17 Best Things To Do On The Copper Coast in 2025

The Copper Coast is a beautiful region located on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. It is a popular destination for visitors who are looking for a mix of stunning coastlines, rich history, and plenty of outdoor activities.

From exploring historic sites to swimming, surfing, and fishing in the clear blue waters, the Copper Coast has something for everyone.

In this region, you can enjoy scenic drives, picturesque beaches, and charming towns. Here are some of the top things to do on the Copper Coast that you shouldn’t miss.

Where is the Copper Coast in Australia?

South Australia’s Copper Coast is located in the Northern Yorke Peninsula area of the state. At only about two hour drive from Adelaide, this area of the Yorke Peninsula has an abundance of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

With so many things to do on Copper Coast and places to stay, the Copper Coast is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.

The Peninsula’s three main cities, Kadina, Moonta, and Wallaroo, are all in the Copper Coast, South Australia area.

Specifically, all around the Council area, you’ll find smaller towns and communities, including Port Hughes, North Beach and Moonta Bay on the coast; Wallaroo Mines and Moonta Mines in the historic mining areas; Cunliffe and Paskeville in the countryside; and Yorke Peninsula Field Days in Cunliffe and Paskeville.

Best Things to Do on the Copper Coast

1. Discover the Past at Farm Shed Museum

A farm museum is a great place to take the whole family, as it provides an opportunity to learn about Australia’s rich agricultural history while having fun.

This is why a half-hectare undercover showcase area featuring the ancient Matta House erected in 1863 is a delightful place for you to learn about the local copper mining industry and the social history of Kadina.

As you enjoy yourselves, you can also get a taste of rural life and a glimpse into the past of our forefathers. If you’d want your children to better understand the process of food production and respect where their food comes from, taking them to a farm or agricultural museum is a fantastic idea.

One of the main cities on the Copper Coast, Kadina, is where you’ll find the Farm Shed Museum. In detail, on exhibit are several aspects of the local environment, including copper mining, dryland farming, and life in Kadina and its surroundings.

It doesn’t get much better: National Trust members get in free, but the general public must pay $12 to visit.

2. Don’t Miss the Water Tower Mural

We all know that murals are a great way to improve the aesthetics of our neighbourhoods. For visitors and residents alike, they offer a dash of colour to otherwise drab buildings and streets. In addition to attracting new companies, murals draw consumers to current businesses and benefit the local economy.

To commemorate local Cornish heritage and a former rail line that ran beside the water tower’s current location, the artist Resio created a mural on the structure’s water tower in Frances Terrace Kadina.

You don’t need to search much further for creative inspiration than here. Kadina is proud of the city’s artwork, which represents and enhances its culture. In fact, the Copper Coast is a melting pot of cultures, and the murals that decorate the city reflect that.

3. Follow the Kadina Heritage Trail

If you’re planning as a family for Kadina things to do, you may want to consider taking a tour. I recommend you join the Kadina Heritage Trail, which promotes tourism by fusing the past with the present.

Explore this 1.4-mile circular route in Kadina, South Australia. In particular, it takes 18 minutes to complete this loop around the city. Also, since few people use this path, it is ideal for long walks.

The stroll begins with the Town Hall in Victoria Square in Kadina’s commercial district, which features some notable buildings and architecture.

Indeed, a well-marked trail, the Kadina Heritage Trail contains all of the town’s most significant historical buildings, including the Kadina Railway Station, the Banking and Currency Museum, the Church of Christ, Lipson Avenue’s exquisite stone houses, the Pioneer Cemetery, the Wallaroo Mine, and the old Police Residence.

4. See the Kadina Show

Take in all the sights and sounds of the celebrations on your things to do on the Copper Coast list. These gatherings are a great combination of local customs and cultures with current international festivals.

The Kadina Event is an annual rural show showcasing fresh talent and companies and a fun day for the whole family. In addition, the committee hosts a wide range of additional fund-raising activities.

For the whole family, there are sideshows, a flea market, food carts, and horseback rides planned for this fantastic weekend of fun and entertainment!

5. Have Fun in Copper Coast Putt Putt

Is it any wonder that you’ve scoured the internet for entertaining things to do on Copper Coast regularly? Copper Coast has plenty of cultural and entertainment options. Still, finding something that appeals to many people might be tough.

Take a trip to Copper Coast Putt Putt, where you can enjoy an 18-hole mini golf course with various difficulty levels and sizes.

While you’re at the visitor’s centre, take a spin on this exciting course; it’ll only cost you $5 per person. Simply put, there’s no better way to capture summer’s joyful, childlike spirit than to play mini golf here.

6. See the Wallaroo Silo Light Show

The Wallaroo Silo Light Show is a must-see on your things to do on the Copper Coast list. This event features a variety of digital charms and awe-inspiring displays.

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed by the spectacular displays of brilliant colours and blazing lights. Playing at night, the Wallaroo Silo Light Show celebrates South Australia’s Copper Coast’s rich heritage, activities, and local artists. 

In particular, at six o’clock every night, the entertainment begins. Before the performance starts each night, keep in mind that there is a 20-minute countdown.

7. Visit the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum

Living history museums transport you back in time and make you feel closer to your ancestors. If you’ve ever wanted to feel more connected to your ancestors, visiting a living history museum might be a great place to start. Indeed, the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum provide a glimpse into what life was like in the past.

To commemorate this period of copper production, the museum exhibits exhibitions from 1861 to 1923. In fact, it was formerly hailed as the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning postal and telephone history, religious and civic affairs, early pioneering figures, industry, sport, amusement, nautical exhibits, and other aspects of Wallaroo’s local history in general.

Adults pay AUD6.00, and children AUD3.00 to enter. They are open from 10 am to 4 pm, except on Christmas Day and the Friday before Easter.

8. Enjoy the Sunset on Wallaroo Jetty

Regardless of where you are, sunset is a beautiful time of day, whether you’re looking out over a metropolitan skyline or the ocean. A gorgeous sunset may symbolize anything to everyone.

On that note, an excellent fishing spot may be near the Wallaroo Jetty. The jetty extends 869 metres into the water up to 10 metres deep. It is home to a vast diversity of birds and other marine animals. As the day draws closer, the sun begins to sink beyond the horizon and changes into one of the area’s most beautiful sunsets.

Indeed, Jetty fishing is a popular pastime in Wallaroo, mainly because it’s free and easy to access. As an added bonus, it provides some of the most romantic vistas you could want on a date!

9. Discover the Wallaroo Heritage Walk

A visit to the Copper Coast is a whirlwind of culture, history, art and cuisine. So much so that putting together a detailed vacation might be tricky. Arranging a historic walk can be the best option based on where you’re going and what you’re looking to learn since the guides are generally well-versed in their field and know the city’s hidden treasures.

As such, you may explore the town centre and different commercial and public buildings from 1861 by taking a Wallaroo Heritage Walk. Most of the buildings that make up Owen Terrace’s streetscape were constructed between 1864 and 1900. However, their uses have changed significantly since then.

Many of Wallaroo’s historic businesses, hotels, and banks can be found in this neighbourhood. Hence, plenty of photo ops and activities to keep visitors entertained, hence, this is considered one of Wallaroo’s things to do.

10. Visit the First Micro-brewery in Copper Coast – The Bond Store

Beer drinkers in Australia have never had it so good. Copper Coast’s first microbrewery at the Bond Store offers a wide variety of excellent beers for beer connoisseurs to choose from. The Bond Store deserves to be on your Copper Coast things-to-do list since it is a destination unto itself.

In this laid-back setting, visitors are encouraged to mingle and socialize with one another. As part of the Bond Store’s goal, it aims to bring people together through shared experiences.

The Bond Store menu features various foods grilled on a custom-made parrilla charcoal grill, all created using fresh, local ingredients in a tapa-style meal.

P.S.: If you’re in for a gin, try their Quandong and Blood Orange Gin!

11. See Hughes Enginehouse

Take a stroll around these buildings and learn a little about each one and the mining life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries while you’re doing it. When it came to the Moonta Mine’s operations, Hughes Enginehouse was indispensable. 

Briefly, it drained water from the mine’s primary ore deposits. Over a distance of 1000 metres and a depth of more than 700 metres, these ore deposits, known as Elders and Elders West Lodes were mined. Elders winding engine, Mechanical workshop, Stables and Stockyard, and engine pools were all located near the engine house.

12. Enjoy Splash Town, Water Park

There’s no better time to enjoy the outdoors than when it’s hot and muggy outside, and you can cool down in the comfort of an ac unit. People are desperate to escape the blazing heat. Still, water parks are eager to provide visitors with a refreshing experience they won’t find anywhere else.

As a result, Splash Town – Copper Coast is situated on the lovely shoreline of Moonta Bay. This facility is open to the public and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. An enormous tipping bucket and many giant mushrooms are among the park’s many attractions. Unfortunately, it is closed during the winter season.

You may however follow their Facebook Page for updates on open times.

13. Visit the Beautiful Moonta Bay Jetty

While exploring the Copper Coast, hikers will find themselves spoiled for choice regarding scenic vistas and breathtaking beaches. Moonta Bay Jetty is an excellent place to come, whether for a jetty promenade, to catch a sunset, or just for a relaxing fishing trip.

Furthermore, there is a saltwater pool right off the long L-shaped jetty, which is ideal for swimming in crystal blue water. Additionally, 50 metres away from the jetty is, as mentioned, the free community waterpark, Splashtown.

14. Learn more about Moonta at Moonta Mines Museum

Observe the history and culture of Moonta and its surrounding areas through various intriguing exhibitions. In fact, Moonta Mines Model School, built in 1878, now houses the Museum of Mining History and Culture in Moonta Mine. Throughout its ninety-year existence, the school served as a vital hub for the residents of Moonta Mines.

Extensive exhibits of clothing, memorabilia and a classroom from about 1900 fill this 1878 structure. Now, it is dedicated to the Cornish miners’ way of life: mining, clubs, social gatherings, athletics, and death and hardship.

The admission price for adults is $8.00 and $4.00 for children.

15. Enjoy the ride at Moonta Mines Tourist Railway

There’s a certain allure to taking a train to see a new place. You get to see the scenery in a way you can’t get any other way. The Moonta Mines Tourist Railway takes you on a guided tour through the legendary Moonta Mines State Heritage Area, departing from a station next to the Moonta Mines Museum. 

Historic mining sites, including the reservoir, ore sorting floors, and Ryans Tailings Heap tunnels, are shown to tourists on a tour that includes detailed commentary from local drivers.

You may take a 50-minute narrow gauge train ride through the National Heritage-listed Moonta Mines Place for just $12 for adults and $5 for school-age children. There are ore sorting floors and Ryan’s Tunnel that takes you from a reservoir to a tailings heap.

16. Have some sweets at Moonta Mines Sweet Shop

No matter how full you are after a meal, there is always space for dessert. But despite that, the true measure of a wonderful dessert is when you can eat it whenever.

On that note, one of the Moonta things to do is to visit the Moonta Mines Sweet Shop. It is a great option if you’re in the mood for something sugary! This structure housed the Moonta Mines Post Office for many years until it was shut down in the middle of the 1970s. While the ancient post office may be attractive, it’s hard to deny that sweet shops are the real deal, and this one is no exception.

For a wide selection of nostalgic candies from your childhood and more trendy treats, be sure to stop by the Moonta Mines Sweet Shop while you’re in Copper Coast.

17. See the Moonta Gallery of the Arts

In contrast to established museums, contemporary art galleries are essential in displaying both up-and-coming and well-known artists of today. Moonta Gallery of the Arts celebrates the newest generation of artists and displays never-before-seen materials.

As part of Moonta’s Town Hall complex, near the crossroads of George and Henry Streets, lies the Moonta Gallery of the Arts. The gallery shows something new with various subjects, materials and techniques almost every month. To top it all off, most of the artwork is available for purchase, so you may expand your art collection at home.

Copper Coast Beaches

The Copper Coast is home to some of South Australia’s most beautiful and picturesque beaches. There are a number of beaches along the coast, each offering something unique and special. Here are a few of the top beaches to check out:

1. Moonta Bay: Moonta Bay is a popular family-friendly beach that is perfect for swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. The beach has calm waters, soft sand, and plenty of amenities, including a playground and barbecue facilities.
   
2. Wallaroo Beach: Wallaroo Beach is a long, sandy beach that is perfect for long walks, swimming, and fishing. The beach is known for its clear blue waters and beautiful sunsets.
   
3. Port Hughes: Port Hughes is a sheltered beach that is great for families and children. The beach has calm waters, a playground, and barbecue facilities, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or day trip.
   
4. Moonta Bay Jetty: The Moonta Bay Jetty is a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, and snorkelling. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset over the water.
   
5. North Beach: North Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach that is perfect for a peaceful day by the water. The beach has clear blue waters, and soft sand, and is surrounded by sand dunes and coastal vegetation.

Overall, the Copper Coast has a range of beautiful beaches to explore, each with its own unique charm and activities to enjoy.

Where to Eat on The Copper Coast?

In the Copper Coast, you’ll find various gourmet dining options, from Michelin-starred establishments to restaurants that serve locally sourced seasonal fare. Here are a handful of the most incredible restaurants in Copper Coast to get you excited!

1. The Smelter

For breakfast and lunch, visit one of the numerous cafés, delis, or restaurants along the shore. Take advantage of the fantastic outdoor eating choices! For starters, the Smelter is a warm and inviting place to dine.

During the weekends, you may have to wait for a table, but their delicious coffee and friendly atmosphere make the wait worthwhile. And if you’re more in the mood for something sweet than savoury, try one of their famous smoothies.

Indeed, the buzzy eatery on Wallaroo continues to attract diners for its pulled pork chilli con Carne, vegan scrambled eggs, and lemon curd pancakes.

2. Cracked Pepper Cafe, Kadina

For a filling start to the weekend, Cracked Pepper Café is a good choice for a brunch dish. You can guarantee this restaurant’s delicious food, stylish decor, and the best dining experience. 

In particular, you may enjoy a wide variety of pastries, sweet treats such as frappes and coffees, and a selection of teas and coffee-based beverages. Get your caffeine fix with lattes, ice mixes, and cold brews. Interested in staying longer? Choose from a variety of wraps/sandwiches to go with your beverages!

3. Goyder Street Cafe

What a perfect way to wind down at Goyder Street Cafe after a long day of sightseeing! All-day breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, fish and chips, specials, and bundles are all on the menu.

With a cozy, restaurant-like atmosphere on Kadina, this bar serves up pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere. While this restaurant’s menu is relatively modest, nevertheless, it’s really well thought-out and affordably priced. Indeed, you can enjoy the most excellent lunch in Kadina with a group of friends, a significant other, or a loved one.

Accommodation in the Copper Coast

1. Moonta Bay Accommodation

• ⭐ Rating: 8.2 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, free parking
• 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com

While staying at Moonta Bay Accommodation, guests can explore the historical landmarks and stunning natural landscapes at their leisure.

With plenty of room to park your car and boat right outside your door, you’ll be only 800 metres from the beach, restaurants, and a water park at their vacation rental homes. To top it all off, their rooms are decorated in a unique and cozy style.

adequately equipped, shower is hot, bed is comfortable, close to the beach, clean site, good value for money

-che (see more reviews)

It’s easy to relax and unwind in Moonta Bay, whether you’re there for a beach vacation, fishing trip, golfing excursion, family reunion, or business trip. They have it all for you!

2. Rezare House Bed and Breakfast

• ⭐ Rating: 9.8 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, free parking
• 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com

This Airbnb, with its dazzling white walls and light wood flooring, seems like something straight out of a Hollywood film. Rezare House’s unique selling point is that they only entertain guests on the first floor of their contemporary property. From here, they have fully equipped air-conditioned guest amenities to cater for your needs.

Well appointed, spacious, comfortable, good views, interesting garden.

-anne (see more reviews)

Before moving to Wallaroo, South Australia, in late 2016, they operated a bed and breakfast in England for many years, so they know how to cater to the preferences of their guests. Because of this, they have developed a reputation for providing honest hospitality. In fact, many past guests describe their stay as like staying with family or friends. 

Indeed, an idyllic vacation on the Yorke Peninsula’s Copper Coast is the goal for staying at this property.

3. Cliff House Beachfront Villas

• ⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, beachfront
• 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com

You can avoid the mob at the state parks and carve yourself your own stretch of sand in these four sea-front apartments with open-plan living rooms and exclusive access to the beach.

Modern,clean very spacious apartment. Location and view were wonderful. Easy checkin. Host quick to respond with query

-janinne (see more reviews)

Every year, the Cliff House in Moonta Bay wins over tourists from all over the world. Take a breather at one of their spacious and well-equipped apartments, which include stunning ocean views from a private balcony or patio. 

As if that wasn’t enough, the Cliff House overlooks Moonta Bay and is about two hours away from Adelaide.

Copper Coast FAQs

The Wrap-Up: Things To Do On The Copper Coast

In conclusion, the Copper Coast in South Australia is a destination that offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the rich mining history of the area, enjoying the stunning beaches, or immersing yourself in the local culture and produce, there is something for everyone on the Copper Coast.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the historical sites and museums, sampling the local produce, and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and camping.

With its unique blend of history, nature, and local culture, the Copper Coast offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

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