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Register for news updatesCopper Coast Rail Trail (SA) extended from Wallaroo to Moonta
The Copper Coast Rail Trail between Kadina and Wallaroo was constructed in 2017. The 17km extension of the trail from Wallaroo to Moonta means that the three main towns of the area are now connected by a rail trail. The coastal towns of Moonta Bay and Port Hughes are also connected to Moonta by shared use paths.
The discovery of copper at Moonta and Kadina in 1859 saw a rapid growth in the region. Wallaroo was developed as a sea port to export copper ore and farming produce and railway lines were constructed throughout the area to transport copper ore from the Kadina and Moonta mines to the port at Wallaroo. By the 1920’s copper mining had declined and agriculture was the main economic driver for the region.
The mines at Moonta are now a major tourist attraction while the coastal beaches are the perfect holidaying location. Cyclists and walkers can now enjoy the 32km of sealed trails which connect all the tourist attractions of the Copper Coast.
The mine operated from 1860 to 1874 then reopened for a short time in 1890. 100 years later the mine was reopened as a 65m deep ‘open cut’ mine until finally closed in 1993. The mine is now a tourist attraction with tours of the tunnels 55m below the open cut mine.
Wheal is derived from the Cornish word for ‘place of work’. The mines were often worked by Cornish immigrants.
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One comment on “Copper Coast Rail Trail (SA) extended from Wallaroo to Moonta”
On my list!!