western edge of the boot. The township's a good place to stop after the comparatively lean facilities further south, and also boasts a couple of good art galleries as well as a memorial and museum dedicated to the local World War II fighter pilot ace, Harry Butler.