Historic mining ruins at Moonta


Magnificent beach sunsets

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THE YORKE PENINSULA

The Yorke Peninsula is that funny, leg shaped peninsula opposite Adelaide across the Gulf St. Vincent, and is one of South Australia's most popular holiday playgrounds. It contains several Conservation and National Parks and is noted for the 'Copper Triangle' comprising the towns of Moonta, Kadina and Wallaroo.
In December 1859, a shepherd, James Boor, discovered copper near Wallaroo which led to the creation of the Wallaroo Mine. Two years later, another shepherd, Paddy Ryan found copper at Moonta, slightly south. These finds led to a rapid build-up in the populations of the sparsely held area and miners from Burra to the east, and new settlers from Adelaide and other parts came to the region seeking work. They were predominately Cornish settlers and their influence still remains long after the copper ran out. Relics of the mining heyday can still be seen in the old mines and smelters and museums around the triangle.
The southern sections of the peninsula are havens for fishermen and divers. Rugged coastline and spectacular surf beaches offer perfect opportunities to enjoy the waters and the underwater photographer will encounter most species found in South Australian waters. There are a number of shipwrecks in the area and the Wardang Island Maritime Heritage Trail leads to 8 wrecks which have been marked for diving. A concrete block and plaque next to each wreck marks its history and fate. A waterproof booklet is also available.
There are plenty of places to stay on your Yorke Peninsula Holiday and the accommodation link opposite provides links to many.

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There are several wineries, lots of olde style pubs, museums and attractions to see and there is a wealth of accommodation options including B&Bs, motels, pub rooms and caravan parks.
ACCOMMODATION
Motels, hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs, guest houses and farm stays will all be found on the Yorke Peninsula.

Wilkins Tourist Maps produce a map in this area. You can pick up a Yorke Peninsula map from accommodation houses and some information centres in towns in this area.


YORKE PENINSULA TOWNS


YORKE PENINSULA ATTRACTIONS
For all areas also refer to the Yorke Peninsula Regional Guide and the Visitors Guide for Central and Southern, Yorke Peninsula for Galleries, Museums and "Home Grown" produce, walking trails, fishing, surfing and for places to visit.
  • ARDROSSAN
    • ARDROSSAN MUSEUM - The museum contains original drawings, photos and implements from the early days of farming on the Yorke Peninsula. Includes relics which have been brought up from the famous shipwreck, the Zanoni, which lies off the coast of Ardrossan. Open Sundays, public holidays 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.
    ARDROSSAN LOOK OUT - Open cut mine, with spectacular views of the coast line, mine and the silos. Open all times, unless blasting is in progress at which time the gates will be closed.
  • ARTHURTON
    • MAX ZWAR'S SHED Gallery.
  • MAITLAND
    • MAITLAND MUSEUM - The museums contains local history, German heritage and relics and agricultural machinery from the districts early farming days. Open Sundays, public holidays 2 to 4pm.
    MAITLAND INFORMATION CENTRE - Tourist information, public access computers and internet. Open every day from 8.30am to 5pm.
    BARLEY STACKS WINES - BARLEY STACKS WINES.
    Open 7 days a week for tastings and sales.
  • PORT VICTORIA
    • PORT VICTORIA MUSEUM - The museum contains maritime displays, information and photos of the many shipwrecks that lie off the coast of Wardang Island. The museum also showcases the local history of Port Victoria, which is the last of the windjammer ports. Open Sundays and Public holidays 2 to 4pm also on Tuesday and Thursday from October to Easter. For more information contact 88342202
    GEOLOGY TRAIL - The trail starts at the Port Victoria jetty and finishes south at Rifle Butts beach. The trail follows rock that was formed by Volcanoes nearly 2000 million years ago.
    WINDJAMMER GALLERY AND STUDIO - Paintings of Mainly Marine and Portraiture. Open everyday of the week, but you can make appointments to view paintings. They have an upstairs studio where you are welcome to go and watch them work. Ph. Jeff and Heather Lock on 8834 2020.
  • MINLATON
    • YORKE PENINSULA VISITOR CENTRE. - THE ACCREDITED VISITOR CENTRE FOR THE AREA - Information, maps.
    'Walk the Yorke' details, holiday memorabilia, free wifi and internet access - Open 7 days. Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm - Saturdays from 9am to 3pm - Sundays and public holidays from 10am until 3pm. Phone 1800 202 445.
    Email:info@visityorkepeninsula.com.au - WWW: www.visityorkepeninsula.com.au

    HARVEST CORNER. 29 Main Street, Minlaton. Ph /Fax 88532600.Quality craft and produce, gallery, and tearooms. Open 7 days. Monday to Friday 9am to 5.00pm. Satyrdays from 9am to 3pm. Sundays and Public Holidays 10am to 3pm pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
    GUM FLAT GALLERY - The gaIlery showcases paintings by local artists. Located at the rear of the Rest Centre, Main St, Miniaton. Open Wed lopm to 2pm or by appt Ph: 8853 2321
    NATIONAL TRUST MUSEUM - Main Street, Minlaton. Open Tuesday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday 9.30 am to 12 noon.
    "RED DEVIL" MONOPLANE - The "Red Devil" a historic World War 1 monoplane flown by one of Australia's early aviators, Captain Harry Butler. His plane has been restored to its original condition and is on permanent static display in the Butler Memorial at the northern end of the township.
    THE CREAMERY - 29 Maitland Road, Minlaton. Phone/Fax 08 8853 2579. Display of art, crafts, paintings, plants and second hand books. Open most days 10 am - 4 pm.
    SPOG'S SHED - 51 Maitland Road, Miniaton. Salvage and Collectables, Second hand goods. Open THursday to Saturday from 10am - 4pm, or by appointment. Ph Neil: 0409698243 or Ph / Fax Gayle: 08 88532394.
    BARGAINS N' BITS - Second hand clothes and goods. Fourth Street, Minlaton. Open Thursday and Friday 1Oam to 4pm.
    STONEVILLE FARM CLYDESDALES - 9kms north of Miniaton. Clydesdales, whip cracking, whip displays. Open byappointment. Phone Colin Butler on 8853 2209 or mobile 0418 825 952.
  • PORT VINCENT
    • PORT VINCENT MARINE STUDIES CENTRE - Located at the Port Vincent Primary School, Minlacowie Road. The students and staff have established a comprehensive display including 3 large aquariums. Students conduct tours Monday
  • STANSBURY
    • STANSBURY MUSEUM - Open Wednesday and Sunday afternoons 2 to 4 pm. Appointments Phone 8852 4231. Adults $2, children 50c.
    SOUTHERN YORKE PENINSULA VISITOR OUTLET - Information, maps and brochures, accommodation details and holiday memorabilia. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. September to April also open weekends 10am to 3pm.
  • PORT GILES
    • BARACHEL ALPACAS - At Port Giles near Wool Bay. Established in 1994 as first Alpaca stud on the Yorke Peninsula. Open Monday to Saturday preferably by appointment. Hands on experience and tour from 15 minutes to 2 hours. NO CHARGE. Phone 08 8852 8029. Mobile 0438 528 029.
  • COOBOWIE
    • LIME KILN GALLERY COOBOWIE - 3 Gilbert Street. Open most days 9 am - 6 pm. Stoneware pottery, clocks and wood turned products.
  • EDITHBURGH
    • ECO TOURS TO TROUBRIDGE ISLAND - (off Edithburgh) Unique birds and fairy penguins. Historic 140 year oldlighthouse, tour lasts 2 hours. Contact Chris Johnson on 08 8852 6290.
    EDITHBURGH MUSEUM - Display of the salt and shipping history of Edithburgh and an extensive "Clan Ranald"exhibit. A reading section, where you can browse through school albums, cemetery records, museum publications and other memorabilia. Troubridge Island display, Yorketown Hospital, ladies corner, music room and children's display. The museum is open 24 p.m. Sundays, public and school holidays, and other times by phoning Meredith on 8852 6187, or Fred at 8852 6464.
    THE BAKEHOUSE ARTS AND CRAFTS - Blanch Street, Edithburgh. Locally produced handicrafts, and run by volunteers, is open 7 days. Contact Meredith Clifford at 8852 6187 for further details.
  • WATTLE POINT
    • WINDFARM - The wind farm at Wattle Point began generating electricity in early 2005. The 55 turbines act independently and measure 68 metres high with a rotor diameter of 82 metres. Head south from Edithburgh and take the Old Honiton Road for 2kms. Turn left onto Sheoak Beach Road and follow for lkm. This will bring you to the information rotunda where you can 'hug a turbine'.
  • BUBLACOWIE
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    BUBLACOWIE MILITARY MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL - Display includes medals, uniforms and personal memorabilia. Open to social clubs and bus tour groups by appointment. Open on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. 1 0.00am to 4.00 pm or by appointment. Phone 8853 4379. Located centrally between Minlaton, Stansbury and Yorketown. Closed July. -
  • YORKETOWN
    • COURTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY - The historical society has amassed nearly 1,000 photographs depicting the area's pioneering days. Can be viewe ' d in the old Courthouse on Friday mornings or by appointment. Ph 88521250
    SYP COMMUNITY TELECENTRE -33 Stansbury Road, Yorketown. Phone 8852 1820. Access to computers and the Internet for locals and visitors, information on a wide range of SA Govt. services. Photocopying available.
    BALLYWIRE FARM AND TEAROOMS - (11 kms from Yorketown) Open Wed to Sat (school terms), everyday in school holidays and all public holidays except Christmas day, 10 am till 5 pm. Great opportunity to interact with Farm animals. Souvenirs and light meals available. Phone: 8852 1053. Closed February.
  • WAROOKA
  • POINT TURTON
    • POINT TURTON CERAMIC ARTS - 5 Wurlie Court. Open most days, contact Dawn Wade on 8854 5120.
  • INNES NATIONAL PARK
    • Bush walking, camping, surfing, fishing and diving. See the park's diverse flora and fauna including Western Grey Kangaroos, and over 100 bird species. Explore its scenic landscape featuring coastal mallee, heath lands, limestone Cliffs and secluded beaches. See Inneston where the gypsum mining took place. Visit the lnnes National Park Nature Resourcce Centre.