Burra South Australia

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jul 17, 2022
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Burra South Australia

Burra is a charming and historic mining town in South Australia, renowned for its beautifully preserved heritage buildings and rich 19th-century history. Located about 154 kilometres north of Adelaide, Burra offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past, where copper mining once shaped the town and its community. Today, these historic buildings house a variety of attractions, including antique stores, cozy cafés, art galleries, and welcoming Airbnbs, making it a delightful destination for history buffs and casual travellers alike.

Historic Buildings in Burra

As you wander Burra’s streets, you’ll be captivated by the town’s remarkable architecture—from the grand Town Hall and charming Art Gallery to the historic Visitor Centre and beautifully maintained churches. Each building tells a story of Burra’s rich past, and strolling through the town feels like stepping back in time, with history and community coming together in a truly unique way.

Burra Town Hall

This was originally the site of the Burra Miners and Mechanics Institute. In 1874, the original institute was incorporated into a Council Chamber, a lecture room and a library. The Council Chambers were used until 1969, when they amalgamated.

Commercial Hotel

The original Commercial Inn opened in 1859; it closed in 1863, and the building was demolished. The present hotel was erected in 1876, and Joseph Richardson Jnr was the licensee. The Commercial Hotel still operates as a hotel to this day.

Burra Uniting Church

The first Wesleyan chapel and schoolroom were built on this site in 1847, and it was the first church in Burra. The original church was demolished, and this impressive church was built in 1914. Formerly the Kooringa Wesleyan Church, it is now the Burra Uniting Church.

Burra Visitor Centre

Built in 1890, this building was originally used as the offices of Elder, Smith and Co., who were local stock agents. It was acquired by the Council in 1979, and today it is the Burra Visitor Centre where you can get information, maps and keys to the Burra Heritage Trail.

St Joseph's Catholic Church

The first Catholic church services were held in Burra in 1849. In 1874, the Church of St Joseph was built by the Jesuits from Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley. The convent and school were built in 1882, and the Presbytery was completed in 1885.

Telegraph Station and Post Office ~ Burra.

Former Telegraph Station & Post Office

Built in 1861 as the Telegraph Station Post Office, this building served as the Post Office until 1960, when a new post office was erected in Market Square. The Building now houses the Regional Art Gallery, which features works by local Burra artists.

St Mary's Anglican Church

St Mary's Church is a Gothic-style building and was completed in 1879.

It has magnificent stained glass windows and houses a 1905 Dodd Pipe Organ. The church is open for visitors several days a week; check with the Visitor Centre for days and times.

Burra Heritage Passport

The Burra Heritage Passport is your key to unlocking the town’s fascinating mining and colonial history. One of the highlights is the Burra Copper Mine, which was among the richest in the world during the mid-1800s. With your passport, you can explore Morphett’s Enginehouse, built in 1858, learn about the mining operations from detailed interpretive signs, and step outside to take in stunning views over the open-cut Burra mine—an impressive reminder of the town’s industrial past.

The Burra Heritage Passport can be purchased from the Burra Visitor Centre, located in the heart of the town. It’s also possible to buy it online in advance through the official Burra tourism website.

The passport experience goes far beyond just the mine; it also gives you access to a range of other historic sites, including the Redruth Gaol, the Unicorn Brewery, the Market Square Museum, the Police Stables and Lock Up, Malowen Lowarth, and many more hidden gems around town.

Each site offers a unique insight into Burra’s history, from its convict connections to its vibrant local industries, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the stories, architecture, and heritage that make Burra such a captivating destination.