The town was originally built to support Leigh's Creek coal mine, however the coal was not mined in a significant commercial manner until 1943 in an effort to make South Australia more self-sufficient for its energy needs.

Where is it?: Outback South Australia.

The former Aboriginal mission of Nepabunna, now home to 30 people

Sliding Rock Bore is the site of an abandoned copper mine.

There are numerous Aboriginal cultural sites in the Copley region. The Munyi Aboriginal engravings site are 70 km east). Nepabunna Cultural Area containing mythological sites of the Adnjamathanha people (50 km east) Pinda Springs (50 km south-east) is an Aboriginal occupation site. Prism Hill Aboriginal site (50 km east)has three rock shelters with paintings. Ram Paddock Gate Historical Site containes the last traditional Aboriginal camping ground in the Flinders Ranges (30 km east). Red Gorge Historical Reserve has Aboriginal engravings.

Moro Gorge
Moro Gorge: Access via Balcanoona���Wertaloona Road, 14 km south of Balcanoona opposite Wertaloona access track. Access depends on road conditions. Permit required. Bring own water and firewood. Gas/fuel stove preferred.

Origin of name: William Copley, an MP and Commissioner of Crown Lands.