Driving along the eastern coastline of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, you will see beautiful scenery, discover some peaceful seaside towns, and, every now and then, find something truly unexpected and amazing - like the old Lime Kiln at Wool Bay.
Lime Kiln ruins at Wool Bay, South Australia
Originally called Pickering when it was established in 1876, Wool Bay was renamed in 1840. The township is located between Stansbury and Coobowie on the Yorke Peninsula, approximately 220 kilometres from Adelaide by road.
This quiet country town was once a hub of shipping activity, with the export of wool, wheat and lime.
Between 1900 and 1910, six lime kilns were built on top of, and along the base of, the rugged cliffs overlooking the bay. Lime was burnt to create quicklime, an important ingredient in mortar and brick-making. Today, the ruins of only one kiln remain.
The only remaining lime kiln from the original six built at Wool Bay
Perched precariously on the side of the cliff, or so it seems when looking up from the jetty, this kiln was the cutting edge of wood-fired lime burning technology when it was built by Mr Miller from David Miller & Sons, and
opened in 1910. Technological changes and a decrease in the demand for lime during the 1950s and 1960s led to the closure of the Wool Bay kilns. Most of the remaining kilns and supporting infrastructure were demolished in the 1970s.
The remaining ruins are of great historical importance to the region, and are
heritage listed.
Underneath the lime kiln ruins, at the base of the cliff, is an easily accessible jetty for fishing, and a boat ramp and toilet facilities. There is also a sandy beach, providing an opportunity for a unique day out, surrounded by local history.
For a longer stay, Wool Bay is perfectly situated as a base to explore the eastern coastline of the Yorke Peninsula, and offers a range of accommodation such as the
Pickering Cottages or the
Wool Bay Holiday Units.
