The Rotary Copper Rail Trail is a nine kilometre cycling and walking path along the former railway line between Wallaroo and Kadina. Completed in early 2018, it’s an enjoyable way to ride safely from Wallaroo to Kadina, learning about the copper mining history of the area along the way.
History of the Kadina-Wallaroo Railway
In 1862, work began on a railway from the newly established copper mine at Kadina to smelters at the port of Wallaroo. Initially horses pulled the open ore trucks. When the railway was linked to Port Adelaide in 1878 (via Port Wakefield), steam engines were introduced.
Passenger trains continued to operate on the Kadina-Wallaroo railway until 1969 and freight trains for another decade. Between 1994 and 2009, the line enjoyed a brief resurgence as a tourist railway. However, increasing maintenance costs forced its closure.
Riding the Rotary Copper Rail Trail
During our recent stay in Wallaroo, I had the opportunity to ride the Rotary Copper Rail Trail a few times. Starting at Wallaroo, there’s a very slight incline as you ride towards Kadina.
The rail trail surface is bitumized, and there are shelter sheds and information signs along the way.
Just over half way along the trail towards Kadina, you can see the old stone racecourse stand, built in 1899.
Shortly before you arrive in the town centre of Kadina, you pass the Wallaroo Mines Institute, built in 1902.
and an array of information signs about the Wallaroo Mines.
Kadina
There’s plenty to see at the Kadina end of the Rotary Copper Trail, such as the old railway station and
artwork on the water tower, painted in 2018.
In the town centre, there are quite a few coffee shops and pubs for refreshments. Two of my favourites were the quirky Cafe Deluxe and The Ballagio.
Wallaroo
As you return to Wallaroo, you can visit Noelene’s Book Cafe, an eccentric and interesting coffee shop in the industrial area.
As you arrive back into town, you will pass the attractive Town Hall
and the former railway station (now used as a library).
Not far from the Wallaroo end of the Rotary Copper Rail Trail, you can see the historic Hughes Chimney Stack. Built in 1861, it was named after Sir Walter Hughes, who owned the pastoral lease where copper was discovered.
Other Rides from Wallaroo
While staying at the Wallaroo Holiday Park, I enjoyed riding the nearby beach north for a kilometre. From there you can take the Esplanade to Pudden Rocks and Oceanview Drive.
On another day I rode the Old Wallaroo Road (gravel) to Moonta and back.
If you are travelling to Wallaroo from Adelaide, why not ride the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail at Balaklava? Alternatively, you could try cycling the Walk the Yorke trail near Ardrossan.
