Leigh Creek is different! It is the green heart of the dry Outback of South Australia. All streets are planted with native trees and shrubs. The vegetation in the streets and parks is kept healthy by a drip irrigation system. Rock mulch is extensively used to to conserve water and to control weeds. Leigh Creek was designed and build to provide residents with a pleasant living environment in a harsh arid environment. All waste water at Leigh Creek is fully recycled to irrigate trees in the Buffer zone around the town and two large grassed playing fields.

The town was built to provide accommodation for workers in the Leigh Creek Coalfields, teachers, police, hospital employees and other important people. The town replaced "old Leigh Creek", which was built over a large coal seam. The new Leigh Creek was built 5 km south of Copley.

For resident and visitors, some of Australia's most beautiful places are in easy reach. Visit the Aroona Dam Sanctuary, only a few kilometres from Leigh Creek. Take a walk on the new Natural Heritage Trail and enjoy one of the most impressive views in the Outback of Australia.

Bus tours to see the Leigh Creek Coalfields are still available, however Coalfield tours are no longer free.  If you are in a hurry or if you want to save money, you may have a look at the massive mine workings form a lookout. (Situated a few kilometres from the main road north of Copley). Make sure you stop in Copley at the Quandong Cafe or at the Leigh Creek Hotel (Copley) for a drink to meet the locals.

Leigh Creek is also the starting points to many other interesting places. You can enjoy a trip to Lyndhurst and see the Ochre Pits and visit Talc Alf's art display.  Lyndhurst was a very place on December 4, 2002 when the town will experience a total solar eclipse. If you may want to travel further north, see the ghost town of Farina and visit Marree and travel further to see Lake Eyre, the biggest salt lake on earth.

If you travel east, you will find the town of Nepabunna, the home of many Aboriginal people. You may also consider experience Adnyamathanha culture at Iga Warta If you want to visit and or camp on their land, please ask for information and permits. To the east you can reach Arkaroola and the Gammon Ranges National Park. Both areas are important fauna and flora reserves in the most impressive landscape of an Australia. A Ridge Top Tour in Arkaroola gives you an opportunity to see some of the wildest country in Australia.

If you wish to see more about the Aroona Sanctuary, click here.