Rotary Copper Rail Trail

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.

Rotary Copper Rail Trail near the old racecourse
Shelter shed and information signs near the racecourse

Just over half way along the trail towards Kadina, you can see the old stone racecourse stand, built in 1899.

Rotary Copper Rail Trail, old racecourse in the background

Shortly before you arrive in the town centre of Kadina, you pass the Wallaroo Mines Institute, built in 1902.

Wallaroo Mines Institute, just a hundred metres from the Rotary Copper Rail Trail
Wallaroo Mines Institute

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

Former Kadina Railway Station at the end of the Rotary Copper Rail Trail

artwork on the water tower, painted in 2018.

Kadina Water Tower at the end of the Rotary Copper Rail Trail

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.

Inside Cafe Deluxe
Wallaroo

As you return to Wallaroo, you can visit Noelene’s Book Cafe, an eccentric and interesting coffee shop in the industrial area.

Inside Noelene’s Book Cafe

As you arrive back into town, you will pass the attractive Town Hall

The Rotary Copper Rail Trail passes the Wallaroo Town Hall

and the former railway station (now used as a library).

Former Kadina Railway Station on the Rotary Copper Rail Trail
Former Wallaroo Railway Station

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.

View south to Wallaroo Jetty from Oceanview Drive
View south to Wallaroo Jetty from 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.