Resembling a little Italy without the football, the boot shaped Yorke Peninsula is one of South Australia's great detours. The Yorke is surprisingly undeveloped considering its close proximity to Adelaide, and a large percentage of the predominantly flat countryside is blanketed by some of the world's richest wheat and barley fields. Although agriculture is the region's primary industry these days, it originally gained prominence when huge copper-ore deposits were discovered here in the mid 19th century. Scores of Cornish miners and their families poured into the area, and most found residence in the three flourishing towns of the "Copper Triangle". The areas' inherent Cornish influence eventually led the towns to being collectively known as Little Cornwall, and today they are just as charming as they were 140 years ago. Each abounds with historical buildings and attractions, and this step back in time is one of the major highlights of the Yorke Peninsula.

The Yorke Penisula's other major drawcard is it's breathtaking stretch of secluded sandy beaches, interrupted only by an occasional headland and a scattering of friendly holiday hamlets. The coastline's beauty seems to culminate at the toe, and the series of dramatic cliffs, superb surf beaches, and wildlife rich hinterland is protected by the fabulous and must see Innes National Park. Before entering the Yorke Peninsula, visitors have the added opportunity of touring through the gorgeous towns and award-winning wineries of the beautiful Clare Valley.

The Copper Triangle

Located on its north-west shoulder, the Yorke Peninsula's three main towns of Moonta, Kadina, and Wallaroo are grouped together in a district known as the Copper Triangle. Initial signs of the area's huge copper deposit were discovered by a lowly shepherd in 1857, and over the next few years as copper finds increased, Cornish miners and their families flooded into the triangle to find their fortunes. The settlements which accumulated around the three primary mines grew into prosperous towns, and the industry became so large that it was able to bail the entire state out of its bankruptcy dilemmas in the late 19th century. For sixty years the miners and townsfolk enjoyed a lifestyle of wealth and prominence, but as some pessimist once said, good times never last (the NASDAQ is more than an appropriate example). By 1923, a slump in world copper prices and the ever dwindling supply of ore led to the closure of every mine, and ultimately caused the dispersion of a majority of the area's population. Since the mass exodus it's almost as though the region has been frozen in time, though it's through this sheer lack of development that the area has gained its greatest asset. Each town boasts a rich colonial flavour through their many fine old buildings, churches, homesteads and historical museums. The Copper Triangle's strong Cornish heritage has not been lost either, with the town's communities joining forces every odd numbered year to host the famous and award winning Kernewek Lowender Festival.

At the southern corner of the Copper Triangle, Moonta was the location of the most successful mine, and today the actual digging is one of the town's main historical attractions. The rest lie in and around the town's abundance of superb colonial buildings, which are best discovered via the Moonta Heritage Walk. The trail files by over sixty points of interest, and travels through and around a community whose passion lies clearly within it's past. All relevant information is available at the town's tourist office, located in the old train station. The township also lies close to the coastline of the Spencer Gulf, and there are some good swimming beaches at both Moonta Bay and Port Hughes. Port Hughes lies only a few kilometres south of Moonta, and is renowned spot for serious anglers. There's a great range of deep sea fishing charters operating out of this tiny hamlet, and there's also a small splashing of seaside accommodation.

19 kilometres north-east of Moonta, Kadina is the largest of the Copper Triangle towns, and the "capital" of the Yorke Peninsula. The community has diversified since the heady days of the copper industry, and now serves the rich agricultural land of the district. Despite this diversification, there are still more than fifty historical sites scattered throughout the township, and the most noteworthy include the Kadina Heritage Museum, the old Wallaroo Mine, and the classic Royal Exchange and Wombat Hotels. Enthusiastic tourists who wish to visit the lot can pick a Discovering Historic Kadina leaflet from one of the local newsagents. Travellers on a budget should also be aware that Kadina's main shopping centre is of rare size for the Yorke, and the only one with a large supermarket.

Less than ten kilometres west of Kadina, the port of Wallaroo was originally established to process and ship the vast qualities of copper ore being unearthed from the nearby mines. It's survived as a major port, though these days the cargo is grain instead of metal. To take in the town's numerous places of interest, there's a couple of historic paths to follow. Both trails begin at the interesting Wallaroo Heritage & Maritime Museum (located in the old post office), which is well worth a look in itself. On the coast, Wallaroo's safe swimming beaches and fantastic fishing conditions add to the port's appeal.

If your travelling into the Copper Triangle from the base of the Yorke Peninsula, chances are you'll pass through the small and attractive inland town of Maitland on the way. Apart from being a good stopping point for it's tasty bakery and helpful service station, visitors should also check out town's National Trust Museum which features backgrounds into both the local Aboriginal people, as well as the area's many 19th century German settlers. If travelling into the Triangle from the top of the Yorke, the highway kisses the coast at the popular seaside holiday town of Port Broughton, which over the years has become a very popular destination among serious anglers.

Travelling down the east coast of the Yorke Peninsula, the highway rarely strays further than 2 kilometres from the coastline on its journey to the heel of this boot shaped land mass. Originating from Port Wakefield (see Greater Adelaide) at the top of Gulf St Vincent, the first of the major seaside towns it passes by, is the grain exporting port of Ardrossan. Besides the huge grain silos, Ardrossan is an attractive coastal town, which offers good crabbing and fishing from its long jetty. In town, the National Trust Museum's most noteworthy exhibit is an early example of the "stump jump" plough, a famous invention of the area which made an enormous difference to South Australian farmers.

Further down the coast, the highway runs by the tiny holiday towns of Pine Point and Port Julia, before arriving at the sleepy resort of Port Vincent. Port Vincent is superbly set on a broad, crescent shaped bay, and makes a top destination for those seeking a relaxing seaside retreat. There's a good range of accommodation here, and days are passed with fishing, swimming, and leisurely strolls along the nature trail skirting the coastline. Less than twenty kilometres further south, Stansbury boasts similar qualities, and is yet another laid-back and popular holiday destination.

24 kilometres south of Stansbury, Edithburgh is the southern most community enjoying the Gulf St Vincent's stunning coastline. Apart from its refreshing tidal swimming pool, quaint old stone buildings, and intriguing maritime museum, the town's main attraction lies a few kilometres off-shore on the wonderful Toubridge Island. The island is a conservation park which protects colonies of penguins, crested terns, and other handsome sea-going birds. Visitors to Toubridge even have the rare opportunity to stay in a lighthouse, and should contact the charter companies in town for more information. The charters also offer fishing and diving trips.

From Edithburgh the coastal highway runs inland, passing through the towns of Yorketown and Warooka before turning towards the toe of the Yorke Penisula. If you're heading that way, it's a wise idea to stock up on supplies in either town (Yorketown has the largest supermarket), as beyond here the services are fairly modest. The towns are worth the stop on any account, both boasting some lovely 19th century buildings and a couple of fantastic old Aussie pubs.

At the toe of the peninsula, Marion Bay is a tiny resort town beautifully set on the crystal clear waters of the same name. Although there's not much here besides the multi functional Marion Bay Store (post office, petrol, takeaway, fishing tackle, boat hire), a friendly caravan park, and a small enclave of rentable holiday houses, Marion Bay's isolation and superb beaches and coastline may be just what you've been dreaming for. Anglers should also be aware that the area's renowned for it's great fishing, and Foul Bay Fishing Charters can give you a hand to catch some of South Australia's famous whiting and snapper.

Just a few kilometres south of Marion Bay, the Innes National Park is another good reason to get yourself to this remote part of the Yorke Peninsula. The park protects nearly 10 000 hectares of undulating mallee and heath hinterland, overflowing with common species like kangaroos and emus, and serving as the last bastion for some rare birds like the wonderful mallee fowl. The coastline is equally alluring, consisting of a seemingly endless stretch of multi-coloured limestone cliffs and impressive surf and swimming beaches. A trip to the park must also include the abandoned gypsum-mining settlement of Inneston, regarded by many as the area's highlight. Set on a turquoise shallow lake, visitors can follow a signposted walk which winds through the remnants of the town's old stone buildings, rusty mining relics, and curious stone tennis court.

Travelling back up the Yorke Peninsula, Minlaton is the southern most town of any size on the route running along the western edge of the boot. The township's a good place to stop after the comparatively lean facilities further south, and also boasts a couple of good art galleries as well as a memorial and museum dedicated to the local World War II fighter pilot ace, Harry Butler.