The Copper Triangle: The discovery of copper on Yorke Peninsula in 1859 saved the struggling colony of South Australia from bankruptsy. Mining centred around three towns - Walleroo, Kadina and Moonta - which formed what became known as the Copper Triangle. Copper mining gave rise to a unique subculture of transplanted Cornish folk, whose influence is still evident in the architecture and culture of those towns today.
The mines and smelters of the Copper Triangle were large establishments by world standards in the nineteenth century. Though the copper deposits have long since run out, the remnants of the mines, the miners and the towns they built remain and provide an interesting window into the unique Cornish-influenced past for visitors.
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Troubridge Island: For a truly peaceful island experience, nothing beats a few days of total relaxtion on Troubridge Island, off the coast of Edithburgh. Accommodation is available in the in heritage listed Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage. This small sand island offers great opportunities to snorkel, try your luck at fishing or observe the island's bird life, including Little Penguins. As the island is a conservation park, access by is permit only, or Troubridge Island Charters.
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Innes National Park: Located at the tip of Yorke Peninsula, Innes National Park is one of the most spectacular parks within Australia. With its diversity of habitats, and an abundance of heritage and coastal scenery, Innes provides a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including bushwalking, photography, camping, surfing, diving, fishing and surfing. There is an abundance of history associated with mining gypsum in the early 1900's; the historic heritage-listed Inneston village where gypsum used to be mined is open for inspection.
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Kernewek Lowender: the largest Cornish Festival in the World, From small beginning in 1973, the festival today attracts over 30,000 people to Moonta in odd numbered years in May. Renowned for its many free events, street processions, church services and art and craft displays, it gives a chance for many Australians to celebrate Cornish ancestry. Kernewek Lowender the Cornish words for Cornish happiness, really describes what the festival has come to represent.
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Fishing and Boating: Yorke Peninsula's waters provide some of the best fishing and boating in the state. It doesn't matter whether you are experienced or a novice, there is plenty of action to be had from boat, shore or jetty. Blue swimmer crabd can be caught all year round; Southern Salmon can be caught off any headland, blue or surf area; the rugged coastline areas of Yorke Peninsula are home to Southern Rock Lobster (season is from Nov to May, restrictions apply).
The peninsula's coast isn't just about angling. The sheltered bays and coves and the calm waters of Gulf St Vincent are ideal for other aquatic activities, including swimming, skiing and diving on the numerous wrecks around the coast.
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Underwater Maritime Heritage Trails: Yorke Peninsula is one of South Australia's key diving areas. With such a combination of unspoilt ocean and gulf waters and habits, including sandy beaches, reefs and islands, there is a huge diversity and abundance of fish and cristacean species. Two Underwater Maritime Heritage Trails provide excellent diving opportunities for beginners and the experienced. The Wardang Island Maritime Heritage Trail has eight wrecks within 10 nautical miles of each other, while the Investigator Strait trail highlights 10 vessels wrecked in that region.
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