9 Things To Do In Copley (SA): A Hidden Gem Of The Australian Outback!
Copley and the nearby Leigh Creek are thought of as places to stay while exploring the Flinders Ranges, but they’re vastly underestimated.
These hidden gems in South Australia’s outback sit at a 6-hour drive from Adelaide. They offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and Aboriginal culture.
There are heaps to do – challenging 4WD tracks, scenic hikes, spotting the wildflowers, going fishing, and even kayaking!
And for a bit of history and culture, there are quite a few towns nearby worth checking out, like Lyndhurst, Marree, and Farina with its underground bakery.
Two to three days is ideal to soak up everything Copley and Leigh Creek have to offer. We’ll guide you through the top spots to see and the best ways to enjoy your stay. Let’s dive into your next outback adventure:
Table of Contents
9 awesome things to do in Copley and Leigh Creek
We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Adnyamathanha.
1) Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Saying Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is an eco-adventure wonderland is a bit like saying Uluru is quite a big rock.
This incredible spot is a 2-hour drive from Copley. It’s an absolute must if you’re in the area.
There are painted hills surrounding the tourist village and stunningly scenic hikes through amazing gorges and chasms.
Super-challenging 4WD tracks through wild mountain ranges and historic sites. Not to mention the astronomical marvels courtesy of unpolluted skies.
Arkaroola is a total outdoor adventure package surrounded by the best collection of geological marvels in Australia! So yes, it will take more than just a day trip to see all that.
But if you want to see the very best of Arkaroola and you’ve only got a day to spare, then book into the amazing ridge-top tour.
It’s a 4.5-hour drive to Sillers Lookout through rugged ranges on rough tracks in a purpose-built 4WD tour vehicle. Be warned though – to do this in a day, you’ll have to leave early to get there in time, but it’s SO worth it!
Luckily, you can stay overnight if you want. Arkaroola has its own campground with powered and unpowered sites, as well as a 3-star hotel if you prefer something more luxurious.
On your way to or back from Arkaroola, consider doing an Indigenous Cultural tour run by the local Adnyamathanha people, at Iga Warta.
2) Aroona Dam Sanctuary
Back in the 1990s, a 200+ person community project turned 44 km² of once-degraded bushland around the 5000 megalitre Aroona Dam into a sanctuary.
Now, all you’ll see is the “after” picture – the stunning scenery of the northern Flinders Ranges.
All this makes the sanctuary a cool place to hang out, have a picnic, take a walk and spot the wildflowers (when in season, from August to September).
If you get lucky, you could also spot one of the yellow-footed rock wallabies reintroduced into the area.
3) The Retention Dam
Fishing is a common activity here, with the dam stocked with various fish species. It’s a relaxing way to spend your time, especially if you enjoy the peacefulness of the outback.
Kayaking is also an option for those who prefer to be on the water!
4) Climb Flat Top
If you can’t work out what the locals call a small mountain with its top sliced off, you’re just not trying.
Flat Top is just out of town and it’s visible from pretty much everywhere in Copley. There’s no marked walking track, but don’t let that stop you – the views from the top are sensational!
5) Hit these epic tracks
You can drive the Strzelecki, Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks in a day. And you don’t need a special rig, or even a 4WD to do it… as long as you don’t expect to actually drive the full length of each track.
But you can visit each starting point, and you can easily do it in one day from Copley!
Awesome places to check out nearby
We recognise the traditional owners of these lands, the Kuyani, Dieri, Arabana, Adnyamathanha
6) Lyndhurst
Just 33 km north of Copley, you’ll find a bush philosopher’s gallery, an unexpected lake and famous bushranger Captain Starlight’s legacy. They’re all wrapped up in the tiny town of Lyndhurst.
Drive out onto the Strzelecki Track’s tyre-shredding rock and stone “road” and you’ll be on the original route Harry Readford – aka Captain Starlight – used to drive 1000 stolen cattle from Queensland to Lyndhurst!
7) Ochre Pits
Want a great sunset shot?
Then leave the Ochre Pits a few kilometres north of Lyndhurst for the return trip to Copley. The late afternoon sun makes the amazing colours of this Indigenous heritage site glow.
8) Farina
The underground bakery in Farina is famous for having FABULOUS food… and opening only 8 weeks per year, from May to July.
Farina is a ghost town a 40-minute drive from Copley. But a few years ago, the Farina Restoration Society decided to, well, restore the town.
Farina’s derelict Bakery was the first building in this historic ghost town to be reconstructed. Now it operates for around 2 months raising funds to restore more of the Farina historic site.
9) Marree
If you can tear yourself away from the fleshpots of Farina and drive another 45 km up the road, you’ll find the remote outback town of Marree.
It’s at the end of the Old Ghan railway line and the start of the legendary Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks.
When is the best time to visit Copley, SA?
The best time to visit Copley is from May to October when temperatures are cooler. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40 °C – yes, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds.
How to get to Copley by car?
Getting to Copley by car is very straightforward. From Adelaide, take the A1 north towards Port Augusta, then follow the signs to the Flinders Ranges.
The drive takes about six hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
You could break the trip in Port Augusta to walk around, stretch your legs, and grab a bite. Other spots where you can break the trip are Quorn, Hawker, Flinders Ranges, and Parachilna.
No 4WD is needed unless you want to drive the Strzelecki, Birdsville or Oodnadatta tracks. Or if you want to explore everything the Flinders Ranges has to offer!
There are several scenic routes to choose from, so take your time and enjoy the journey! The roads are generally well-maintained but always check for any travel advisories.
Should you rent a caravan?
Look, we are biassed – we live in a caravan and we LOVE it. We are always going to say yes to this question.
Plus, this trip to Copley is particularly good to do with a caravan. There are heaps of campgrounds and caravan parks on the way (some of them free).
But keep in mind that it’s going to be a remote area, so markets and petrol stations are sparse the more you enter the outback.
With that in mind, if you want to rent a caravan, here are some rentals we recommend. You can pick up and drop off in Adelaide:
Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.
JUCY campervans is the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.
Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.
How many days to stay in Copley?
2-3 days is good enough in Copley. This will allow you to check out the attractions in town as well as nearby, including the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and Aroona Dam Sanctuary, plus some hikes and scenic drives.
Best stays in Copley, South Australia
Here are the best stays in Copley, South Australia, offering a range of options from caravan parks to budget-friendly stays and remote outback experiences. Whether you’re after a peaceful camping spot or a comfortable retreat, there’s something for everyone.
Best caravan park: Copley Caravan Park is a peaceful spot to set up camp and explore the area. It’s a 3-minute walk from the town centre.
Best budget-friendly stay: Leigh Creek Outback Resort offers modern comfort in the heart of the outback, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. It’s a 5-minute drive from the town centre and sleeps up to 10.
Best hotel/motel: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is a remote getaway offering unique outback experiences and stunning natural landscapes. It’s a 33-minute drive from the town centre and sleeps up to 10.
Where to eat in Copley?
Copley might be small, but it’s got some cracking spots for a feed. From hearty pub meals to a taste of bush tucker, there’s a bit of everything here. Here’s where to grab a bite when you’re in town.
- Leigh Creek Hotel ($$) is a friendly country pub offering great meals like T-bone steak and pizza. A perfect stop for good food and hospitality.
- Leigh Creek Tavern ($$) offers generous portions of great food, cold beer, and friendly service, all at reasonable prices. A perfect spot to relax while exploring the area.
- Farina Bakery ($$) is a unique, volunteer-run bakery open for only 8 weeks a year, serving fresh, delicious baked goods like pies and vanilla slices. A must-visit for great food and a memorable outback experience.
Top tips
Before heading to Copley, double-check you have all the necessary supplies as the nearest supermarket and petrol stations are located in Leigh Creek.
It’s essential to carry plenty of water, especially if you’re planning to explore the surrounding areas.
Mobile reception can be limited, so have offline maps and always inform someone of your travel plans.
Don’t forget to check the weather and road conditions, as the outback can be unpredictable!
Did you know?
Leigh Creek was originally built to house the workers of the coal mine nearby! But the area is traditionally home to the Adnyamathanha people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years, maintaining a rich cultural heritage.
The region is also home to unique species like the Flinders Ranges worm-lizard and several endemic plants.
FAQs
What is Leigh Creek famous for?
Leigh Creek is famous for its rich history as a coal mining town. The coal mine was operational from the early 20th century until 2015, making it a significant contributor to South Australia’s energy production.
The town is also renowned for its stunning outback scenery. The surrounding landscapes offer dramatic views, unique geological formations, and an abundance of native wildlife.
Is Leigh Creek coal mine still operating?
No, the Leigh Creek coal mine ceased operations in 2015. The closure marked the end of an era for the town, which had been heavily reliant on the mining industry for over a century. The shutdown was due to a combination of economic factors and the declining viability of the coal deposit.
Since the mine’s closure, the town has been transitioning to a new phase. Efforts are being made to repurpose the area and develop tourism and other industries. The community is adapting to these changes, finding new ways to thrive in the post-mining era.
The bottom line
There’s no end to the adventures waiting for you in Copley and Leigh Creek. A few days here barely scratches the surface of what you can explore!
From the eco-adventures at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary to the peaceful beauty of Aroona Dam Sanctuary, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Don’t miss the historic sites and unique landscapes, whether you’re driving the epic tracks or climbing Flat Top for those sensational views.
And your adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Consider a detour to Lyndhurst for a bit of history, or Marree to see the start of legendary tracks. There’s so much to see and do before heading home!
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