The Copper Coast region in South Australia is renowned for its rich history, particularly in the mining industry. The area, encompassing towns like Wallaroo, Kadina, Moonta, Paskeville, and Port Hughes, played a vital role in South Australia's economic prosperity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its copper mines. Various historical houses and museums in the region provide insight into its fascinating past.
The Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum, housed in a historic 1865 solid limestone building that was the town's first post office, showcases the copper smelting era (1861-1923) with extensive displays on postal and telephone history, religious and civic affairs, industry, sport, entertainment, and nautical history. The Farm Shed Museum, located south of the Kadina Post Office on Mines Road, highlights the mineral discovery that brought Yorke Peninsula to prominence, featuring exhibits on land hardships, clearing processes, animal roles on farms, and the evolution of dry land farming practices.
The Moonta Mines Museum focuses on the copper mining history of Moonta, once a thriving mining town. Part of the Australian Cornish Mining Sites, a group of National Heritage-listed sites showcasing the influence of Cornish miners in South Australia, this museum offers a glimpse into the region's mining heritage. The Wallaroo Heritage Walk, a self-guided tour around Wallaroo, features historical buildings like the Town Hall, Railway Station, and Sonbern Lodge, along with the residence of Caroline Carleton, author of "Song of Australia". These historical houses and museums collectively preserve the Copper Coast's past, enabling visitors to appreciate its rich history and the contributions of past residents.