The towns of Moonta, Kadina and Wallaroo are part of an area known now as the Copper Coast. It is named after the mining boom in Cooper in the 19th century and is roughly 150 kms from Adelaide at the top of Yorke Peninsula. The mining boom that resulted from the discovery of Copper enabled rapid …
Explore the Yorke Peninsula Art Trail to discover colourful murals, statues, mosaic creations and photo opportunities across the region. Visit regional galleries and artists’ studios to see the artists in residence. You can also buy paintings, jewellery, ceramics and other artworks direct from the maker.
Blacksmith shops were an essential part of mining and rural life. Tipara Forge re-enactment facility originally formed part of the large workshops of the era which also encompassed a Farrier shop, Iron foundry smelting works, Pattern shop, Carpenter shop, Wheelwright & Fitting & machine shop. Learn about the art of Blacksmithing- talk to the Volunteer …
This building, the former Moonta Mines Post Office, was built in 1946 and operated until it closed in the mid 1970’s. The building was bought by the Moonta Branch of the National Trust for $200, and was used as a store room. A shop named “Refreshments” was set up in the building just in time …
The trail starts at the Town Hall and is a leisurely drive of about 16 kms which can be completed in 1-2 hours. The trail passes many sites of historical interest and gives visitors an impression of the history and development of Moonta. Simply follow the distinctive Trial Signs (Tour Drive No 38). Note that …
Departing from the platform adjacent to the Moonta Mines Museum, the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway is a guided tour of the historic Moonta Mines State Heritage Area. Featuring extensive commentary, passengers are taken past many historic landmarks of the former mining operations, including the reservoir, ore sorting floors, and through a tunnel in Ryans Tailings Heap. It …
There are 4 main trails which can be explored- taking you around the heritage area of the mines. Trail 1 – Museum/Railway Station/Museum – Approximate length 5kms. Allow 2 hours- NOT CURRENTLY ACCESSIBLE BE CAREFUL Some of the area where you will be walking is natural terrain. While the National Trust does monitor its condition, …
The beautiful old Railway Station was erected by Gambling & Son and opened in 1909. In 1985 the Moonta Railway Station became part of the Moonta Mines State Heritage Area and is a stately and very special part of Moonta’s history. The Old Railway Station now houses the Moonta Visitor Information Centre, which provides a …
The museum is located in the former Moonta Mines Model School, built in 1878. The school remained an active and important centre for the Moonta Mines community for ninety years and closed in 1968. The National Trust of SA, Moonta Branch took over the building and established a museum which now tells the story of …
Built around 1870, this Cottage in the Mines Settlement is typically Cornish. The land on which the Cottage was built is only one third of an acre, similar to other blocks allocated to miners in the 1870s when they arrived to mine copper, after its discovery, so that they could build a home for their …
Richmans concentrating plant was one of three at the Moonta Mine, the others being Hancocks and Ryans. It operated from 1869 until the mine closed in 1923, crushing and concentrating ore from nearby shafts. During this period many alterations were made to the plant to suit the improved technology of mining and processing. Waste from …
Hughes Enginehouse played a focal role in the operations of the Moonta Mine. Its function was to dewater the underground workings on the mine’s largest orebodies. These orebodies, known as Elders and Elders West Lodes, were worked over a length of 1000 metres and to depths of more than 700 metres. This classic Cornish enginehouse …
