Kadina – Wallaroo – Moonta
| Location | Copper Coast, Yorke Peninsula |
| Start Point | Powell Terrace, Kadina SA |
| End Point | Wallaroo (with extension to Moonta) |
| Distance | 9.2 km (Kadina–Wallaroo); 25 km total with Moonta extension |
| Time | 30 minutes cycling / 2 hours walking (Kadina–Wallaroo) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Activity | Walking / Cycling |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Surface | Fully sealed |
Riding the Rails of South Australia’s Copper Heritage
In 1862, a horse-drawn tramway was constructed between the port of Wallaroo and the copper mines near Kadina to carry ore from one of South Australia’s richest mineral strikes. The railway that replaced it became a lifeline for the Copper Coast communities, connecting the mining town, the port, and the surrounding agricultural land in a network that shaped the region’s identity. Today, the tracks are gone, but the Copper Coast Rail Trail follows their path — a fully sealed cycling and walking trail that connects the historic towns of Kadina, Wallaroo, and Moonta along the gentlest of gradients.
The original 9.2-kilometre trail between Kadina and Wallaroo was constructed in 2017. A 17-kilometre extension to Moonta, completed in 2022, brought the total trail length to 25 kilometres and connected the three principal towns of the Copper Coast into a single recreational route. It is an easy, family-friendly trail that combines rich industrial heritage with the relaxed coastal atmosphere of the Yorke Peninsula.
The Route
Kadina to Wallaroo
Starting from Powell Terrace in Kadina — not far from the main roundabout on the Copper Coast Highway — the trail follows the old railway corridor northwest toward the coast. The path is fully sealed and crosses several roads where walkers and cyclists must give way to traffic, but otherwise provides a smooth, uninterrupted route through gently undulating farmland. Shelters and bike repair stations are spaced along the trail, and interpretive historical signs tell the story of the copper mining era that transformed this corner of the Yorke Peninsula.
The Kadina-Wallaroo section takes approximately 30 minutes by bike or two hours on foot — an easy ride that suits families with children or casual cyclists. In Wallaroo, parking is available along John Terrace near the former railway station, now the town’s information centre. The waterfront at Wallaroo provides a pleasant destination, with cafes, a marina, and views across Spencer Gulf.
Wallaroo to Moonta Extension
The newer extension follows another disused railway line from Wallaroo south to the historic mining town of Moonta. This 17-kilometre section extends the trail through open farmland and past remnants of the mining infrastructure that once defined the region. Moonta — known as ‘Australia’s Little Cornwall’ for the Cornish miners who settled there — offers heritage mine sites, a museum, and the charming main street precinct. The extension has transformed the Copper Coast Rail Trail from a pleasant out-and-back ride into a genuine regional trail linking three distinct communities.
Planning Your Ride
The Copper Coast Rail Trail is free, fully sealed, and accessible year-round. Low traffic and easy gradients make it perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who brings their bike on every Yorke Peninsula trip. Car parking and facilities are available in all three towns. Future plans include a shared-use path between Moonta and Kadina via Mines Road, which would create a 41-kilometre triangular circuit — and a potential connection south to Port Wakefield, extending the trail network even further.
The Copper Coast Rail Trail turns industrial heritage into recreation, following the paths that once carried copper ore through some of the Yorke Peninsula’s most pleasant countryside. Whether you ride the original Kadina-Wallaroo section in a quick half-hour or tackle the full 25-kilometre route through all three towns, this trail delivers an easy, enjoyable journey through the history and landscape of one of South Australia’s most characterful coastal regions.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Yorke Peninsula Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.