The Copper Coast is named obviously after the extractive industries it hosts, including limestone, granite, dolomite, gypsum, sand mining and of course copper. The Peninsula's three largest urban centres of Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo make up the Copper Coast, which is also known as 'Australia's Little Cornwall'. Copper was first found in 1859 at Wallaroo Mines near Kadina. The population in this area quickly grew and the town of Kadina was surveyed in 1861. Only 148 kilometres from Adelaide, Kadina is the largest town on the Yorke Peninsula and is the main commercial centre for a very prosperous agricultural region.
Wallaroo is 160 kms from Adelaide, a 90-minute drive that takes you up to the stunning Copper Coast. Wallaroo has a long history and was once the busiest port in South Australia with its mining and smelting activities. It is now a popular tourist destination and a lovely day drive from Adelaide. Wallaroo offers beautiful beaches, boating and fishing and many historical sites to visit. Moonta is steeped in history and just 165 kilometres from Adelaide, Moonta was South Australia's second-largest town in its heyday. Extremely fortuitously, a shepherd noticed traces of copper on a wombat burrow, which led to the establishment of the Moonta Mining Company which soon became one of the richest copper mines in Australia.
The ensuing flood of skilled miners from Cornwall changed South Australia's cultural mix, bringing with them their mining techniques, labour practices, architecture and the Methodist religion. The three towns are the home of the world's largest Kernewek Lowender, the world's largest Cornish Festival which has been held every two years since 1973. Apart from contributing to an economic explosion, the immigrants brought the delicious Cornish pastie. Today, one of the things Moonta is most famous for is its Cornish pasties which can be found at the local bakeries and cafes. 
To enjoy the bi-annual festival visit Search and Stay to find your holiday accommodation in Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta.
Moonta has many beautiful old buildings, churches and historical sites. The Moonta Mines Museum located in the former Moonta Mines Model School, circa 1878, contains works on the life of a miner, a perfect thing to do when travelling with kids, it is well worth a visit.
Moonta (including nearby Moonta Bay and Port Hughes) was named as South Australia's Top Tourism Town for 2021. Stating "Moonta is surrounded by pristine beaches, rising sand dunes, abundant fishing, outstanding heritage buildings and history from its copper mining days, and a laid back and welcoming atmosphere. Catch your own food on a fishing charter or slip into one of the many cafes, hotels and restaurants. With all its attractions, you are also just a stone’s throw from Yorke Peninsula’s distilleries and breweries…and the many attractions this emerging region has to offer." To enjoy a video of the area, click here.
Smaller towns and settlements on the Copper Coast include the coastal towns of Port Hughes, North Beach and Moonta Bay and the rural settlement of Paskeville.
Generous areas of foreshore reserve, with their sandy beaches and swimming meccas, are set-aside at Port Hughes, Moonta Bay, Wallaroo and North Beach. Jetties at Port Hughes, Moonta Bay and Wallaroo provide popular recreational fishing venues. If boating is how you like to spend your holidays then find a holiday home or short-term rental on Search and Stay near the excellent boat launching facilities at Port Hughes and Wallaroo.
A popular holiday town where the sandy coves, stunning beaches, jetty and clear blue waters complete the idyllic panorama is Moonta Bay. Located on the shores of Spencer Gulf, visit Search and Stay to grab your holiday accommodation in Moonta Bay. Moonta Bay's beaches and jetty make this township a real drawcard for families, holidaymakers and fishermen alike. Moonta and Port Hughes are close neighbours of Moonta Bay. The Port Hughes jetty offers excellent fishing opportunities. The area is very popular with boat fishers and charter boats with the boat ramp being the second business in the state. There is an excellent range of holiday accommodation available at Search and Stay from beachfront apartments to fully stocked, self-contained holiday homes.
Walk The Yorke
With more than 500 kilometres of continuous shared walking and cycling leisure trail of Yorke Peninsula's coastline from Port Wakefield to Moonta Bay. With coastal trails and town walks, Walk the Yorke showcases Yorke Peninsula’s spectacular coastline, diverse coastal communities and environments unique to ‘Yorkes’. When staying in accommodation on the Copper Coast, explore the Copper Coast section Choose with a short walk or a day walk, or a multi-day walk. The hero walks of Walk The Yorke are those recommended by the designers and developers of this 500km trail and have some of the best scenery and walking experiences. You can download the Walk the Yorke leisure trail map, and start planning your next adventure! Find your holiday rental anywhere along the Yorke Peninsula coastline at Search and Stay
Where to eat and drink on the Copper Coast, Yorke Peninsula.
For many holidaymakers drawn to the ocean and the many water-based activities on the Copper Coast, the exceptional local seafood is worth enjoying while there. There are great restaurants and cafes on the Copper Coast and its position makes it one of the best places to view the sun setting.
Taste the Yorke - Regional, seasonal and local produce Taste the Yorke boasts showcasing the region's best. They provide a fresh local approach to the daily menu, utilizing local produce from the region and supporting local farmers and growers alike. Local artisan bread, sourdough and local artists are also available with regional honey and oils, salts and dukkha just to name a few.
The Kitten's Kitchen - The Kitten's Kitchen offers morning and afternoon teas and light lunches. A favourite for anyone visiting the Copper Coast is the Cornish cream teas. High teas are also available by appointment. Indoor and outdoor dining options also offer a full selection of their own range of jams, pickles and relishes.
The Smelter - Yorke Peninsulas 'best keep secret!' - The Smelter is a modern, relaxed cafe located in Wallaroo, just minutes from the beach. Come and join us for breakfast, a quick bite, a casual lunch or just a coffee with friends. The Smelter is the place to be when visiting the Copper Coast. Best known for our great tasting coffee and our casual, welcoming atmosphere. We have quickly become the favourite meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Why not delight the senses with one of our popular Megashakes, or sit back and relax with one of their deconstructed cold drip coffees or smoothies.
North Beach Kitchens - Yorke Peninsulas number 1 rated Restaurant/ café as per Trip Advisor rankings. In June 2020 North Beach Kitchen received a “2020 Travelers Choice Award” from Trip advisor. The only restaurant on Yorke Peninsula to ever receive such an award from Trip advisor. Customer service, local food options, quality brunch and good coffee are the main points of attraction. The atmosphere and beachfront views at North Beach Kitchen are Yorke Peninsulas best. Total beachfront views of Wallaroos beautiful North Beach allow you to soak in all the atmosphere and enjoy the vibe.
The Coopers Alehouse - Based in Wallaroo, The Coopers Alehouse has become a popular destination pub since its beginnings. It has a modern, sophisticated atmosphere in a relaxed and sunny waterside location.
Bond Store Wallaroo - If staying in holiday accommodation in Wallaroo or in a holiday house on the Copper Coast it’s worth a trip to the exciting, new Microbrewery, Distillery and Restaurant, Bond Store Wallaroo. The towering, stainless-steel tanks of the microbrewery provide a stunning visual backdrop to the brewery bar and restaurant, twelve taps in the brewery bar provide ample choice of beers, including Bond Store, brews with guest taps featuring local South Australian craft beers. The 500L copper still, named Ginger, is the centerpiece of the gin bar. Boasting local gins and liquors, the owners have explored the world to taste and bring the best gin flavours to the Yorke Peninsula, blending them with Australian own native herbs and botanicals.
Visit Search and Stay to select from traditional shack accommodation through to high-end luxury on the beachfront, the choices are yours.
For more information visitcoppercoast.com.au