Winter in Marion Bay 2026
It has been an extremely wet and dismal winter. But the farmers are rejoicing as their crops are some of the best they have ever had.
We have spent most of our time indoors and fishing trips have been very limited. Yorke Peninsula can be buffeted daily by strong winds, so this increases the chill factor. We did mangage to go out fishing on one occasion and it happened to be a very grey day. When we got home I had got so cold I think it took me several hours to warm up.
The wind can be very strong and when a big swell is running. The Pondalowie cliffs look spectacular. We have taken these shots from up on the hill. If you were to venture down to the Pondies cliffs in this weather, you would just get absolutely soaked in seaspray.
The remains of the Ethel shipwreck. Tons of sand has been washed out and the shipwreck is quite exposed. Come summer and tons of sand will wash back in and almost cover the shipwreck.
Surfers going over some wild waves. Not the best conditions but sometimes its worth it just to get wet.
The baby emus appear at the end of August, early September. We love watching them grow and get used to the nosey tourists always stopping to photograph them. Not me of course!!! The red bushes are everywhere at the moment, spring is trying to arrive with flowers just starting to appear. Winter could be on the horizon and this will be most welcome
Marion Bay jetty with only a handful of tourists. Later on in the winter there was nobody on the jetty as catching squid was not allowed till summer. I think this was due to the algae bloom outbreak during last summer.
We have a few foggy days when the wind decides not to blow. Oooo the serenity of a calm day!
Only a few yachts over winter, just the brave souls who enjoy a bit of a challenge.
Foam washes on to the shore. Normally a sandy sunny spot!
An ocean liner buffeted by winds and a big swell.
For me the most spectacular happening by far over our winter is the gigantic powerful waves that hit the shore. I dress warmly, ear muffs, gloves, thick jacket and scarf and often take a walk up West Cape beach. Very invigorating, but certainly a very different experience. The sound these waves make is quite deafening!
(All images are taken by Wendy Philip. No AI generated images.)


