Friday 27th Feb 2015 - Moonta

This morning Maree & I went shopping and checked out the local "Booteeks", a couple of bargains so pretty happy about that. After lunch we went for a drive up to Wallaroo to have a look around as we leave here tomorrow. Wallaroo was first surveyed in late 1860 and named after Walter Watson Hughes' Wallaroo Station, located east of the smelting works site. The smelting area was set up in 1861 following the discovery of copper ore at nearby Wallaroo Mine (Kadina) and Moonta. The first jetty was constructed in 1861 as part of the contract to build a tramway to the Wallaroo Mine. It soon became one of the busiest ports in the state and continues that role today with the export of grain. On the way back to the caravan park we stopped to have a look at the old Moonta Railway Station. The Old Railway Station was built and opened in 1909, replacing the original timber and iron station that was built in 1878. In 1985 the Station became part of the Moonta Mines State Heritage Area. It is a stately and very special part of Moonta’s history.  When we got back to the caravan park we went over to the pier and had a swim in the caged off area.  Apparently it is caged off to keep out sharks and sting rays.  Happy about that.....Todays temp is up around 37 degrees.
Barry & Paul are going fishing for squid tonight so maybe there will be some more pictures to add to today's blog.

At Wallaroo

The towns of Moonta, Kadina and Wallaroo form the 'Copper Coast' or 'Little Cornwall', so called because of abundant copper finds and the significant Cornish population. Like so many other copper discoveries in South Australia, Moonta's was made by a local shepherd – in this case, Paddy Ryan in 1861. It was to prove a fortunate find: Moonta Mining Company paid over £1 million in dividends. Thousands of miners, including experienced labourers from Cornwall, flocked to the area. The mines were abandoned in the 1920s because of the slump in copper prices and rising labour costs. Moonta has survived as an agricultural service town with an increasing tourist trade.

Thursday 26th Feb 2015 - Moonta

Have left Marion Bay and are now heading North on the Scenic Drive up to Corny Point for the first stage of our day today.  Only 3 minutes on the road and there is a mother Emu crossing the road without a care in the world.  With her are 2 chicks, also not too fussed about us being there.  Sitting on the north west tip of Yorke Peninsula, Corny Point is a comfortable three hour drive from Adelaide. This delightful seaside town offers great surfing and boat fishing, beautiful north-facing swimming beaches and bays that are perfect for the family.  (This information was in the brochure, unfortunately we didn't see any of it as we drove through.) A magnificent day and approx 22 degrees at the moment.  Morning Tea at Point Turton which overlooks the beautiful blue waters and white beaches of stunning Hardwicke Bay where the peninsula's 'leg' meets its 'foot'. The sheltered waters are near-perfect for year round boating, sailing, windsurfing, diving and fishing. The jetty at Point Turton was built in 1876 to ship out the local barley, and stone; the quarrying of stone ended in 1917. After this, the jetty was used for a number of reasons including the shipment of grain, superphosphate, heavy freight and local provisions. The jetty today is popular with fishers and used for unloading the local catches of salmon and prawns. The old quarry site is now the Point Turton Caravan Park, adjacent to the boat ramp and jetty.  On to Minlaton where we filled with fuel before heading to Port Victoria for lunch overlooking the beach. Have decided to stay at Moonta Bay CP for 2 nights right on the beach.  Stunning sunset tonight and off shopping with Maree tomorrow while the guys try to catch some squid and blue swimmer crabs.....fingers crossed.

 Mum Emu and chicks on the road to Corny Point

 Pelican watching at the Boat Ramp at Point Turton at morning tea.

 

Magnificent Sunset at Moonta Bay Caravan Park looking towards the Jetty

Wednesday 25th Feb 2015 - Innes National Park (Marion Bay)

Headed off this afternoon to explore The Innes National Park.  Sensational scenery, I think even better than the Great Ocean Road as there wasn't the crowds so we had it to ourselves. First stop Stenhouse Bay where we had a look at the Jetty. The first plaque was information about The Hougomont which sank on the 21st April 1932.

From Stenhouse Bay we drove further into The Innes National Park to Chinamans Hat where the wreck of "Marion" is. The beach here is again absolutely beautiful and you can see the reefs, so it would have been very dangerous for the ships in the early days.

Onwards to Cape Spencer where we walked up to the lighthouse. Lovely sunny day with only a slight breeze so very pleasant walking.

Called in to have alook at the Inneston Historic Township where we wandered around thinking how hard it would have been to live there as it was so remote. Not more than a ghost town nowadays but you can rent out the Heritage accommodation if you want. NOT for me thank you very much.......

 Last stop was Ethel Beach where the wreck of "Ethel" is on the beach and you can see parts of the wreckage "Ferret" just off the shore. 133 steps down to the beach, but worth it.

I have had the best day today exploring and having a good look around the very tip of The Yorke Peninsula.  It is most definitely a spot worth visiting. Spectacular........