Burra, South Australia

European colonisation of South Australia began with the founding of the South Australia Company. A brave initiative to build a colony with young families of tradespeople, rather than convict labour. The first of these new settlers arrived in 1836. Woody’s family sailed up the Gulf in 1839 and soon saw the need for the transport of goods and people initially from the wharves of Port Adelaide to the canvas township of Adelaide. With the colony’s much needed discovery of copper in Kapunda and Burra, one could say that they were ‘off at a gallop’. There was much friendly rivalry between the coaching companies, but it seems that there was plenty of work for all, at least until the close of the 19^th century. Kapunda is 85Kms north of Adelaide, Burra is another 80Kms further north. Newspapers of the day tell stories of coaches battling dirt roads and swollen creeks in the foulest of weather. Life was not easy for the coachmen.

The copper mining town of Burra was one of several towns that were critical in keeping South Australia viable in those early days. And then the world moved on leaving Burra to quietly exist hidden in the hills. These days Burra still has many original buildings from that energetic mining era, some even built by the in-laws of our mob. And speaking of our mob, as well as coaching they also ran one of the many pubs in Burra and life was never dull. The Ladies’ Lounge was used as a morgue and if mining accidents weren’t enough, a travelling salesman chose to die in the pub. Oh, and the kids happened across a dead baby in the backyard. Being brought up in a pub is an education for children, don’t you think?

Burra is an attractive town, full of interest and with a restful feel about it. The local Information Centre offers a memorable self-guided tour that comes with a key to open significant buildings. It is a tour that captures the history of the glory days very well. You’ll climb a mining engine house, visit the jail and the reform school for those wayward lassies who managed to get themselves into trouble, obviously without the help of the chaste miners! The cool underground cellars of the old brewery and the miners’ dugout homes in the creek bank. The caravan park is in the heart of town and situated on the Burra Burra Creek which just happened to be named by the Afghan cameleers. There is a large Market Square in town, and it is easy to imagine the chaos of camel trains and stagecoaches trying to unload passengers and goods and turn their rigs around.

The perfect end to a day of touring

These days the precious soils of South Australia grow award winning wines and just 40Kms south of Burra is Clare. The Clare Valley region is synonymous with luscious Rieslings that will make you go weak at the knees. A little closer and just across the creek from the caravan park you’ll find the local butcher who supplies saltbush lamb. You see there is a lot of saltbush in South Aussie, the sheep love it and we love the sheep who love it. There you have it, a succulent roast of saltbush lamb and a glass or two of Riesling to end the day and toast beautiful Burra.