Leigh Creek: Trails, Wetlands and Mining History

Leigh Creek and its trails

Leigh Creek lies west of the Northern Flinders Ranges. If you are considering it as a destination, walking trails, wetlands and the history of the coalfield offer concrete points of interest. These range from a hike with a named destination to insights into the area’s natural and mining history.

The Akurra Trail connects Leigh Creek with Aruuna Awi (Aroona Dam). Extensive interpretive signs along the route provide information about the surrounding area. The trail therefore offers both a specific destination and an informative perspective on the landscape along the way. At 10.5 kilometres, it is a half-day walk that you can plan as a dedicated block of time in your day.

Aroona Dam Sanctuary is near Leigh Creek. Recreational fishing is possible there, and there is also a 5.5-kilometre interpretive trail. It passes through wetlands and hilly terrain, past rock outcrops and along creeks lined with river red gums. The two trails differ in length and character: the Akurra Trail is a 10.5-kilometre half-day walk, while the trail in the sanctuary is 5.5 kilometres long and designed as an interpretive walk. This gives you different routes and landscape features to compare when planning your trip.

Wetlands and mining history

At the site of the Leigh Creek Coal Mine, the retention dam has developed into a complex wetland. Leigh Creek Retention Dam is an important wetland for endemic and migratory species. Mining ended in 2015. Here, the history of the coalfield and the ecological value of the wetland sit side by side.

During a two-day survey of 68 bird species, the largest concentration was recorded at the mine’s retention dam. Birds SA reported on the survey in 2018. The observation period and the recorded concentration offer a specific insight into the dam’s importance as a habitat.

Leigh Creek is home to the permanent exhibition “Black Rock, Blue Sky”. Photographic panels tell the 75-year history of the Leigh Creek coalfield. The exhibition also offers insights into the coal mine and the lives and work of the people who lived and worked there. The history presented therefore encompasses both the mine and the people whose everyday lives were connected with the coalfield.

History of the surrounding area

The Ediacaran Heritage Site is on Nilpena Station, a few kilometres south of Leigh Creek. Another historical connection in the area leads to the old Ediacara mining field in the western Flinders Ranges: in 1946, geologist Reginald Sprigg discovered fossil impressions in rocks there. The history of the fossils thus adds a geological aspect to the mining history.

Connectivity

Leigh Creek has fast internet and Telstra mobile coverage. As network coverage can change, check current availability in advance if you rely on mobile service.

Discover more destinations: Paracombe, Sevenhill, Langhorne Creek, Stepney, Mount Benson, Uleybury, Mclaren Flat, Somerton Park.

For the regional travel overview: South Australia.