Welcome to Wallaroo

Wallaroo

Known to many as South Australia's most popular seaside resort, Wallaroo offers a relaxed seaside lifestyle. Visitors come for the boating, fishing, beaches, coastline, walking trails, and all the things that make a seaside resort, along with the history and association with the past.

Wallaroo was once the second busiest port in South Australia, mainly due to mining and smelting. Many historic buildings from that time are still preserved. These days its shipping terminal caters for international grain needs and shares the picturesque foreshore with ideal spots to fish, swim and relax.

Wallaroo has a number of beaches including North Beach, Office Beach and Sailing Club Beach. All are great for swimming. North Beach is one of the few beaches in South Australia on which a vehicle can still be driven, allowing you to drive straight onto the sweeping beach, step out of the car and feel the sand between your toes.

Wallaroo is well known for its excellent fishing and popular catches include the King George whiting, yellowtail whiting, garfish, tommy ruffs, mullet, salmon, snook, and occasionally flathead and bream. Wallaroo is also a popular spot for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Be sure to check out the Copper Cove Marina, which is almost one third the size of the original town, as well as the modern shopping facilities, cafes, restaurants and attractions for all your holiday needs.

If you are looking for relaxation, beautiful white sandy and safe swimming beaches, a good fishing or diving spot, or a glimpse back into the peak of the State's copper mining days, you've found the place.

While you are here take the time to sit back and enjoy a sunset, Wallaroo turns on quite a display.

Wallaroo is the largest seaside town in the Copper Coast with a population of around 4,000 people. Situated on Wallaroo Bay on the East coast of Spencer Gulf, Yorke Peninsula, it is an easy 90 minute drive from the outskirts of Adelaide.

History

Wallaroo was first settled in 1851 when Robert Miller took up 104 square miles of land for sheep grazing. This was taken over in 1857 by Walter Watson Hughes, and one of his shepherds found copper in 1859 while tending sheep.

Mines were established, and Wallaroo subsequently grew rapidly. Particularly in the early years, ships were the only practical means of transport, so almost everything in and out was transported by sea. By 1923, Wallaroo was the second biggest port in South Australia, only Adelaide being bigger.

Smelters were built to handle the copper ore, and the population grew rapidly, as did the port. The main inbound cargoes were phosphate rock for a local fertiliser works, and coal for the smelters, as well as foodstuffs, timber and mining equipment. Outbound cargo consisted mainly of grain and copper.

During Wallaroo's boom times as a port, there was a gradual change from sailing ships to steam driven vessels, and sometimes there were both types in the port together. All cargo had to be loaded and unloaded by hand, so there was a large population needed to handle the work. The mines and

smelters were largely staffed by Cornish (miners) and Welsh (smelters) immigrant workers who came to Australia to take advantage of the need for their skills.

Low copper prices forced the closure of the smelters in 1923 and the town population gradually declined as a result. The opening of a smelter in nearby Port Pirie with rail access also helped to seal the fate of the Wallaroo smelters, and all that remains is one chimney, as a reminder of the industrial past.

The bustle of the past is truly over, as mining and the associated smelting have long gone. Wallaroo is still an active sea port, which services the inbound wheat and grain from local farmers. Inbound goods nowadays are carried exclusively by road transport. The three jetties that existed have been reduced to one. In contrast to the extensive manual labour of the old days, the cargo is bulk loaded via a gantry from the grain silos.

Wallaroo Smelting Works circa 1905

Shipping at Wallaroo jetty circa 1914

Loading wheat onto ships circa 1904

Things to See & Do

Located only 160kms from Adelaide, visiting Wallaroo is an easy day trip, weekender or an extended stay.

It’s the perfect place for the sporting enthusiast, beach lover, history buff, foodies or just relaxing and reading a book.

WALLAROO JETTY

The Wallaroo Jetty is one of the best fishing jetties in the state. Extending out for 869 metres into water with three berths each side accommodating large freighters which utilise the significant bulk grain handling facilities. The pristine waters provide a haven for multitudes of marine life and being up to 10 metres deep, the jetty is a drawcard for scuba divers.

WALLAROO SILO ART SHOW

After the success of the Travelling Light Show illuminating the Wallaroo Silos in August 2019, Copper Coast Council has transformed the Wallaroo Silo Light Show into a permanent attraction. The free show commences after sunset nightly and showcases Yorke Peninsula’s Copper Coast - celebrating the unique history, events and local artists. Visit www.visitcoppercoast.com.au/wallaroosilolightshow for show times each month.

The show can be seen from various carparks and vantage points around Wallaroo and North Beach.

HISTORIC WALLAROO TOWN DRIVE

The Wallaroo Town Drive starts and ends at the Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum and is a leisurely drive of about nine kilometres which can be completed in one to two hours. The trail passes many historical sites and gives visitors an insight into the history and development of Wallaroo. Maps of the Town Drive are available from the Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum or the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre.

WALLAROO HERITAGE & NAUTICAL MUSEUM

The Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum features displays of the copper smelting era, postal and telephone history, religious and civic affairs, early pioneering personalities, industry, sport, entertainment, nautical display and general local history of Wallaroo. There are over 1,500 exhibits, including a large display "Shipwrecks of Yorke Peninsula" which tells the story of the 46 shipwrecks scattered along the coastline.

See George the Giant Squid recovered from the stomach of a whale 30 years ago and now preserved in formalin, plus a 30 foot racing boat and a water pump used for copper smelting. Adults entrance costs are $6.00 and children $3.00. Open every day 10am to 4pm, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Jetty Road & Emu Street, Wallaroo

TIPARA LIGHTHOUSE

The former 1877 Tipara Reef Lighthouse can be seen in Investigator Park in front of the Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum. Access inside the lighthouse is not available.

South Australian Tourism Commission

Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum

WALLAROO HISTORICAL WALKS

There are a number of historical buildings from the early mining and smelting days of Wallaroo. The Historical Walking Trail covers Wallaroo's main commercial area which contains commercial and public buildings dating from 1861. Alternatively, you can take a two hour Historical Guided Walking Tour visiting all the important heritage sites including the haunted buildings and heritage sites. Bookings must be made for the guided walking tours and a minimum of five people is required.

Call into the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre or the Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum to pick up a map for this self-guided walk or visit: www.coppercoast.sa.gov.au/ loose-pages/wallaroo-heritage-walk

Guided tours can be booked at the Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum.

SMELTERS TRAIL

The Smelters Trail is located near the foreshore & Office Beach as well as the historic Hughes Chimney stack on Heritage Drive. The Smelters Trail is a short walk with interpretive signs outlining the early smelting history of Wallaroo on a concreted footpath.

WALLAROO GOLF CLUB

The Wallaroo Golf Club is an 18-hole course with greened and watered fairways with black scrapes for year round access, attracting local golfers as well as those visiting the area. The Club shares its club rooms with the local bowls and croquet clubs. All visitors are welcome.

GOLF & BOWLS

Wallaroo Community Sports Club complex offers bowling, croquet and golf to visitors and members. Open most days from around 10am to 5pm except Sundays.

The Club has a dinner night on the first Friday of the month. For more information please visit: wallaroocommunityclub.com/

WALLAROO ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

The Wallaroo Adventure Playground features a large, shaded play area, climbing nets and frames, flying fox, slides and swings within the town centre. There is a large grassed and sheltered area along with tables and chairs and the public toilets and shops are nearby.

WALLAROO SKATE PARK

The Wallaroo Skate park is located next to the Town Hall. With banks, quarters, flat bar, spine and a box super low hub. The skate park caters for a range of different skill levels.

COPPER COAST MINIATURE TRAIN

The Copper Coast Miniature Train Rides usually runs on the first and third Sunday of the month between 10am and 3pm. Although small, the train is suitable for all ages. Covered footwear is required.

COPPER COAST PUTT PUTT

Copper Coast Putt Putt is an 18-hole mini golf course located in the grounds out the front of the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre. The holes vary in difficulty and are great fun for everyone.

SPLASH TOWN COPPER COAST

Splash Town is community waterpark, is suitable for all ages. The water park consists of four large water slides, one kiddie slide, several large mushrooms and a large tipping bucket. Located at the Moonta Bay foreshore, this facility is free to use and children must be supervised at all times.

Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday one afternoon 3 hour session only. On weekends and public holidays two 3 hour sessions will run daily. Refer to Splash Town website for session times.

OFFICE BEACH

Right next to cafes and restaurants, Office Beach, on the Wallaroo beachfront, is a great area to enjoy the sun and sand. With plenty of shaded areas and walking distance to the Wallaroo main streets and accommodation, Office Beach is a great area for locals and visitors to enjoy.

NORTH BEACH

North Beach in Wallaroo is one of the last remaining beaches in South Australia that you are able to drive your car down on to the sand. Being over two kilometres long there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the wide white sandy beach.

NORTH BEACH PLAYGROUND

The North Beach Playground offers a shaded playground, outdoor fitness equipment, basketball court, BBQs, a café next door, grassed area suitable for ball sports, bike rack, drinking fountain, public toilets and shelters.

Copper Coast –Yorke Peninsula

The Copper Coast is located at the top west side of the Yorke Peninsula with its main towns of Wallaroo, Kadina & Moonta. Smaller towns and settlements are located throughout the Council area including the coastal towns of Port Hughes, North Beach and Moonta Bay and the rural settlement of Paskeville.

Yorke Peninsula's Copper Coast is famous for having some of South Australia's best holiday beaches and its many attractions and accommodation make the Copper Coast an ideal tourist destination for both local and international visitors.

It is the perfect base from which visitors can explore the wider Yorke Peninsula region. The entire Yorke Peninsula is an easy day trip from the Copper Coast and there is so much to see and do including cafes, restaurants, a beer and cider microbrewery and a cellar door for wine lovers.

You can venture north to the top of the Yorke and check out the beautiful coastline of Port Broughton or take time to reflect at the secluded beaches of Tickera. Be sure to stop by Karimi’s Kitchen in the town of Alford (population 158) and enjoy the eatery delights served up by an acclaimed chef.

South of the Copper Coast you will find the rest of ‘the leg’ with sweeping beaches along the entire length of the peninsula and great fishing spots.

Stop by the Sunny Hill Distillery in Arthurton for a gin and vodka tasting. Here you can soak in the stunning views whilst enjoying a drink and something to eat. You can even see the spirit-making operation while ordering from the counter. Almost every town has its own unique personality and shopping experiences to offer.

For a memorable day trip, Innes National Park is only a couple of hours from the Copper Coast at the foot of Yorke Peninsula. Innes offers breathtaking coastal scenery and beautiful beaches with swells perfect for surfing. You can also see the Ethel shipwreck which rises from Ethel Beach and at certain times can be fully exposed. Innes National Park has some great bushwalking trails to explore from 30 minutes to 4 hour adventures.

The park is accessible by two-wheel drive and you will require a permit which can be obtained via www.parks.sa.gov.au

Beaches, Fishing & Marine Life

Wallaroo is known for its great beaches: North Beach, Office Beach and Sailing Club Beach. Whichever beach you choose, you will have access to the crystal clear pristine waters of Spencer Gulf, with that beautiful aqua colour which characterises Wallaroo waters.

BEACHES

North Beach

North Beach is one of the few South Australian beaches that you can drive on. Here you can drive your car down on to the sand and set up for the day without carrying anything very far. This beach is huge and extends 2.3km long the entire distance from the marina breakwater to the North Beach Township. The sand is very firm and compacted for driving on and the beach slopes very gradually, so it is ideal for young children. For access to North Beach, leave Wallaroo on the Alford Road, turn left into Pommern Way, and at the end, turn right. You will be able to see North Beach from there. Just drive straight on to the beach and park where you want to settle.

Be sure to consider the incoming tide when you park your car - people have been known to leave their cars temporarily, only to return and find them surrounded by water.

Office Beach

Right next to cafes and restaurants, Office Beach is a safe beach for young children and a great area to enjoy the sun and sand. There are plenty of shaded areas and walking distance to the Wallaroo main streets and accommodation. Via Owen Terrace, Jetty Road, and Heritage Drive, South of the Ferry Terminal.

FISHING

Wallaroo is well known for its excellent fishing. The much sought after King George Whiting are frequently caught here as well as yellowtail whiting, garfish, tommy ruffs, mullet, salmon, snook, and occasionally flathead. Bream can also be caught, mainly within the marina.

Among the bigger fish are snapper and mulloway and from time to time Yellowtail Kingfish. Squid are plentiful in the area and Wallaroo is probably just about the best place in the country for blue swimmer crabs (September to April).

MARINE LIFE

Point Riley is a popular spot for fishing snorkelling and exploring. The reefs along the shore attract a variety of marine creatures, from cuttlefish to Port Jackson Sharks. Dolphins and seals are also frequently seen in the area and the rock pools at low tide are a fun spot to get your feet wet as you search for smaller critters, like baby squid, sand whiting, crabs and more. Bring your snorkelling gear and an underwater camera to explore the underwater world.

South Australian Tourism Commission

Events & Markets

WALLAROO SILO ART SHOW

Every night after sunset

WALLAROO MARKETS

Held 3rd Saturday of the month 9am – 1pm

Wallaroo Town Hall, Wallaroo

COPPER COAST ROTARY MARKETS

Held last Saturday of the month 8.30am – 12.30pm

Victoria Square, Kadina

THE ROTARY MARKETS - KADINA

The Rotary Markets are held regularly on the last Saturday of each month 8.30am to 12.30pm in Victoria Square, Kadina. Come to the market, stay for lunch, and then browse through the shops or visit the many nearby attractions including The Farm Shed Museum and National Heritage Listed Moonta Mines.

Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival

May

The towns of Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo will be a buzz with excitement at this biennial event which offers a full program with something for everyone. The Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival honours the regions history with a week of everything Cornish. Enjoy Maypole and Furry Dancing, Street Parades, Concerts and Cornish Ceremonies, Markets, Feasts and Exhibitions, Art Prize and Cavalcade of Cars and Motor Cycles.

Services

For more information visit: www.kernewek.org

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to wallaroocommunity.com.au/events-calendar

ANZ, CBA and NAB branches are located in Kadina (7kms from Wallaroo)

Kernewek Lowender