Berry Bay

More information about Berry Bay.

Berry Bay is a 5 minute drive from Corny Point and is widely regarded as the go-to beginner surf beach on the Yorke Peninsula. The bay is often thought of as two beaches, Berry North and Berry South, with both ends offering gentle, forgiving surf that is ideal for those just finding their feet on a board.

Is Berry Bay good for beginner surfers? Yes, it is one of the best beginner surf spots on the peninsula. The surf is consistent but manageable at both ends of the bay, giving newcomers plenty of room to get comfortable in the water without being overwhelmed.

Is there a surf school at Berry Bay? Yes. Neptunes Surf School operates at Berry Bay and is well regarded as the place to learn on the peninsula. Whether you are an individual, a family, or a school group, lessons are available to suit. Berry Bay is a popular destination for school aquatics programs, with groups regularly making the trip to take advantage of the safe and supervised conditions.

Just back from the beach, the Corny Point Lighthouse stands as a quiet landmark over the bay, worth a visit while you are in the area. The beach itself is also known for its sun warmed rocks, a favourite spot to dry off and soak up the afternoon sun after a swim or surf.

History about Berry Bay.

Berry Bay sits on the traditional country of the Narungga people, who have called the Yorke Peninsula home for over 60,000 years. The bay lies just 500 metres from the Corny Point Lighthouse, which tells much of the story of this stretch of coastline.

The lighthouse was completed in 1881 to protect southbound windjammers from the dangers of Webb Rock and the reefs and shoals off Berry Bay and Daly Heads. Built of local limestone and standing 12.2 metres high, it was initially serviced by a head keeper and assistant. The reefs off Corny Point were a genuine hazard to the grain ships servicing the ports of Port Victoria, Moonta Bay and Wallaroo, and attempts were even made to remove some of them with explosives. The reefs remain.

The lightstation was serviced twice a year by Government Steamer in its early days, with stores and mail delivered weekly from Yorketown. The tower experienced two earthquakes, in 1882 and 1902, and the keepers log records a number of personal tragedies during its manned years. The lighthouse was made automatic in 1920 and the keepers were withdrawn. It remains standing today, a quiet landmark above the bay.