Coastal Way Road Trip - Moonta Bay to Port Broughton

Coastal Way Road Trip: Moonta Bay to Port Broughton

Moonta Mines National Heritage Area
Once South Australia’s largest copper mining operation, this national heritage area covers most of the land under the Moonta Mining Company lease. 

Needing skilled workers, the mines attracted an influx of Cornish miners bringing their culture, language and architecture to the northern Yorke Peninsula, with the area becoming known as ‘Little Cornwall’.  This Cornish influence is celebrated every 2 years, with the Kernewek Lowender the biggest Cornish celebration outside of Cornwall.

Now operated by the National Trust, the Moonta Mines Heritage Area includes the Museum, Tourist Railway, Sweets Shop, Family Resource Centre and much more. 

Moonta Mines Museum
House in the original Moonta Mines Model School building, the Moonta Mines Museum features displays and stories of the Cornish pioneers who came to the area in the 1800’s.  With 14 rooms, the museum has collections featuring the lifestyle and family life of the Cornish miners’, sports, school life, mining, death, hardship and much more.

Moonta Mines Tourist Railway
The iconic Moonta Mines tourist train will take you back in time learning about the Copper mining era and the lifestyle of the locals back then. The 50-minute round trip by narrow gauge rail, passes the reservoir and ore sorting floors then continues through a tunnel in Ryan's Tailings Heap.  

The train driver and tour guide will provide insight into the copper mining history, and it’s importance to this area of the peninsula. After you depart your train carriage jump in the car and drive the self-drive mining trail to view the Hughes Pump House and Ryan’s Tailing Heap.

Moonta Mines Sweet Shop
This little hidden gem is located in the former Moonta Mines Post Office and has old fashioned jars of lollies lining the walls!  You can also purchase a Bickfords soft drink – a well celebrated South Australian brand of beverages.  With old style lollies, sherbets, and delicious fizzy drinks, a stop at the Sweets Shop is always a must. 

Taste the Yorke
Enjoy a leisurely brunch or coffee & cake at Taste The Yorke, Yorke Peninsula’s only providore which specialises in locally sourced produce with an ever-changing menu inspired by the range of produce available on that day.   Purchase some local product including jams, chutneys, artisan breads, regional honey & oils, and much more.

Splash Town Water Park
For free water-filled family fun, head to Splash Town Water Park on the Moonta Bay foreshore.  With water slides, tipping buckets and much more, there is plenty to keep the kids occupied for hours.  Open most days between October & April, there is seating and shaded areas just outside the water park.

Ducatoon Park Horse Stud
Have you or your family ever cuddled a day-old foal, or walked among inquisitive older foals on a thoroughbred horse stud?  Would you like to learn about the rearing and education of young horses? Learn about how mares are transported all over Australia to be mated to the top stallions; some which are flown from northern to southern hemisphere and vice versa.

Or you can walk through a big aviary with hundreds of birds flying around you. f you haven't experienced this memory of a lifetime then Ducatoon Park is an easy 90-minute drive from Adelaide and only six kilometres from Kadina on the Moonta Road.

Copper Coast Indoor Play Centre
Located within the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre, this indoor play centre is a great spot for families to take a break while the kids explore the toddler play area, and larger playground equipment for bigger kids.  With ride-on toys, slides, ball pit and more, they plenty of interactive activities for kids of all ages.

Copper Coast Miniature Railway
With a handmade railway track winding its way around the information centre grounds, visitors of ages will enjoy jumping on board the Copper Coast miniature railway with the passionate train enthusiastic and drivers.   With scheduled runs each month, it’s best to check their facebook page for train schedules and updates.  

The Farm Shed Museum, Kadina
With Yorke Peninsula known for its dryland-farming activities, this large Museum covers the history of farming in the region, and various practices used and developed.  The Farm Shed Museum also provides a comprehensive insight into how women have influenced farming and how they lived their life on the land.   A refurbished 1950’s schoolroom is part of the complex, and all visitors love taking a turn at ringing the school bell!

Copper Coast Putt Putt
Located at the front of the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre, this 18-hole putt putt course offers a range of putter sizes and difficulty on each hole.  The Copper Coast Putt Putt is a great outdoor experience for groups or families!

Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum
This small museum covers the history of Wallaroo as well as providing an insight into the nautical history of Yorke Peninsula and Wallaroo.  Don’t miss seeing ‘George the Giant Squid’, which at a massive 28 feet long was recovered from a whale’s stomach over 30 years ago.  Join a ghost tour of Wallaroo on selected dates during the year, and hear tales of the town and its history from a local guide.

Coopers Alehouse Wallaroo
Located in prime beachfront and marina frontage position, Coopers Alehouse Wallaroo provides panoramic vistas of the Copper Cove Marina, North Beach and Spencer Gulf and serves up innovative cuisine, a clever wine list, and an ambience unmatched on the peninsula, whether dining inside or outside.

Bond Store Wallaroo
Offering a tantalising taste of flavours in one location, Bond Store Wallaroo is a multistorey brewery, distillery and restaurant located in Wallaroo’s main street.  With a focus on local produce prepared on a custom-made parrilla charcoal grill, stainless steel tanks on the brewery floor, or the copper still in the underground distillery, the Bond Store provides a multi-sensory experience.

Tarnasey Farm
Tarnasey Farm is a unique, innovative and exciting business at Wallaroo, offering a fully interactive farm experience in a safe, fun and relaxed environment including ‘little farmer tours’ and ‘farm birthday parties’. Come brush the ponies, feed and pat the pigs, meet the playful lambs, have fun with the naughty goats, admire the alpacas and watch the antics of the funny ducks, collect some eggs and be a little farmer for a while. 

Port Broughton
Located at the top of Yorke Peninsula, this seaside town is a perfect getaway. Port Broughton offers some magnificent sunsets which can be enjoyed over fine food at the local pub or restaurant or whilst throwing a line off the jetty. 

Port Broughton Historic Walking Trail
Follow one of 3 walking trails around the Port Broughton township, visiting some of the historic landmarks and learn about the towns history. With interpretative signage or a walking trail booklet, this trail is self-guided and visits historic churches, quaint cottages and the landmark town jetty.