Both Althorpe Islands and Troubridge Island Conservation Parks have a lighthouse and an associated lighthouse keepersâ cottage. Both sites have important links with maritime history. The lighthouse on Althorpe Islands Conservation Park was constructed in 1879, and was operated and maintained by lighthouse keepers until 1991; it is now automated and is maintained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority AMSA. The lighthouse on Troubridge Island Conservation Park (http://www.southaustralia...) was constructed in 1856; it became redundant for shipping and navigation when its light was extinguished in 2002.
The Troubridge Island lighthouse was prepared in England and shipped in pieces to Australia and was manned from 1856 to 1981. The island became a conservation park in 1982 when purchased for $42,000 by the South Australian state government. Troubridge Island is accessible by permit only.
Troubridge Island Lighthouse and Conservation park
The second lighthouse to be built in South Australia, Troubridge Island lighthouse was completed in 1855 and was the first Australian lighthouse to be built of cast iron. After the ship 'Marion' was wrecked on what is now known as Marion Reef, the Government investigated, building a lighthouse on Troubridge Island. The islands 'keepers' cottage is available for short term holiday accommodation.
Lighthouses
The rough seas along the southern coastline of Yorke Peninsula have caused many a shipwrecks, which is why this area has a number of lighthouses. Lighthouses at West Cape (http://www.southaustralia...), Cape Spencer (http://www.southaustralia...), Althorpe Island, Corny Point (http://www.southaustralia...) and Troubridge Point (http://www.southaustralia...) not to be confused with the more historic lighthouse on Troubridge Island (http://www.southaustralia.com/9006359.aspx) continue to guide the way for passing boats and sailors to warn them of the dangers.National Parks and Wildlife reserves include the Althorpe Islands group, Innes National Park, and Carribie, Leven Beach, Point Davenport, Warrenben, Troubridge Island and Wills Creek Conservation Parks. Bird Islands Conservation Park is also in the region, located further north of Goose Island Conservation Park near the township of Wallaroo.
The land comprising Althorpe Islands, Goose Island and Troubridge Island Conservation Parks is traditionally associated with the Narungga people of Yorke Peninsula.
Innes National Park
Innes National Park is one of the best known attractions on Yorke Peninsula, with over 9200ha of mallee bushland. The discovery of the elusive Western Whipbird in 1962 was followed by the opening of the National Park in 1970. Birdwatchers will love to explore this Park, with over 140 species including Ospreys, Hooded Plovers and Malleefowl.
Moonta Mines State Heritage area
This state heritage area covers most of the land under the Moonta Mining Company lease. Now operated by the National Trust, the area includes the Museum, Tourist Railway, Sweets Shop, Family Resource Centre and much more. The National Trust is currently applying for National and World Heritage Status concurrently.