Visit the Burra Information Centre, South Australia to acquire your large iron key to unlock entrance doors by yourself. A historic gaol, a copper mine, heritage buildings and a bridge are part of the 11 km route. This is a great family friendly excursion due to the variety of activities including a gaol.
The Discover Burra large heavy iron door key is definitely going to be located in your backpack. It is very solid and heavy, just the thing to open those 19th creaking doors. Burra Visitors Centre blurb “You will be joined by Johnny Green, the miner’s mascot, as you explore the townships key sites. Using your mobile phone or tablet, Johnny will guide you through each site.”
You pay a deposit for the key’s safekeeping which is refunded with the return of the key.
Burra’s visitor passport opens doors to a fascinating heritage trail covering historic buildings, 19th industrial activity, homes and public institutions such as the local jail/reform school.
The sense of anticipation builds with the sheer size of the key and the novel manner where you are trusted, as a guest to enter premises by yourself. Visitors open the door and let themselves in.
The Burra Passport allows you key access to 11 locked sites and you can use the key for up to two days. Please allow a minimum of 4 hours to appreciate as much of the sites as possible:
- Monster Mine Site
- Morphetts Engine House
- The Powder Magazine
- Redruth Gaol
- Unicorn Brewery Cellars
- Miners Dugouts
- Malowen Lowarth Cottage
- Police Lockup & Stables
- Hampton Village
- Smelts Paddock
- Market Square Museum
Make sure to collect a “Discover Historic Burra” booklet detailing 46 historic sites over an 11 km driving trail when you collect your entrance ticket.
For enthusiastic heritage frans download, from the travel pack “Discover Historic Burra” booklet detailing 46 historic sites over an 11 km driving trail.
For the kids there is a Scavenger Hunt sheet which will keep them occupied and looking for the answers.”
Tours & Attractions Near Burra – BOOK HERE
COPPER MINE IS A MUST DO ACTIVITY
Copper ore was discovered at Burra in 1845 and by 1850 Burra was the largest metal mine in Australia, employing 1,000 men and boys. The open air museum contains remains of mining operations.
The area is a National Trust heritage site, “The hills conserve native grassland habitat which is a nationally significant record of the original vegetation of the mid-north. More than 120 species of native plants, 37 of which are listed as rare or endangered, are protected here.
Toilets: Yes, marked on heritage trail map
Cafes: In Burra, not at heritage sites
The best time to enjoy the Burra Heritage Trail is spring with wildflowers and native grasses are most flowering. It is usually cooler on an early morning or late afternoon walk and this is a good time of day to see birds and other wildlife.
The Burra Mine Site has several buildings and other structures from the Site’s time as a working copper mine – the Monster Mine.
These include Peacocks Chimney Stack and Morphetts Engine House. A guide is available when the Engine House is open, but visitors can wander the other ruins.
The 1847 Powder Magazine building Is one of the oldest remaining mine buildings in Australia.”
REDRUTH GAOL – BURRA HERITAGE TRAIL
Redruth Gaol erected in 1856 was the first gaol in South Australia outside of Adelaide. A must do site which is fascinating for all age groups.
The personal narratives of the individuals who were incarcerated. Harsh penalties were the norm and the contrast compared to present day becomes a real event when faced with people’s stories.
Redruth Jail / Reform School, with its list of crimes and punishments such as stealing a loaf of bread or being drunk and disorderly, got you serious jail time in the 19th century.
nzjane found the names of the punished, their sentences and the gloomy surroundings thought provoking. The solid stone buildings, the clunk of the iron key and fortress interior make for a compelling visit.
Burra Police Lockup and Stables, Burra Miners Dugout and other sites will quickly absorb your day.
Pick and choose as both the Copper Mine and Redruth Gaol while highlights there is a considerable number of sites worthy of attention.
BURRA REGIONAL ART GALLERY
Burra’s former post office, with its original jarrah floorboards is worth a visit just to gawp at the floor. Exhibits are changed regularly with a focus on local artists, artisans creating ceramics and jewellery as well as local photographers.
Remember to check out the original telephone exchange machine in the back room. A history room contains, among other items, four watercolour paintings by ST Gill dated 1847 and 1850. The gallery has collections of the work of Len Bence and Barbara Hanrahan, and a recently donated collection of regional women painters.
Location: Market Street Burra, in the restored 1860 Post and Telegraph Office
Toilets: No, nearby public toilets
Cafe: No, nearby main street
Admission: Free, check opening hours as they vary according to season and…
NOTE: The gallery is managed by volunteers, check the website for changes to opening hours.
BURRA LOCATION
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