Things to do in Kadina, South Australia

Kadina, South Australia, is the service town for the Copper Coast section of the Yorke Peninsula. Things to do in Kadina include the Kadina Historic Walk, Farm Shed Museum and – every two years – the Kernewek Lowender Festival of all things Cornish.

Kadina, South Australia, is the largest town on the Yorke Peninsula. It’s also inland, so if you’re expecting the sort of chilled out beach spot the Yorke Peninsula is known for, you have chosen poorly.

The three towns of Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta form a triangle known somewhat confusingly as the Copper Coast. Confusing because, obviously, Kadina isn’t on the coast at all.

Copper Coast settlers in Kadina, SA

The Copper Coast area gets its name from the copper mining industry, which kicked off in the 1850s. The first copper find in Kadina was in 1859, and the town grew up around the mines. Immigrants came in – particularly from Cornwall, England – to mine for the copper. And several handsome old buildings were built during that copper boom.

Things to do in Kadina, SA: Kadina Historic Walk

These heritage buildings form the basis of the Kadina Historic Walk. A map of the walking trail is available at the visitor information centre. Alternatively, blunder through in this online approximation. The stars of the show are three pubs – the Royal Exchange, the Wombat Hotel and Kadina Hotel. All have little twiddles of Cornish architecture. Also en route are the Town Hall and Old Railway Station Water Tower, which has a mural emblazoned across it.

Things to do in Kadina, SA: Farm Shed Museum

The list of other things to do in Kadina, SA, is pretty darned scant. This is a service town for the surrounding agricultural reasons, rather than an exciting tourist hub. But the Farm Shed Museum is the closest Kadina comes to a proper attraction.

Managed by the National Trust, the Farm Shed Museum is inside Matta House – a former mine manager’s home. It tells the story of Kadina, the local farming industry and rural transport. Through sheer size alone, it’s better than many such rural history museums in Australia. But it’s still essentially a collection of old vehicles with a few signs, and not worth the detour to pay the $12 entry price for.

Kadina, SA, events: Kernewek Lowender festival

Every two years, however, there is a good reason to visit Kadina, SA. The Kernewek Lowender festival takes place in May every two years and bills itself as the world’s largest Cornish festival. Expect traditional dancing, folk singing, pasty-making contests and Cornish language lessons.

Kernewek Lowender Festival on the Copper Coast of South Australia's Yorke Peninsula — The Kernewek Lowender Festival takes place every two years on the Copper Coast of South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. Photo copyright Kernewek Lowender.

Adelaide to Kadina, SA

The distance from Adelaide to Kadina is 152km. The Adelaide to Kadina drive takes around one hour and 53 minutes. The quickest route goes via Inkerman, Port Wakefield, Port Arthur and Paskeville.

For a somewhat more charming Yorke Peninsula experience, head south to Port Vincent. Cheap beachside accommodation is available at the Port Vincent caravan parks.

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