Sliding
Rock was discovered in 1870 by
John Holding and Joseph Hele because of its pure copper.
In 1872 the township of
Cadnia was surveyed a few hundred metres east of the
mine. The town catered for up to 400 miners and their families and had a sense of permanence. Horse races and cricket matches were held. A court house dispensed justice,
the Rock Hotel catered for workers while 4 general stores supplied goods and food. In 1877 the
mine was inundated by massive flows of water. Although a steam powered pump was used to stop the water entering the shafts this failed and later that year the
mine was abandoned. The town quickly followed. More than a century later the water became valuable as a temporary supply to
Leigh Creek. For fossickers and history buffs there is much to see. Enjoy the walk around the
ruins of the early township and mining site. There are also 2 cemeteries marking the passage of time. Permissions to
camp should be sought from the
Warraweena homestead, a short drive from Sliding
Rock.