Moonta, SA
1.0 km (1 hr )
★★★☆☆

Moonta was colonial South Australia's largest mining enterprise. Known as the 'Copper Triangle', the mines opened in 1861, with the town growing to have a population second only to Adelaide. The copper mines led to a rapid influx of skilled miners and artisans from Cornwall, giving the rise to the second name for this area - 'Little Cornwall'. Cornish methods were applied in construction, design, labour and mining, and evidence of this can still be seen in the historic relics and ruins dotted around the town.

My friends and I visited two of the heritage listed sites in this former copper mining town - the Hughes Enginehouse and shaft, and the nearby Richmans Enginehouse and Tailings Heap. Information signs at both locations gave details of the former mines and their history.