Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Ethel Beach, or Ethel Wreck Beach as it is often called, is a 450 metre long sandy surf beach located in Innes National Park at the tip of the Yorke Peninsula. The beach was named after the Norwegian ship Ethel which was wrecked and washed ashore there in 1904. A second ship, Ferret also came to grief in the area in 1920. The rusty remains of the wreck lie at the base of the northern end of the beach.

Access to the area is via a sealed road. A walking track winds along the top of the bluff from the car park providing magnificent views across the beach and out to the off-shore islands. A seat is provided and you can learn some of the history of the Ethel and Ferret from an interpretive sign.

A steep staircase provides access for the adventurous down from the sealed carpark to the beach. With waves averaging one and a half metres and several strong rips, extreme care should be taken when swimming or surfing at Ethel Beach.