Page 365 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

South A u S t RA li A  363

THE YORKE AND EYRE PENINSULAS
AND SOUTH AUSTRALIAN OUTbAcK

From the lush Clare Valley and the dunes of the Simpson
Desert, to the saltbush of the Nullarbor Plain, the land to
the north and west of Adelaide is an area of vast distances
and dramatic changes of scenery. With activities ranging
from surfing on the coast to bushwalking in the Flinders
Ranges, one is never far from awesome natural beauty.

South Australia was first settled by destination with excellent fishing,
Europeans in 1836, but suffered early reef diving and surfing opportunities.
financial problems partly due to economic The much larger Eyre Peninsula is also
mismanagement. These were largely renowned for fishing and has many superb
remedied by the discovery of copper at beaches. Despite extensive arable use, it
Kapunda, north of Adelaide, in 1842, and at still retains about half of its land area as
Burra, near Clare, in 1845. As these resources parks, reserves and native bushland.
were depleted fresh discoveries were made To the west, the vast Nullarbor Plain
in the north of the Yorke Peninsula, in the stretches far into Western Australia
area known as Little Cornwall, at the town of (see p323), with the Great Victoria Desert
Wallaroo and Kadina in 1859 and at Moonta extending above it. Much of this region
in 1861. By the 1870s, South Australia was is protected Aboriginal land and the
the British Empire’s leading copper producer, RAAF Woomera Test Range.
and copper, silver and uranium mining North of the Yorke Peninsula lies the
still boosts the state’s economy today. rugged majesty of the Flinders Ranges.
The Yorke and Eyre peninsulas are major Rich with sights of deep Aboriginal
arable areas, producing more than 10 per spiritual and cultural significance, the
cent of Australia’s wheat and much of its ranges are also home to abundant flora
barley. They also have several important and fauna, and make for superb bush-
fishing ports, most notably Port Lincoln, the walking. Further north, the immense,
tuna-fishing capital of the country. Both inhospitable but starkly beautiful desert
peninsulas have stunning coastal scenery. regions of the South Australian Outback
The Yorke Peninsula, only two hours’ provide a challenging but rewarding
drive from Adelaide, is a popular holiday destination for adventurous travellers.

Oyster beds in Coffin Bay at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula
Red-sand dune in the Simpson Desert, in the South Australian Outback