Jerusalem
During my recent trip to the
Yorke Peninsula, I was surprised to find a place called Jerusalem within the township of Kadina. Together with Wallaroo and Moonta, these three towns make up the Copper Coast. As its name suggests, copper was first found here in 1859 and, soon, copper mining became the town's main industry, resulting in a quick population growth. The Cornish brought with them excellent mining techniques and devout religious practices.
Jerusalem Uniting Church
Today, according to government census data, approximately 400 people live in Jerusalem. The average age is between 40 and 60 with the majority being owner-occupiers. Although no longer holding regular morning services, the
Jerusalem Uniting Church still stands and practitioners worship together on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The church building, which has a small kitchenette, is available for hire at other times.
Kadina's water tower art
Corny as it sounds, there is also a smaller locality called Jericho situated not far from Jerusalem. It has an older demographic with a population of just under twenty people. Both Jerusalem and Jericho were surveyed in the 1870s during the mining boom.
Wallaroo's silo light show
Other things to see and do while you're there include Kadina's
water tower art, Wallaroo's
silo light show, the Moonta Mines state heritage area and the charming coastal town of
Port Hughes.
Moonta Mines state heritage area
