This area, four km from the centre of Adelaide, was the site of Australia's first metal mine, Wheal Gawler.

Between 1841 and 185, Cornish and German miners produced about 2500 tonnes of high grade silver and lead ore.  In 1849, a smelting works has erected to save on shipping costs to Wales.

Two tunnels dating from the early 1840's have been preserved on Wheal Watkins Reserve. Underground tours can be arranged through the Burnside City Council (08 8366 4200). Anothere tunnel is located on a small reserve near the Old Toll Gate.

Willunga

Slate was discovered in the Adelaide hills in 1840 and led to the development of a thriving industry.  It was quarried by Cornish miners and carted to Port Willunga, where it was shipped for use in the building industry. The industry declined after the 1890's but many historic buildings within Willunga featuring slate still stands. The Old Courthouse and Police Station built in 1855 houses in National Trust Museum.

Sleeps Hills Quaries - Belair
 

Twelve small quartzite quarries were worked between 1916 and 1950 in a steep valley overlooking Adelaide at High Street Belair. A self guided trail through a pleasant bushland setting links the quarries, and highlights the labour intensive and dangerous nature of quarying that era
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Almanda Mine - Scott Creek

This small silver mine is on Dorset Vale Road in Scott Creek Conservation Park near Cherry Garden, about 20 km south of Adelaide (follow the signs off Ackland Hill Road)

The discovery of silver in 1868 sparked a small rush but operations ceased in 1870. The site contains the remains of a stone enginehouse and chimney. You can also inspect an open cut and tunnel.

Jupiter Creek Diggings - Euchunga

Gold was discovered in 1852 near Euchunga, 25km southeast of Adelaide, but could not halt a general exodus to the Victorian Goldfields. In 1868 a small rush took place at Jupiter Creek and mining was carried out periodically until the 1960's.

To reacj the diggings, follow the signs from the Mylor-Euchunga road. A walking trail allows you to discover alluvial, tunnels, shafts, dams and treatment sites. Try your hand as gold fossicking.

Callington District
 

Copper Ore was discovered by Cornish miners in th Callington District in 1845 and a number of mines were established, most bearing the names of established Cornish Mines. The tall chimney on the edge of Callington marks the site of the Bremer Mine which operated between 1850 and 1875. Callington was laid out in 1850 to serve the mine, and a number of buildings from the mining era still remain.

Proceeed to Kanmantoo where you will find the large open cut Kanmantoo Mine.
Mining commenced there in 1846 and continued until 1878 from underground working. Thje mine was reworked by open cut between 1972 and 1976. The nearby village of Kanmantoo was established in 1849 to service the surrounding.

A short trip trip will find the tiny township of Brukunga. Pyrite, a source of sulphur for manufacturing superphosphate, was quarried here between 1955 and 1972.

Highland Valley - nr Strathalbyn