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Today we explored the Copper Coast, in the northern part of the Yorke Peninsula. The area is known for its rich history of copper mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We visited Moonta, a lively city filled with tourists enjoying the local pubs, tourist sites and shops. We learnt about the Moonta Mines on an hour long journey we took on the Moonta Tourist Railway, with the driver proving to be quite knowledgeable about the local history. It was quite confronting to learn of the harsh conditions the miners (and their families) had to endure, with many miners losing their lives as this was dangerous work. We also learnt that hundreds of babies born during the mining heyday did not survive as fresh water was scarce and illnesses and disease were common.
After our train tour we visited one of the mine sites in town, called Richmans Engine House, where you could explore the ruins of the engine house, crusher, boiler and air compressor, as well as climb to the top of the tailings heap where there was a lookout over the surrounding town and fields.
After this we drove to the nearby mining towns of Wallaroo and Kadina, picked up some groceries at the local supermarket and ate a picnic dinner on the foreshore before driving back to Port Julia, arriving around 8.30pm. Watched more of The Bridge and went to bed quite late. Found it a bit hard to sleep, maybe the show we are watching is starting to play on my mind, as it is dark and quite moody.
Good night from South Australia xx
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