Our Community
The name MOONTA is derived from an aboriginal word Monterra meaning impenetrable scrub. Moonta's history began when Patrick Ryan, a shepherd for Walter Watson Hughes, discovered copper at the mouth of a wombat burrow in 1861. The Moonta Mining Co. became the first company in Australia to pay 1 million pounds in dividends to its share holders. Sadly the miners worked until 1923 when the company went into liquidation. The closure of the mines in 1923 led to a rapid decline in population, particularly in the mines area, but Moonta survived as an agricultural & service centre. Since the 1970's this has been supported by an ever increasing tourism industry. Today Moonta has a population of around 3,500 people and has become a popular holiday destination, with its unspoilt sandy beaches, its fresh sparkling sea, sheltered boat ramp & two fishing jetties. Come & join us for a day or two, a week or two, or as many of our residents have, .............. a year or two.Local Links
District Council of the Copper CoastMoonta Area School
Moonta Progress Association