- Jul 17, 2022

Explore Burra

Updated: Mar 22

Burra - South Australia

Burra is a charming, historic mining town, with wonderful heritage buildings, that house antique stores, cafes, art galleries and air BnB’s. The Burra Passport gives you access to may historical sites around the town. Burra is located 154 kilometres north of Adelaide.

As you wander the streets of Burra, you can view the wonderful architecture of the many historical buildings, including the Town Hall, the Art Gallery, the Visitor Centre and the Churches.

Historic Buildings in Burra

Burra Town Hall

This was originally the site of the Burra Miners and Mechanics Institute. In 1874 the original institute was replaced and it incorporated a Council Chamber, lecture room and library. The Council Chambers continued to be 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 school room was 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. It was formerly the Kooringa Wesleyan Church and is now the Burra Uniting Church.

Burra Visitor Centre

Built in 1890, this building was originally used as the offices for 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.

Former Telegraph Station &

Post Office

Built in 1861 a 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 with works featuring 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 opened for visitors several days a week, check with the Visitor Centre for days and times.

Burra Heritage Passport

With the Burra Heritage Passport you can explore the Burra copper mine, which was one of the richest in the world in the mid 1800’s. Unlock Morphetts Enginehouse (1858) and view the interpretive signs and walk outside for wonderful views over the open cut Burra mine.

Your passport also gives you a key to unlock the Redruth Gaol, Unicorn Brewery, Market Square Museum, Police Stables and Lock Up, Malowen Lowarth and many more interesting historical sites.