Innes National Park
| Location | Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula |
| Start/End Point | Inneston car park |
| Distance | 6 km return |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Activity | Walking |
| Region | Yorke Peninsula |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Key Feature | Historic tramway route, gypsum mining heritage, mallee woodland |
Walking the Tramway of the Gypsum Miners
The Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail follows the route of the historic tramway that once carried gypsum from the mining operations around Inneston to the coast for shipping. This six-kilometre return walk traces the path of the narrow-gauge railway through mallee woodland, passing remnants of the tramway infrastructure and interpretive signs that tell the story of the gypsum industry that created the township of Inneston in the early twentieth century.
The Thomson-Pfitzner company operated the gypsum extraction and processing at Inneston from the early 1900s, building a plaster factory in 1916 and a chalk factory in 1922. The tramway was essential infrastructure — the gypsum had to be transported from the inland extraction sites to the coast, where it could be loaded onto ships. When the mining operations ceased during the Great Depression, the tramway was abandoned, and the route gradually returned to bush. Today, the trail follows this route, offering walkers a journey through both natural and industrial heritage.
The Walk
The trail passes through the mallee woodland that has reclaimed the tramway corridor, with occasional remnants of the railway visible along the route. Interpretive signs explain the history of the gypsum mining operation, the tramway construction, and the community that depended on this industry. The easy rating and flat terrain — following the old rail grade — make this an accessible walk suitable for families.
The mallee through which the trail passes is rich with birdlife, including the threatened western whipbird and malleefowl, for which the national park provides critical habitat. The contrast between the quiet bush and the industrial history told by the interpretive signs creates a thoughtful walking experience.
Planning Your Walk
The trail starts near Inneston within Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park. Park entry fees apply. Combine with the Inneston Historic Walk for a full understanding of the gypsum mining heritage, and explore the park’s many coastal trails and beaches for a complete Innes experience.
The Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail is a walk along the industrial lifeline of Inneston — the tramway that carried gypsum from mine to coast and sustained a community at the foot of the Yorke Peninsula. The railway is gone, the bush has returned, but the story of the miners and their tramway lives on in the trail that follows their tracks.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Yorke Peninsula Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.
Guided Tours
Want a guided experience around Innes National Park? See our Yorke Peninsula Tours guide for recommended tour operators and experiences in this region.