Holidayauditors
Start at tourist office in Moonta for a helpful guide to all the attractions. Richman's Enginehouse is a good starting point. Here there is lots of signage which explain the processes undertaken in Moonta and you also get to climb to the top of a tailing heap for an excellent view of the area. Then drive a short distance to Hughes' Enginehouse for further information. Both are free and open at all times. These are both very close to the Mines Museum which is fascinating and very well set up. Well worth $8 entry. The tourist Mines Railway leaves for a 50 minute trip from the car park. Only runs on some days best to check in advance on website. Children will enjoy this trip and you see some areas not otherwise accessible. Best to do train, $8, after you have visited the other sites as it is then more meaningful. The sweet shop will also interest the children with lots of traditional goods. Ran out of time to see the Miner's Cottage but it too is close by. All attractions to the highest standard. Lots to learn about a very interesting industry. Definitely recommend a visit to this attraction. English National Trust members are free with their card.
jafford56
very comprehensive display. well set out and very clean. cost very reasonable for the amount of effort that has been shown
ratbag05
The Whole experience in Moonta was very interesting. Learning about the copper triangle, The Cornish history. Highly recommend a visit
MichalRosa
A really lovely place to visit, especially for engineering geeks or history buffs. The train ride is highly recommended but if you really want to soak up the history of this place I'd recommend a slow walk along the walking trails. There are a lot of information boards explaining points and places of interest but I wish the place was a little bit more preserved and/or some of the buildings were at least partially reconstructed.
J0shwa
Take your Family, Friends, Partner, Anybody here.. Like my other review for the Copper Coast, I'll make a note I grew up in this area as a Kid, Driving down to see family every weekend.The Museum in Moonta Mines was a local hang out for me when I was younger. I would enjoy going through the Museum over and over and over. It has a very cool rustic feeling, Historic still and actually really enjoyable! Has a lot of interesting facts and attractions for all years.On top of this, You can take the kids for a walk to the old mining mounds (Mini Ayers Rock) which have walking trails. Scenic Red Dirt resembles Ayers Rock too!Need a drink or have a sweet tooth? Run across the road to the Lolly shop. Please, PLEASE make a donation to either if you pass through; Both the Museum, Lollyshop and the Historic Rail are run and operated by Council Volunteers (Including My nan and Auntie). They rely on donations to keep these running, So even 50 cents or a dollar goes a long way!In the parking lot there is even the Historic rail which takes you to a few stops through the old Mining areas. Very cool for the kids!
teama2013
We stopped in and wish we had a little more time there. The kids were entertained and excited to be there (6yrs &3yrs old). After taking the train ride (amazing) the day before, we came back to the museum, the volunteer who greeted us was knowledgable and engaging. Pointed out things the kids would be interested in and made for a great afternoon visit. Make sure you allow some time, I'd say at least 1.5-2hrs we rushed through in 1 hour (which was okay too, but would have loved to look at things a little longer.
CJT10
I went to the Moonta Mines Museum with my family and it was a fantastic time, the layout of the museum is great and there are a lots of things to look at and read to get a really good idea of how the miners and community lived during the mining days. We were unable to go on the train unfortunately due to the hot weather but none the less the museum was great attraction and certainly something to check out on your next trip to Moonta!
Krystelzcwne
Loads of history, great place to visit. Bit pricey if your taking the family plus then kids will want you to take them on the train but it's rather good. A must is to take a walk on the trail up to where they use to mine and the smaller version of Ayers Rock. Took the kids they enjoyed it too just not good for baby's in pram so put them in your slings for walking.
Dunworkn
Much to see and learn about our mining past. Recommended viewing. The mine site is well signed and documented with lots of interesting facts about it's history. Was good to find out more about the Cornish miners.
helenh825
We have visited this museum a couple of times. We are so attracted to this area and all the history it holds. We have found the museum very informative and well laid out. The volunteers are very helpful. We have also taken a ride on the little train around the mines which is also very interesting and once again the volunteer who drove the train was friendly and very informative. Its a real step back in time and worth the time.
le0nard0c
just a very interesting place to visit, there is a small train that will take you around the mine fields, with a couple of stops you can walk about
retrojects
Interesting locally focused museum, with plenty to keep most interested. The tourist train and commentary help bring the history of the area to life.
johnsS512AF
My wife and I took this train ride around the old mine site. We were both very impressed by the knowledge of Jeff the driver who gave a very informative commentary the whole way around. This copper mine was the most efficient copper mine in the world in it's time and the reasons why are explained during the tour. Just the ride on the train is worth the $8 per adult, a very enjoyable hour.
Woodys5
The train departs from the Museum. I took my 3 children on this train ride which runs on the hour, but check times. It does not run when temps hit 37 degrees. Cost was $8 per adult and $4 per child.This service is run by volunteers, which I found amazing because it is so well organised. Our driver Jeff was just so knowledgable about the information he was sharing and it was clear he has a passion for the history of the Moonta Copper Mines.The tour takes one hour and the time went so quickly, my 10 year old was disappointed it came to an end. Definitely well worth taking a ride on.
joanb255093
Really wanted to see this, take the train ride etc but the opening-hours did not co-incide with our 2-day visit. Not very tourist-friendly, a problem we encountered often on the Yorke Peninsuala. A lovely old building and we'd heard how good it was to visit,so we were disappointed.