Not actually located on the Yorke Peninsula, Port Gawler is at the start of the Samphire Coast, which goes along Gulf St Vincent up to Port Clinton. The Samphire Coast is great for those interested in bird life, with the coast containing sites that are regarded as the third and fourth ranked for shore birds.

Port Gawler was once a booming town due to its wharf and surrounding grain areas. Today it is well known for crabbing and the only off-road hire park for motor bikes, four wheel drive vehicles and go-carts in South Australia.