Burra is a historic mining town set between the world-famous Clare Valley winemaking region and the South Australian outback. Stroll around the town centre filled with charming red-brick buildings, visit local history museums and explore one of the most famous copper mines in Australia.
Things to do in Burra
Stroll through the town's historic centre and admire handsome red-brick buildings such as the Burra Mines Office, Redruth Gaol and Visitor Information Centre. They were built in the 19th century during the town’s copper mining heyday. Today, the historic shopfronts are reimagined as cafes, boutiques, galleries and antique stores. Venture down residential streets to admire restored historic mining cottages set in flower-filled gardens.
Explore the Burra Mine Site on a self-guided driving tour. Pick up a key from the visitor centre to access the historic stone buildings dot the open pit mine. Informational plaques offer more information on the harsh conditions endured by miners in the 19th century.
Discover local and regional talent at the Burra Regional Art Gallery. The collection is housed in the historic Post and Telegraph Office and showcases works by celebrated South Australian artists. Many of the pieces are for sale and make excellent souvenirs.
Walk beneath soaring, rust-coloured cliffs in Red Banks Conservation Park. Follow the “Landscapes of Change” interpretive walking trail through the park to find out more about the ancient megafauna fossils found in the area. Look for iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, echidnas and wombats as you explore the park.
Snap a photo in front of the legendary Midnight Oil House. Set on the Barrier Highway, the abandoned farmhouse became an Australian icon after being featured on the cover of a Midnight Oil album. Today it’s one of the most photographed ruins in Australia.
Getting around Burra
Burra is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Clare Valley in South Australia, a two-hour drive from Adelaide. Rental cars are the best way to visit Burra and offer the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Adelaide Airport is a two-hour drive away.