Burra

Burra is a town in the Goyder region of South Australia that developed around copper mining operations and features numerous preserved structures from that era. The settlement continues to serve as a local administrative hub for the surrounding area.

Copper was discovered in the area in 1845, triggering rapid growth as mining operations expanded and the settlement became one of the colony's major centers. The wealth generated by this industry shaped its early development and importance.

The town's identity remains rooted in its copper mining heritage, visible in how the landscape was shaped and reshaped by extraction work. Walking through the streets, you notice how local buildings, layout, and daily life still reflect these mining origins.

The town is easy to navigate on foot, with preserved mining structures and heritage sites spread across the area for visitors to explore at their own pace. Wear sturdy shoes since many historical sites involve uneven ground and older structures.

Underground tunnels run beneath the town streets, originally dug for mining and now accessible as spaces that hold equipment and records from the 19th century. These passages reveal how miners worked far below the surface in difficult conditions.

Location: South Australia

Location: Goyder

Elevation above the sea: 472 m

Shares border with: Porter Lagoon, Baldina, Worlds End, Koonoona, Emu Downs, Gum Creek, Hanson, Booborowie, Mongolata, Mount Bryan, Leighton, Mount Bryan East

GPS coordinates: -33.66667,138.93333

Latest update: December 23, 2025 20:18