Holiday houses in Burra

The mining town of Burra is around 130 kilometres from Adelaide, between the lush vineyards of Clare Valley and the red dirt of the South Australian Outback. Burra was once one of the largest inland towns in Australia due to its thriving copper mine, and is the best-preserved 19th-century mining town in the country.

Today, Burra draws on its rich heritage to attract visitors from near and far, with 43 sites of importance to explore. You can delve into the town’s mining history at the Monster Mine Site, the largest mine site in Burra. Marvel at the enormity of the open cut mine and explore the many underground dugouts and long abandoned mine sites, as well as visiting the Powder Magazine — the oldest surviving mining building in Australia. A visit to the Burra Regional Art Gallery will also provide a fascinating insight into the town’s past and present through art.

The most pleasant time to visit is September to November and March to May, when the days are generally warm and sunny with a lower chance of rain, perfect for exploring Burra’s attractions. In May, the Burra Antiques and Collectables fair takes place, a much-loved local event with many treasures to be found as well as market stalls and a vintage car show. In November the Burra Country Music Festival takes over the town, attracting musicians from far and wide for a weekend of music and events. If you plan on visiting Burra in summer the town can get very hot, so remember to bring a hat and sunscreen. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll find a good range of accommodations in Burra to suit all tastes and budgets.

The Monster Mine Site

The largest mine site in Burra is a huge open-air museum with ruins of old buildings and machinery from the mining period. Take in the spectacular views of the open cut mine and the glistening, blue lake below, as well as great views over the town. You can visit on foot for free, but with the Burra Heritage Passport, you can arrive by car for easier access, and the passport also lets you visit other historic sites in town.

Red Banks Conservation Park

Take the 15-minute drive out of Burra to the Red Banks Conservation Park to see the Red Cliffs of Baldina Creek. Arrive in the late afternoon and witness the amazing colours the sun creates on the striking red cliffs that give the park its name. There is also an abundance of wildlife to spot, and you can walk the five-kilometre Landscapes of Change Hike to learn about giant wombats that lived in South Australia 65,000 years ago.

Hampton Township

On the edge of Burra is Hampton Township, the original settlement for English people who came here during the mining boom. There are no complete buildings, and the township is in ruins, a stark glimpse into what the town once looked like. From here you will also gain sweeping views of Burra.